Most Significant Sports History on July 19th

11 decades ago on July 19th, Cy Young became the first pitcher ever to reach a new MLB milestone. 63 years later, one of the most versatile ballplayers in baseball history tied Stan Musial for the most all-time ASG appearances. These are some of the unforgettable moments that took place on this date and have heavily shaped the game today.

1st to 500 Victories

July 19, 1910 – Cy Young won his 500th win on this day in 1910 when he was with the Cleveland Naps. pic.twitter.com/mGP1YVo1nm
— James Mazzola (@cornoil1) July 19, 2014

YEAR: 1910

SIGNIFICANCE: Cy Young became the 1st and only pitcher ever to record 500 career wins

119 years ago, Cy Young became the first pitcher ever to gather 300 career wins. Just nine years after that, Young created another monumental milestone during a 7-0 blowout with the Cleveland Naps. His 500th victory was the first and only occurrence in MLB history, with Walter Johnson being the only other SP to surpass the 400 mark. From being honored in the Hall of Fame to having an annual award named after himself, Cy Young will always be a symbol of both excellence and endurance in baseball and professional sports.

Willie Mays' 24th ASG

YEAR: 1973

SIGNIFICANCE: Willie Mays ties all-time record for most ASG appearances (24)

Cy Young is without a doubt one of the few ballplayers that are in a class of their own. The same can be said for OF Willie Mays, who is recognized as one of the best all-around players in big league history. In his prime, Mays would rank yearly among the most consistent hitters, the greatest power hitters, and the most effective base-stealers in the game. 47 years ago today, his unprecedented versatility was rewarded by making his 24th All-Star Game appearance, tying Stan “the Man” Musial for the most all-time. Mays concluded his career at the season’s end and was immediately enshinred in Cooperstown during his first year of eligibility (1979).

Marichal's Miraculous Debut

YEAR: 1960

SIGNIFICANCE: Eventual Hall of Fame SP Juan Marichal pitched a 1-hitter in his MLB debut

Exactly six decades ago, Dominican RHP Juan Marichal made his MLB debut for the San Francisco Giants. Wasting little time, Marichal showcased his flaming fastball and jaw-dropping curve by fanning 12 of his first 30 batters over nine unforgettable innings. He absolutely dominated the Phillies, allowing only two players to reach first base, allowing one walk and one hit. The 10x All-Star would continue to paint the corners over his 16-year career, accruing 243 wins and 2,303 strikeouts with a terrific 2.89 ERA. Marichal joined baseball’s legends soon after his retirement, entering the HOF with the class of 1983.

1st Unassisted Triple Play

The first unassisted triple play in major-league baseball was achieved on July 19, 1909 by Neal Ball of the Cleveland Naps when they played the Boston Red Sox. https://t.co/0orkP8ShDT pic.twitter.com/apH5aruauj
— Trivia Encyclopedia (@edpearce080759) July 19, 2018

YEAR: 1909

SIGNIFICANCE: The 1st unassisted triple play to ever unfold in MLB history

The MLB was established in 1892, meaning that there are 127 seasons in recorded baseball history. Meanwhile, there have only been 719 triple plays to ever happen, an average of just five per campaign. On this day 111 years ago, the Cleveland Naps carried out something even more infrequent, the unassisted triple play. SS Neal Ball managed to retire all three outs of an inning in one play by himself, becoming the first defender ever to do so. The rarity acted as Cleveland’s good luck charm, helping Cy Young and the Naps top the Red Sox 6-1.

NYY/CWS Trade

YEAR: 2017

SIGNIFICANCE: The Yankees traded for CWS’ Todd Frazier, Tommy Kahnle, and David Robertson

While baseball’s return is just days away, fans should remember that this time of year is usually when teams are concocting trade ideas for the upcoming deadline. Franchises that have fallen out of playoff contention would be looking to sell their premier pieces in exchange for promising prospects with the future in mind. Today marks the third anniversary of the New York Yankees trading for 3B Todd Frazier, RP Tommy Kahnle, RP David Robertson in exchange for RP Tyler Clippard and three minor leaguers in an effort to extend their lead in the tight race of the AL East. The Bronx Bombers would go on to cruise into the postseason, but lose in the ALCS to the Houston Astros (2017 Champs).