MLB
Most Significant Sports History on July 13th
Pedro Martinez struck out the the 1st four batters of the ASG, Babe Ruth became the 1st to 700 HRs, and more!
Boston Red Sox/Youtube
On July 13th over two decades ago, one AL legend stole the show with his starting role in the 66th annual ASG. 18 years after that, the Chicago Cubs opted to trade four prospects for one South Side SP in an effort to sustain their 2016 success. These memorable moments are just a few of the many significant events that have occurred on this day in history that still impact the sports community today.
YEAR: 1999
SIGNIFICANCE: P Pedro Martinez struck out the 1st 4 NL batters in the 66th ASG
The 1999 All-Star Game featured many future Hall-of-Famers, including Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and more. However, it was the American League’s top pitcher, Pedro Martinez who instantly stole the show in his home stadium at Fenway Park.
On this day 21 years ago, the Red Sox star opened the 66th ASG by fanning the first four NL batters who were previously mentioned. Martinez walked off the diamond after striking out five through two innings with a 2-0 lead, later earning the game’s W and MVP award. The AL closed out the matchup with a 4-1 victory with a little help from Cal Ripken Jr., Roberto Alomar, Rafael Palmeiro, and Jim Thome.
YEAR: 2017
SIGNIFICANCE: Chicago-Chicago trade that netted the Cubs former ace SP Jose Quintana
Baseball fans will always remember the Chicago Cubs defeating the Cleveland Indians for their first-ever World Series victory just four years ago. The North Siders topped the 100-win mark for the first time in over 80 seasons, quickly becoming the team to beat in the Senior Circuit. With their combination of budding superstars in 3B Kris Bryant and 1B Anthony Rizzo along with a developing young core of 2B/SS Javier Baez, C Willson Contreras, and SS Addison Russell, the Cubs were on the cusp of their newest dynasty.
In an effort to land a substantial starting pitcher to replace the aging Jon Lackey at the tail-end of the rotation, CHC traded four prospects, including OF Eloy Jimenez (2020 breakout candidate) for CWS Jose Quintana. During his three seasons with the Cubs, Quintana has produced a respectable 33-23 record with 408 Ks over 430 IPs, culminating in a less-impressive 4.23 ERA. Facing the final year of his contract, Quintana will be looking to improve his craft after posting the worst ERA (4.68) of his career in 2019.
YEAR: 1982
SIGNIFICANCE: The ASG was hosted outside of the US for the 1st time in MLB history
Last Monday, baseball fans were reminded of the birth of baseball’s favorite mid-summer tradition: the All-Star Game. Almost five decades later, the ASG was hosted outside of the United States for the first time in history. Played at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, the 1982 matchup was headlined by Pete Rose, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackon, and many other MLB legends. The NL squad defeated the AL 4-1, continuing their stunning streak by winning their 11th consecutive All-Star Game.
July 13, 1963—Early Wynn, at 43, registered his 300th and last victory, pitching the first five innings of the Cleveland #Indians’ 7-4 triumph over the Kansas City #Athletics pic.twitter.com/VpeXy2klVU
— Base•ball•ia (@Baseballia) July 13, 2018
YEAR: 1963
SIGNIFICANCE: 43-year-old Early Wynn recorded his 300th and final Win of his career in final GS
It is beyond difficult to compare any MLB pitcher to Cy Young. However, while he was the first to reach the 300-win milestone, many others would follow in his footsteps. This Indians SP gave it his best shot to be in the same conversations as Cy Young by beating the Kansas City Athletics in a 7-4 fashion on this day, 57 years ago.
Early Wynn pitched his way through the majors for 23 years and finished on a high note after recording his 300th career victory during his final Major League appearance. The 9x All-Star and 1x Cy Young was one of the best hurlers of his era. Wynn was rewarded for his everlasting efforts by being enshrined into the HOF in the class of 1972.
Navin Field, Detroit, July 13, 1934 - Babe Ruth crosses home after hitting his 700th career HR off Tigers hurler Tommy Bridges. It cleared the RF single-deck bleachers and rolled down the street. Ruth circled the bases bellowing "I want that ball! I want that ball!" (cont) pic.twitter.com/DouIs4FIbZ
— Old-Time Baseball Photos (@OTBaseballPhoto) July 9, 2019
YEAR: 1934
SIGNIFICANCE: Babe Ruth became the 1st ballplayer to collect 700 career HRs
The Babe made his MLB debut over a century ago with the Boston Red Sox. He competed in Boston for the first six seasons of his big league tenure, but only managed to play 100+ games in his sixth campaign. It wasn’t until Red Sox owner Harry Frazee agreed to sell the future legend to the franchise’s arch rival in New York for only $100,000 prior to the 1920 season.
Babe Ruth exploded out of the gate for the Yankees to begin the roaring ’20s, hitting for a robust .376 BA with 54 long balls (league-high) and 135 RBIs (league-high) over his first 130 games. During 15 seasons in NY (659 total HRs), Ruth obliterated opposing pitchers, averaging roughly 44 bombs per campaign. Today marks the 86th anniversary of the Sultan of Swat becoming the first slugger to surpass the 700 HR mark.
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