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
Discussing the 1975 NFC Championship Game
On January 4, 1976, the Cinderella Dallas Cowboys traveled to the Los Angeles Memorial
Free Hit: 3 Teams with Big Odds that Can Compete in the NBA this Season
As the 2024/25 NBA season gets underway, it’s not exactly a secret that the
Laws, Lines, and Leaps: The Evolution of Sports Gambling Culture
It’s been a wild ride for sports gambling, from back-alley bets to billion-dollar industries,
The History of Legal Sports Betting Age in New Zealand
New Zealand has a unique standpoint when it comes to gambling. It views the
Memorable Moments in Manchester Derbies: Best Goals and Saves
There are few more intense rivalries on the English schedule than Manchester United vs.
The Clint Longley Game (Thanksgiving 1974)
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, my friend Dave DePaola and I have a
The Historical Impact of the Champions League on Modern Betting Trends
The UEFA Champions League has captivated soccer fans worldwide and transformed the landscape of
Bucky Lew: The Man Who Single-Handedly Integrated Every Single Role In Pro Hoops
As the man who single-handedly integrated every single role in pro hoops, Harry “Bucky”