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
Sports History On This Day: June 12
June 12, 1955 – Tragedy occurred at one of the racing world’s greatest spectacles, the
Sports History On This Day: June 11
June 11, 1903 – It was a matter of sibling rivalry, well sort of. At
Sports History On This Day: June 10
June 10, 1944 – The youngest player in MLB history makes his debut. Relief pitcher
Super Bowl XXXVI (Rams vs. Patriots): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXVI, which was held on February 3, 2002, at
Sports History On This Day: June 9
June 9, 1930 – The “Flying Finn,” Paavo Nurmi ran 6 miles at a world
Sports History On This Day: June 8
June 8, 1920 – Sinatra tells us in his song New York, New York that
Riding the Back Roads: My Life in Sprint Car
It sounds like a nightmare… When your race car transport truck stops for gas,
Sports History On This Day: June 7
June 7, 1980 – Tommy John was a fantastic pitcher in his day. Many