TODAY IN BASEBALL courtesy of National Pastime
1972 – Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente doubles off Mets pitcher Jon Matlack to become the 11th Major Leaguer to collect 3000 hits. The two-bagger, sadly, will be his last hit as he will die in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve.
1984 – On the final day of the season, Mike Witt uses only 97 pitches to retire 27 consecutive hitters. The Angels’ hurler throws the perfect game against the Rangers and beats Charlie Hough on an unearned run, 1-0.
1992 – With his fourth hit of the game, a single off LA’s southpaw Tim Fortugno, George Brett collects his 3000th hit of his career. The Royals third baseman’s celebration of the milestone moment is short-lived when he is picked off and tagged by first baseman Gary Gaetti after stepping off the base to savor the accomplishment.
And finally…in 1998, after the removal of a tumor nine months ago, former Royals reliever Dan Quisenberry dies of brain cancer at the age of 45. In 1983, ‘Quiz’, known for his outstanding control, became the first closer to record 40 saves, ending the season with 45.
PLAYERS BORN TODAY
Robin Roberts (1926), Johnny Podres (1932), Jose Lima (1972) and Kenley Jansen (1987)
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