This Day in Baseball History
2012 - Phil Humber is perfect
Chicago White Sox pitcher Philip Humber throws a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field, and makes A.J. Pierzynski the second catcher to be behind the plate for two perfect contests.
There's no greater example of "can't predict baseball": Humber recorded the perfect game in just his 30th career start, and by the end of the season, the right-hander was placed on waivers.
The following season, Humber was designated for assignment by the Astros on May 12, after his record fell to 0-8 with a 9.59 ERA. His $3 million option for the 2014 season was declined.
1972 - Everything's starting in Texas
The Texas Rangers play the first home game in franchise history, a 7-6 victory over the California Angels in Arlington.
Frank Howard hits the first home run at Arlington Stadium, which is the new home of the former Washington Senators. The Senators relocated after the 1971 season.
And speaking of perfect, the Arlington Stadium was the site of the 11th perfect game in MLB history, when the Angels defeated the Rangers, 1-0, behind right-hander Mike Witt on Sept. 30, 1984.
[Courtesy: Will Johnson via Paste Magazine]
1887 - Happy Birthday Joe McCarthy
Joe McCarthy is born in Philadelphia. He manages 24 years in the Majors, winning nine pennents - one at the helm of the Chicago Cubs and the rest with the Yankees. He won four World Championships in a row from 1936 to 1939.
McCarthy finished his career with an all-time best winning percentage of .614 and was inducted into Cooperstown in 1957.
Just over three months before his 91st birthday, McCarthy passed away in Buffalo, New York. There are only 21 Hall of Famers who have reached their 90th birthday, and three are still living.
[Courtesy: Ponce De Leon baseball]
Birthdays
1963 - Ken Caminiti
1957 - Jesse Orosco
1937 - Gary Peters
1947 - Al Bumbry
1980 - Jeff Keppinger
1981 - Ronny Paulino