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Most Significant Sports History on July 15th
Johnny Bench became the all-time HR king among catchers, Phillies recorded their 10,000th loss, and more!
Cincinnati Enquirer
On this day four decades ago, one member of the Big Red Machine passed Yogi Bera for the most career HRs by a catcher in MLB history. Exactly 15 years later, the 1B for the Baltimore Orioles became just the fourth ballplayer ever to collect 500 HRs and 3,000 career hits. These are some of the unforgettable moments that took place on July 15th and have heavily shaped the game today.
July 15, 1980: Johnny Bench clubs his 314th home run as a catcher, moving him past Yogi Berra for (at the time) the most longballs ever by a backstop. #Reds #OTD pic.twitter.com/co0i0Cz0rt
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 15, 2019
YEAR: 1980
SIGNIFICANCE: Johnny Bench became the all-time Catcher HR leader with No. 314
The 1976 Cincinnati Reds are recognized as one of the greatest MLB teams in the history of the game. Their roster was headlined by 3B Pete Rose, 2B Joe Morgan, Ken Griffey Sr., and a handful of other perennial All-Stars. Cincinnati finished the season as the winningest team in the majors (102-60) before going on to sweep the Yankees in the World Series, claiming their first Championship title in 35 years.
The Big Red Machine also featured one of the greatest catchers of all-time, Johnny Bench. Over his 17 years in the Bigs (all with the Reds), Bench was a 2x MVP and 10x Gold Glover. The Catcher extended his already HOF-worthy resume on this day four decades ago by crushing home run No. 314 to pass Yogi Bera as the new all-time HR leader among catchers.
YEAR: 2005
SIGNIFICANCE: Rafael Palmeiro became just the 4th player ever to collect 500 HRs and 3,000 hits over a career
No one doubts the unbelievable power possessed by Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, and dozens of other MLB legends, but there are a few especially renowned hitters that were able to not just hit the long ball, but also move the runners while getting on base themselves consistently. Up to the year of 2005, only three ballplayers in history were able to collect 500 HRs AND 3,000 hits over their career; their names are Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Eddie Murray.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of 1B Rafael Palmeiro becoming the fourth member of the extremely exclusive 500-3,000 club. Playing in Seattle, the Orioles defeated the Mariners 6-3 with a bit of help from Palmeiro’s 3,000th career base hit. The 4x All-Star is remembered as one of the better hitters this sport has seen, but was also a fantastic fielder as displayed by his 3x Gold Gloves.
New @SABRGames story: Nolan Ryan pitches 2nd no-hitter of season for @Angels — and Norm Cash brings a table leg to the plate, July 15, 1973: https://t.co/9z7Zvyj2XB #SABR pic.twitter.com/W3zd9W6hFI
— SABR (@sabr) February 8, 2018
YEAR: 1973
SIGNIFICANCE: Nolan Ryan pitched the 2nd no-hitter of his incredible career
47 years ago today, Nolan Ryan steamrolled over the Cleveland Indians by fanning 17 of the 27 batters he faced. What makes this game such a memorable moment was that it was Ryan’s second career no-hitter, and second of the season. The Ryan Express still leads all-time pitchers in strikeouts (5,714) by a ridiculous margin of 839 Ks (Randy Johnson in second with 4,875). He has also thrown the most no-hitters in MLB history with seven, while the next highest is Sandy Koufax with four.
YEAR: 2007
SIGNIFICANCE: The Phillies became the 1st U.S. sports team to reach 10,000 losses
While the New York Yankees are easily one of the most popular sports franchises on the planet, they are also hated widely for overpowering the MLB throughout the 20th century. From 1923-2000, the Bronx Bombers won the World Series crown 26 out of the 77 seasons; nearly one-third of the campaigns during that era which is absolutely insane, especially considering the only team to win four titles since 2001 (Boston Red Sox) didn’t win a single Championship since before New York’s reign started 100 years ago.
On the other hand of sustained success is prolonged failure. 13 years ago, the Philadelphia Phillies lost their 10,000th game in franchise history. Beyond baseball, the organization became the first North American sports team to reach the dreadful mark. Even through the decades of misfortune, the Phillies still managed to collect a couple of WS titles (1980 and 2008), whereas the Padres, Brewers, Mariners, Rockies, Rangers, Rays, and are still looking for their franchise’s first.
YEAR: 1996
SIGNIFICANCE: The Indians officially signed C Victor Martinez out of Venezuela
24 years ago today, the Cleveland Indians signed 17-year-old Venezuelan Catcher Victor Martinez. Before being called up to the majors in 2002, Martinez received not one, but two minor league MVP awards. He scorched his way through the minors, batting .310 (503 ABs), .336 (461 ABs), and .328 (317 ABs) at A+, AA, and AAA respectively. Through his first eight seasons in the Bigs (all with Cleveland), Martinez developed quickly as one of the game’s most consistent hitters. His career triple-slash of .297/.360/.455 terrified any pitcher facing him on the mound. The dominant DH was a 5x All-Star and 2x Silver Slugger before retiring after the 2018 season.
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