Independence Day–This Date in Baseball History

It’s the Fourth of July, a day that traditionally has produced some of baseball’s most memorable moments and noteworthy achievements. In honor of the Fourth, let’s take a look back at “This Date in Baseball History,” beginning with the “Iron Horse.”

*On July 4, 1939, the New York Yankees retire the uniform No. 4 of future Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig in emotional ceremonies at Yankee Stadium. For over 40 minutes, current and former Yankee greats, including Hall of Famer Babe Ruth, parade onto the field to honor the “Iron Horse.” Other former Yankee greats, such as pitcher Waite Hoyt, second baseman Tony Lazzeri, and outfielder Bob Meusel, also attend. Yankee manager Joe McCarthy presents Gehrig with a special silver trophy. Gehrig, in one of the most memorable speeches in baseball history, tells the 61,808 in attendance at the Stadium, “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Gehrig, who is stricken with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, will die from the muscular disease in 1941.

*On July 4, 1984, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro collects his 3,000th career strikeout. Pitching for the New York Yankees, the knuckleballing veteran fans Larry Parrish of the Texas Rangers to reach the milestone.

*On July 4, 1983, Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees pitches a no-hitter against the rival Boston Red Sox. Righetti strikes out Wade Boggs to complete the 4-0 masterpiece at Yankee Stadium. Yankee third baseman Bert “Campy” Campaneris plays in a record 11th no-hitter.

*On July 4, 1976, Philadelphia Phillies catcher Tim McCarver hits an apparent grand slam home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates. When McCarver passes teammate Garry Maddox, the runner at first base, he loses credit for the grand slam. The Phillies still win the game, 10-5.

*On July 4, 1985, the New York Mets defeat the Atlanta Braves, 16-13, in a wild 19-inning affair at Fulton County Stadium. Light-hitting pitcher Rick Camp hits a game-tying home run in the 18th, only to see his team lose. New York’s Keith Hernandez hits for the cycle.

*On July 4, 1980, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros collects his 3,000th strikeout during an 8-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. “The Express” fans Cesar Geronimo, becoming the fourth major league pitcher to reach the milestone.

*On July 4, 1925, two of the era’s greatest pitchers lock horns in a classic pitching duel. Herb Pennock of the New York Yankees defeats Lefty Grove of the Philadelphia A’s in a 1-0, 15-inning matchup of future Hall of Famers. Pennock retires the final 21 batters he faces.