1. materials characteristic of baseball and the culture of baseball; 2. collectible baseball Americana
1973
MLB owners approve one of the game’s most controversial rules: the designated hitter. The owners decide to allow American League teams to implement the rule on an experimental 3-year basis, but the rule becomes a permanent addition to the AL while the National League never adopts it.
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Continue readingOn This Day: January 11
1976
In his last MLB appearance as a player, Cleveland Indians’ manager Frank Robinson pinch-hits in the eighth inning and singles against Rudy May of the Baltimore Orioles.
1973
In an exhibition game against the Pirates, Larry Hisle of the Twins becomes the first designated hitter used in MLB that spring. Hisle makes the new A.L. rule look good by collecting two home runs and driving in seven runs. Ron Bloomberg of the Yankees will be the first DH to bat in the regular season.
…Continue readingOn This Day: March 6
1973
Orlando Cepeda signs with the Boston Red Sox, making him the first player signed by a team specifically to be a designated hitter. His slash line will be .289/.350/.444 with 20 HRs and 86 RBI in his one Beantown season.
1973
In the first year using the Designated hitter rule in the American League, Orlando Cepeda hit four doubles during the game on this date as the DH for the Boston Red Sox as they post a 9-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Cepeda will end his Hall of fFame career the next season with the Royals.
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Continue readingOn This Day: August 8