Nearing the end of the typical baseball regular season, one would assume that plenty of important moments in the sport’s history occurred near the end of September. The 22nd of September is no different, as over a century ago, a pitcher whose name we all know quite well earned the final victory of his career. Additionally, the Atlanta Braves clinched a record-setting division title, two Hall-of-Famers reached iconic milestones, and the legend of Danny Dimes was officially born.

Ricky Eisenbart also contributed to this article.

Cy Young's Final Dub

https://twitter.com/alex_simpson2/status/911297571888533505?s=20

YEAR: 1911

SIGNIFICANCE: Cy Young recorded his 511th and final Major League victory which still stands as the MLB record

As a member of the Boston Rustlers, Cy Young recorded his 511th career win on this day in 1911. Young threw his 749th career complete game (also an all-time record) and his 76th career shutout in a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This was Young’s final victory of his career and it finally cemented his 511 wins as the all-time record.

Young is still the all-time leader in victories over a century since his last win. In fact, nobody is even close. Walter Johnson is second on the list with 94 less wins. Bartolo Colon is the leader in wins among “active” pitchers, and he ranks in 50th place with 247 wins. It is safe to assume that Young’s record will remain unbroken, especially with wins no longer being a priority for pitchers. Young finished his career with a 511-315 career W-L record.

Braves Division Record

On this day in 1997, the Atlanta Braves became the first team in MLB history to win six straight division titles, clinching the NL East.
— Sports Anniversaries (@SportsAnnys) September 23, 2014

YEAR: 1997

SIGNIFICANCE: Atlanta Braves win a MLB record 6th straight division title

After an 11th inning walk-off against the Montreal Expos, the Atlanta Braves won their 98th game of the 1997 season. That win helped the Braves clinch the NL East for the sixth straight season. Atlanta set a new record for consecutive division championships, which started in 1991. From ’91 through ’97, the Braves won 651 games, the most during that span. Atlanta continued their absolute dominance in the NL East for eight more years after, with their legendary division championship reign of terror ending in 2005; setting the consecutive division titles record at 14, one division championship more than the 1995-2007 New York Yankees.

Mays & Andre Make History

YEARS: 1969 & 1990

SIGNIFICANCE: Willie Mays hit his 600th career HR & Andre Dawson joins Mays as only ones with 2,000 H, 300 HR, & 300 SB

In his age-38 season, Willie Mays became the second player ever to hit 600 career home runs. Mays joined Babe Ruth as the only two players to be in the 600 HR club, 38 years after Ruth hit his. Mays pinch-hit in the top of the 7th inning for George Foster in a 2-2 game against the San Diego Padres. Mays hit it out to deep LF off pitcher Mike Corkins and was greeted by his teammates at home plate. Today, Mays is one of nine hitters ever with at least 600 career bombs.

21 years later, Andre Dawson joined Mays as the only two hitters to record at least 2,000 career hits, 300 home runs, and 300 stolen bases. Dawson joined Mays when he stole his 300th career bag against the New York Mets. The Hawk was one of the league’s premiere players, averaging a .810 OPS from ’76-’90. The bulk of Dawson’s stolen bases came between the ’77-83 season before he suffered multiple knee injuries, which plagued his career. Despite the failing knees, Dawson is one of the iconic outfielders due to his incredible combination of power and speed. The 2010 Hall of Fame inductee finished his career with 2,774 hits, 438 HR, and 314 SB.

27 years ago, Andre Dawson registers his 300th career SB to become 2nd MLBer to have 300 SBs, 300 HRs and 2,000 hits. Willie Mays was other. pic.twitter.com/EcRKsy4k1f
— Kevin Glew (@coopincanada) September 22, 2017

Danny Dimes' Debut

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Giants rookie QB Daniel Jones mounted an 18-point comeback in his very first career start

Exactly one year ago today, Giants QB Daniel Jones made his very first career start against the Buccaneers, replacing 2x Super Bowl-winning QB Eli Manning after consecutive blowout defeats to the Cowboys and Bills. The sixth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, many considered Jones a gamble with such a high selection. Despite his high draft status, Jones’ career as a starter couldn’t have began much worse.

After falling into a 28-10 halftime hole, Jones opened the second half by connecting with TE Evan Engram for a 75-yard TD (and a two-point conversion to WR Sterling Shepard), cutting Tampa Bay’s lead to 11. After connecting with Shepard again for a seven-yard TD pass, New York’s defense held Tampa Bay to a red zone FG on the next drive, keeping the game within reach (31-25). He then led a 75-yard drive that culminated with a seven-yard scramble to the end zone, giving New York a one-point lead with just 1:21 remaining. The defense held on, and Jones’ name was officially cemented into the record books on numerous accounts.

His 18-point comeback not only tied an NFL record for the second-largest by a rookie QB (Blake Bortles vs NYG), but it was the Giants’ largest since 1970 and something his predecessor Super Bowl Champion was unable to accomplish in 44 attempts. In addition to the historic comeback, Jones also became the very first rookie to record 300 passing yards, two passing TDs, and two rushing TDs in a single game, effectively quieting the critics for the time being.

Bonds 4 IBB in a Game

Since 1955, games with 4+ IBB:

Barry Bonds 4
All other players combined 4
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) October 15, 2014

YEAR: 2004

SIGNIFICANCE: Barry Bonds drew a record 4 intentional walks in a game

In the midst of the Barry Bonds era, which saw him win four straight NL MVP awards (2001-04), there was no doubt of the fear pitchers had when Bonds went up to bat. On this day in 2004, that fear was in full display when the Houston Astros decided to intentionally walk Bonds four (4!) times in a single nine-inning game. Perhaps it wasn’t in the Astros’ original plans, but after Bonds hit a triple off Roy Oswalt in the bottom of the first inning, Houston wanted no part of the eventual seven-time MVP winner, showing him the ultimate respect.