May 25, 1919 – There are hidden talents to many of the athletes we celebrate that go beyond what they do while playing their particular sport. Former right-fielder of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Casey Stengel caught the attention of not only those in attendance at the game at Ebbett’s Field in Brooklyn where the Pirates were the battling Stengel’s former club the Dodgers but the national media was dazzled too.
When this mighty Casey came up to bat in the seventh inning, the Brooklyn crowd cheered their former star. Stengel then stepped up near the plate and tipped his hat to the fans and as he did he released a sparrow from under his baseball cap that flew agitated into the New York sky. Apparently, the right fielder had caught the bird while out in the field during the bottom of the sixth.
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: April 24
April 24, 1901 – The first game ever played in baseball’s American League occurred
Sports History On This Day: April 23
April 23, 1950 – A very historic evening occurred as the first Major League day
Sports History On This Day: April 22
April 22, 1876 – Here is a big anniversary for you! The very first official
The Night Pat Quinn Knocked Out Bobby Orr
Once upon a time in the National Hockey League, there were twelve teams. There
Sports History On This Day: April 21
Home Run Magic! Yes, there have been plenty of base clearers hit in single
Peter Bonert Shares Stories of the Link Between Germany and the NFL
In this episode, Peter Bonert rides shotgun in the DeLorean to take us back
Sports History On This Day: April 20
Three MLB ballparks had debuts into the Big Leagues on this day in history.
Sports History On This Day: April 19
April 19, 1947 – Maurice Richard is named as the National Hockey League’s Most Valuable