MLB
Most Significant Sports History on July 7th
The Brewers traded for CC Sabathia, the Dodgers signed Adrian Beltre out of the DR, and more!
Darren Hauck/Getty Images
Exactly 12 years ago today, the Milwaukee Brewers traded for one SP who completely changed the direction of the franchise for years to come. One decade before that, baseball fans witnessed one of the greatest All-Star Games in the history of the mid-season classic. These unforgettable moments that took place on July 7th will always be a part of pro sports history.
YEAR: 2008
SIGNIFICANCE: Brewers’ trade for CC Sabathia sparked dominance down the stretch
CC Sabathia made his MLB debut as a 20-year-old in 2001 with the Cleveland Indians. He generated a remarkable rookie campaign, winning 17 starts and striking out 171 batters in 180 innings. CC pitched well during his eight-year tenure in Cleveland, but began to struggle in his contract-ending season of 2008 (started off 6-8 with a 3.83 ERA).
On this day 12 years ago, the Milwaukee Brewers traded four players (including future All-Star Michael Brantley) to the Indians for the impending FA in CC Sabathia. For the remainder of the 2008 season, CC strung together quality start after quality start, finishing the year at 11-2 with a minuscule 1.65 ERA during his time in a Brewers uniform. Over the course of just two months, the Milwaukee ace managed to garner a handful of Cy Young votes en route to pushing the Brewers to their first postseason birth since 1982.
#OnThisDay in 1998: The MLB All-Star Game took place at Coors Field, and as expected, was the highest scoring ASG in MLB history.
The AL won 13-8 over the NL.
pic.twitter.com/RNUiMZlBy1
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) July 8, 2019
YEAR: 1998
SIGNIFICANCE: Coors Field was the home of the highest-scoring ASG ever recorded (21 runs)
Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies is known as the most hitter-friendly ballpark in the Bigs. Last year, 275 home runs were blasted in Coors Field, the third-most in the league behind Camden Yards (Orioles) and Minute Maid Park (Rangers). Due to the high altitude and relatively short outfield porch, hitters will continue to rake in the arena that allowed a triple slash of .307/.370/.526 before the All-Star Game in 2019.
Following the trend of staggering offensive performances in Denver, Coors Field was also home to the highest-scoring All-Star Game in MLB history. The AL squad overpowered the NL in the 13-8 victory, as 10 different AL stars knocked in at least one RBI and Indians 2B Roberto Alomar was named the game’s MVP.
YEAR: 1948
SIGNIFICANCE: Indians officially signed NNL legend SP Satchel Paige
When the Civil War concluded, athletes across the nation dreamed of playing professional baseball. However, it wasn’t possible for a select group of citizens until one organized league was substantiated. Over a century ago, Hall of Famer Andrew “Rube” Foster rounded up a variety of past-team owners to create the Negro National League for African-American ballplayers.
18 years after the birth of the NNL, the Cleveland Indians signed one of its most famous pitchers of all-time. SP Satchel Paige began his MLB career with the Indians in 1948 at 42 years old, becoming the oldest player ever to debut at the big league level. His ‘rookie’ campaign included a robust 6-1 record with a 2.48 ERA in 72.2 innings as he continued to pitch through his age-46 season before hanging them up with two MLB All-Star appearances under his belt en route to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
The Dodgers signed 15-year-old Adrian Beltre in 1994 for a $23,000 bonus.
He retires today with on-field career earnings of $220 million, seventh highest in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/iGqilNRIdr
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 20, 2018
YEAR: 1994
SIGNIFICANCE: Dodgers signed a future-superstar in 15-year-old 3B Adrian Beltre
Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Los Angeles Dodgers signing 3B Adrian Beltre from the Dominican Republic. Though only 15 years old, the promising teenager agreed to the minor league contract which featured a $23,000 signing bonus. Beltre made his MLB debut in LA just four years later.
The 4x All-Star could be destined to be enshrined in Cooperstown, as he owns a career triple slash of .286/.339/.480 with 3,166 hits (17th all-time), 477 HRs, and 1,707 RBIs. Instead of declining in the latter-portion of his 21-year tenure, Beltre posted some of the best numbers of his career with the Texas Rangers (.304 BA, 199 HRs, and 699 RBIs from 2011-18) before finally calling it a career.
July 7 1974 Brewers Don Money sets record for cosecutive errorless games at 3rd with 78
— SERC (@SERCenter) July 7, 2014
YEAR: 1974
SIGNIFICANCE: Brewers 3B Don Money set the all-time record for most consecutive games-played without recording an error
Since the beginning of June, PSO has recognized some of the greatest streaks in the history of the MLB. While it is unrealistic to compare any record to Gehrig and Ripken Jr.‘s ridiculous consecutive games-played streak, it’s important to understand the significance of Don Money’s 78 straight games without an error. The 3B was a member of the Brewers’ infield for 11 of his 16 major league seasons. Even though he was a 4x All-Star, his consecutive games without-an-error streak is the accolade that headlines his unique MLB resume.
Like this article about sports history? Share with friends!
