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
Epic Seasons: The 1976 Washington Redskins
Ask any pro football historian what George Allen’s greatest coaching year was, and he
Was The 1972 Undefeated Miami Dolphins Really The NFL’s Best Team?
Last week I wrote an article comparing the 1972 and 1973 Miami Dolphins. I
Early NFL Players Tackle Off-Season Jobs
Before the television era of professional football, which certainly changed the financial outlook of
Darryl Dawkins: Dr. Dunkenstein, Double D, Sir Slam, and Chocolate Thunder All Rolled Into One
Darryl Dawkins was one of the most outrageous characters in NBA history. He was
Super Bowl XVI (49ers vs. Bengals): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XVI, which was held on January 24, 1982, in
Ray Durbin: Founder of Row One Brand Sports Gifts
Row One Brand is an American sports brand based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
1973 Miami Dolphins (Better Than The Undefeated 72′ Team?)
The ’72–73 Miami Dolphins may have had the best two-year run in NFL history
Super Bowl V: A Goal-Line Stand Lost In Time
Most pro football historians who study the past Super Bowls will tell you that