August 28, 1884 – Baseball pitcher “Smiling “Mickey Welsh made MLB history by setting a record for most consecutive batters struck out to begin a game. The hurler struck out the first 9 batters he faced. Welsh was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his spectacular talent displayed in how he played the game. During his 13 major league seasons, he posted 20 or more wins nine times, seven of them in consecutive seasons.
The pitcher success was attributed to his accuracy and timing with a wicked curveball, an excellent change-up, and a version of the screwball all thrown underhand. He is also known for becoming the third pitcher in history to win 300 MLB games and is credited as being the first pinch hitter in major league history when he batted for Hank O’Day and struck out in September of 1889.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Exploring the Years of Ultimate Futility (1970s NFL)
There were four years where pro football fans got to witness several examples of
The History of the Olympic Games: From Ancient Greece to the Modern Era
The Olympic Games are one of the most significant sporting events in the world,
Historic Rivalries: Yankees vs. Red Sox Showdowns
The storied rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox extends
The 1977 Denver Broncos and The “Orange Crush Defense”
Whenever football fans talk about great teams of the past that failed in their
How UK Horse Racing Has Evolved Over The Last 100 Years
There are few more historic sports in the world than horse racing, with the
1972 Olympics Revisited (Weightlifting Medal Winners)
Weightlifting at the 1972 Olympics occurred in Munich, Germany, from August 27 to Sept.6.
The Evolution of College Athletics: From Intramural Sports to NCAA Dominance
It’s amazing how much college sports have changed in the last 100 years. What
The Influence of Historical Sporting Events on Education Policies
Historical sporting events have an extensive influence on education policies as they enhance physical