Austin J. Eich
@austineich.bsky.social
Celebrating America’s Pastime. OBP acolyte. Complete game enthusiast. Purveyor of fitted hats. Girl dad. Southpaw.
Stan Musial and Ken Griffey Jr. share a birthday (today), along with a handful of noteworthy similarities:
☑️ both born in Donora, PA
☑️ both left-handed batters
☑️ both major league outfielders
☑️ both All-Stars for 10+ seasons
☑️ both MVP recipients
☑️ both HOF inductees
☑️ both born in Donora, PA
☑️ both left-handed batters
☑️ both major league outfielders
☑️ both All-Stars for 10+ seasons
☑️ both MVP recipients
☑️ both HOF inductees
November 22, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Stan Musial and Ken Griffey Jr. share a birthday (today), along with a handful of noteworthy similarities:
☑️ both born in Donora, PA
☑️ both left-handed batters
☑️ both major league outfielders
☑️ both All-Stars for 10+ seasons
☑️ both MVP recipients
☑️ both HOF inductees
☑️ both born in Donora, PA
☑️ both left-handed batters
☑️ both major league outfielders
☑️ both All-Stars for 10+ seasons
☑️ both MVP recipients
☑️ both HOF inductees
11/20/1990: Rickey Henderson takes home American League MVP honors. The 1990 season was one of 11 (most in MLB history) where the Man of Steal stole 40+ bases with an on-base percentage ≥ .400.
There have been just four such seasons recorded in Major League Baseball since 2000.
There have been just four such seasons recorded in Major League Baseball since 2000.
November 20, 2025 at 6:24 PM
11/20/1990: Rickey Henderson takes home American League MVP honors. The 1990 season was one of 11 (most in MLB history) where the Man of Steal stole 40+ bases with an on-base percentage ≥ .400.
There have been just four such seasons recorded in Major League Baseball since 2000.
There have been just four such seasons recorded in Major League Baseball since 2000.
11/15/1967: Carl Yastrzemski is named AL MVP. The first Triple Crown winner for Boston since Williams in 1947, Yaz belts 44 homers and drives in 121 while batting .326.
Carl’s 12.5 bWAR in his ‘67 campaign is the fourth-highest single season mark by a position player; Babe Ruth owns the top three.
Carl’s 12.5 bWAR in his ‘67 campaign is the fourth-highest single season mark by a position player; Babe Ruth owns the top three.
November 15, 2025 at 6:25 PM
11/15/1967: Carl Yastrzemski is named AL MVP. The first Triple Crown winner for Boston since Williams in 1947, Yaz belts 44 homers and drives in 121 while batting .326.
Carl’s 12.5 bWAR in his ‘67 campaign is the fourth-highest single season mark by a position player; Babe Ruth owns the top three.
Carl’s 12.5 bWAR in his ‘67 campaign is the fourth-highest single season mark by a position player; Babe Ruth owns the top three.
11/12/2001: Albert Pujols is named NL Rookie of the Year. The Machine becomes the second player in MLB history to slash 300/400/600 or better in their first season (min 600 PA) — Ted Williams did so in 1939.
Pujols entered his 2001 rookie campaign with 544 professional plate appearances.
Pujols entered his 2001 rookie campaign with 544 professional plate appearances.
November 12, 2025 at 5:58 PM
11/12/2001: Albert Pujols is named NL Rookie of the Year. The Machine becomes the second player in MLB history to slash 300/400/600 or better in their first season (min 600 PA) — Ted Williams did so in 1939.
Pujols entered his 2001 rookie campaign with 544 professional plate appearances.
Pujols entered his 2001 rookie campaign with 544 professional plate appearances.
Seaman Second Class Lawrence Berra served onboard a rocket boat supporting the initial offensive waves of the Allied invasion of Normandy.
Captain Ted Williams flew 39 missions in a F9F Panther jet during the Korean War.
Countrymen first. Competitors second.
A heartfelt thank you to all veterans.
Captain Ted Williams flew 39 missions in a F9F Panther jet during the Korean War.
Countrymen first. Competitors second.
A heartfelt thank you to all veterans.
November 11, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Seaman Second Class Lawrence Berra served onboard a rocket boat supporting the initial offensive waves of the Allied invasion of Normandy.
Captain Ted Williams flew 39 missions in a F9F Panther jet during the Korean War.
Countrymen first. Competitors second.
A heartfelt thank you to all veterans.
Captain Ted Williams flew 39 missions in a F9F Panther jet during the Korean War.
Countrymen first. Competitors second.
A heartfelt thank you to all veterans.
10/11/1909: 35 year-old Honus Wagner steals three bases in Game 3 of the World Series. At the age of 40, Rickey Henderson is the oldest player to accomplish this feat in a postseason game (G2 1999 NLDS).
October 11, 2025 at 10:34 PM
10/11/1909: 35 year-old Honus Wagner steals three bases in Game 3 of the World Series. At the age of 40, Rickey Henderson is the oldest player to accomplish this feat in a postseason game (G2 1999 NLDS).
9/30/1914: Giants hurler Christy Mathewson finishes his campaign with more wins (24) than walks (23). Clayton Kershaw (12 W/11 BB in 2016) is the last National League pitcher to record such a season (min 10 wins) and the only major league pitcher since 1885 to do so with 150 or more strikeouts.
September 30, 2025 at 8:12 PM
9/30/1914: Giants hurler Christy Mathewson finishes his campaign with more wins (24) than walks (23). Clayton Kershaw (12 W/11 BB in 2016) is the last National League pitcher to record such a season (min 10 wins) and the only major league pitcher since 1885 to do so with 150 or more strikeouts.
84 years ago today, Ted Williams would become the last hitter to bat .400 in a season. He would start the day at .39955 and, insistent upon the veracity of the milestone, play both games of a doubleheader. After a 6-8 performance, the renowned .406 became part of baseball lore.
September 28, 2025 at 9:10 PM
84 years ago today, Ted Williams would become the last hitter to bat .400 in a season. He would start the day at .39955 and, insistent upon the veracity of the milestone, play both games of a doubleheader. After a 6-8 performance, the renowned .406 became part of baseball lore.
9/27/1973: Nolan Ryan punches out 16 batters in an 11-inning complete game victory against Minnesota. The Ryan Express finishes the season with 383 strikeouts, edging out Sandy Koufax (382; 1965) for most single-season strikeouts in the Modern Era.
September 28, 2025 at 12:06 AM
9/27/1973: Nolan Ryan punches out 16 batters in an 11-inning complete game victory against Minnesota. The Ryan Express finishes the season with 383 strikeouts, edging out Sandy Koufax (382; 1965) for most single-season strikeouts in the Modern Era.
9/27/1942: Ted Williams plays his last major league game before three years of military service during World War II. The Splendid Splinter takes home AL Triple Crown honors in ‘42 and leads the majors in runs scored, walks, OPS, and total bases — just to stay in shape.
September 27, 2025 at 8:35 PM
9/27/1942: Ted Williams plays his last major league game before three years of military service during World War II. The Splendid Splinter takes home AL Triple Crown honors in ‘42 and leads the majors in runs scored, walks, OPS, and total bases — just to stay in shape.
9/7/1908: 20 year-old Walter Johnson blanks the Highlanders in a contest lasting just 100 minutes. It’s the Big Train’s third shutout…over a span of four days. There have been three shutouts recorded by American League pitchers in 2025.
September 7, 2025 at 5:47 PM
9/7/1908: 20 year-old Walter Johnson blanks the Highlanders in a contest lasting just 100 minutes. It’s the Big Train’s third shutout…over a span of four days. There have been three shutouts recorded by American League pitchers in 2025.
9/6/1912: In a battle of aces, Smoky Joe Wood out-duels Walter Johnson, blanking the Senators 1-0. Wood finished his 1912 campaign with 10 shutouts.
Among active MLB pitchers, only Clayton Kershaw (15) has more career shutouts.
Among active MLB pitchers, only Clayton Kershaw (15) has more career shutouts.
September 6, 2025 at 3:32 PM
9/6/1912: In a battle of aces, Smoky Joe Wood out-duels Walter Johnson, blanking the Senators 1-0. Wood finished his 1912 campaign with 10 shutouts.
Among active MLB pitchers, only Clayton Kershaw (15) has more career shutouts.
Among active MLB pitchers, only Clayton Kershaw (15) has more career shutouts.
9/4/1972: Luis Tiant records his fourth consecutive shutout, with the Red Sox blanking the Brewers 2-0. In 2025, no major league team has more than two player shutouts.
September 4, 2025 at 8:36 PM
9/4/1972: Luis Tiant records his fourth consecutive shutout, with the Red Sox blanking the Brewers 2-0. In 2025, no major league team has more than two player shutouts.
9/3/1894: Connie Mack records his first major league managerial win; he would notch 3730 more before calling it a career. For perspective, the Tall Tactician’s career as a manager began the year before Babe Ruth was born and ended when Dusty Baker was one year old.
September 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
9/3/1894: Connie Mack records his first major league managerial win; he would notch 3730 more before calling it a career. For perspective, the Tall Tactician’s career as a manager began the year before Babe Ruth was born and ended when Dusty Baker was one year old.
Ted Williams was born on this day in 1918. His prolific numbers would earn him a Hall of Fame nod, yet the most significant number cannot be found on Baseball Reference.
39: the number of combat missions flown in Korea.
Ball player. Soldier. Hero. Ted was all of these things.
39: the number of combat missions flown in Korea.
Ball player. Soldier. Hero. Ted was all of these things.
August 30, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Ted Williams was born on this day in 1918. His prolific numbers would earn him a Hall of Fame nod, yet the most significant number cannot be found on Baseball Reference.
39: the number of combat missions flown in Korea.
Ball player. Soldier. Hero. Ted was all of these things.
39: the number of combat missions flown in Korea.
Ball player. Soldier. Hero. Ted was all of these things.
Greetings from the Friendly Confines!
August 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Greetings from the Friendly Confines!
8/13/1901: Pitching in his twelfth season, Boston hurler Kid Nichols records the third of seven complete games with 10 or more innings pitched.
23 of the 30 major league teams have recorded seven or fewer complete (player) games since 2021.
23 of the 30 major league teams have recorded seven or fewer complete (player) games since 2021.
August 13, 2025 at 4:24 PM
8/13/1901: Pitching in his twelfth season, Boston hurler Kid Nichols records the third of seven complete games with 10 or more innings pitched.
23 of the 30 major league teams have recorded seven or fewer complete (player) games since 2021.
23 of the 30 major league teams have recorded seven or fewer complete (player) games since 2021.
8/11/1979: Jim Rice belts his 30th dinger and, by season’s end, will have recorded his third campaign with at least 30 HR, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored.
Along with Ted Williams, Jim Ed is the only other batter in Red Sox franchise history to have three such seasons before turning 27.
Along with Ted Williams, Jim Ed is the only other batter in Red Sox franchise history to have three such seasons before turning 27.
August 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
8/11/1979: Jim Rice belts his 30th dinger and, by season’s end, will have recorded his third campaign with at least 30 HR, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored.
Along with Ted Williams, Jim Ed is the only other batter in Red Sox franchise history to have three such seasons before turning 27.
Along with Ted Williams, Jim Ed is the only other batter in Red Sox franchise history to have three such seasons before turning 27.
8/9/1916: Grover Cleveland Alexander blanks Cincinnati — one of 11 shutouts in Old Pete’s 1916 campaign without issuing a walk (most such shutouts in a single season in AL/NL history).
For the 2025 major league season, there have been a total of 10 player shutouts (irrespective of walks).
For the 2025 major league season, there have been a total of 10 player shutouts (irrespective of walks).
August 9, 2025 at 7:58 PM
8/9/1916: Grover Cleveland Alexander blanks Cincinnati — one of 11 shutouts in Old Pete’s 1916 campaign without issuing a walk (most such shutouts in a single season in AL/NL history).
For the 2025 major league season, there have been a total of 10 player shutouts (irrespective of walks).
For the 2025 major league season, there have been a total of 10 player shutouts (irrespective of walks).
8/7/1956: 50 year-old Satchel Paige collects five strikeouts and the win over seven and two-thirds innings of work for the Miami Marlins (International League). Over 55,000 fans descend upon the Orange Bowl to witness the game that evening, the proceeds for which went to charity.
August 7, 2025 at 9:08 PM
8/7/1956: 50 year-old Satchel Paige collects five strikeouts and the win over seven and two-thirds innings of work for the Miami Marlins (International League). Over 55,000 fans descend upon the Orange Bowl to witness the game that evening, the proceeds for which went to charity.
8/7/1907: 19 year-old Washington hurler Walter Johnson records his first major league victory, a complete game. The Big Train would log 332 complete games before turning 30 (a span of 381 starts).
The Chicago Cubs have recorded 332 complete (player) games since 1980 (a span of 7175 starts).
The Chicago Cubs have recorded 332 complete (player) games since 1980 (a span of 7175 starts).
August 7, 2025 at 4:38 PM
8/7/1907: 19 year-old Washington hurler Walter Johnson records his first major league victory, a complete game. The Big Train would log 332 complete games before turning 30 (a span of 381 starts).
The Chicago Cubs have recorded 332 complete (player) games since 1980 (a span of 7175 starts).
The Chicago Cubs have recorded 332 complete (player) games since 1980 (a span of 7175 starts).
8/6/1971: Nickel Beer Night is held at the Astrodome. Fittingly, Miller closes it out.
August 6, 2025 at 5:37 PM
8/6/1971: Nickel Beer Night is held at the Astrodome. Fittingly, Miller closes it out.
8/5/1979: Willie Mays is immortalized at Cooperstown. The Say Hey Kid was left off of 23 ballots during the voting process.
Blasphemy.
Blasphemy.
August 5, 2025 at 10:27 PM
8/5/1979: Willie Mays is immortalized at Cooperstown. The Say Hey Kid was left off of 23 ballots during the voting process.
Blasphemy.
Blasphemy.
8/4/1910: Jack Coombs and Ed Walsh duel for 16 scoreless innings, ending in a tie game. The marathon lasts a total of three hours and 28 minutes — 48 minutes longer than an average MLB game in 2025, but just 17 minutes longer than the average MLB game in 2021.
August 5, 2025 at 1:14 AM
8/4/1910: Jack Coombs and Ed Walsh duel for 16 scoreless innings, ending in a tie game. The marathon lasts a total of three hours and 28 minutes — 48 minutes longer than an average MLB game in 2025, but just 17 minutes longer than the average MLB game in 2021.
8/3/1933: 33 year-old Lefty Grove authors a shutout as the Athletics best the Yankees 7-0. The Hall of Fame southpaw recorded a total of 17 shutouts at the age of 33 or older (a span of 218 starts).
Since 2015, Philadelphia leads the majors with 17 player shutouts (a span of 1627 starts).
Since 2015, Philadelphia leads the majors with 17 player shutouts (a span of 1627 starts).
August 4, 2025 at 12:34 AM
8/3/1933: 33 year-old Lefty Grove authors a shutout as the Athletics best the Yankees 7-0. The Hall of Fame southpaw recorded a total of 17 shutouts at the age of 33 or older (a span of 218 starts).
Since 2015, Philadelphia leads the majors with 17 player shutouts (a span of 1627 starts).
Since 2015, Philadelphia leads the majors with 17 player shutouts (a span of 1627 starts).