Baseball History: Notable Events and Milestones

In a tragic moment in Major League Baseball history, player Ray Chapman suffered a fractured skull and died the following day, marking the only field fatality in the league's history. This somber event serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of the sport, contrasting sharply with the many remarkable achievements that have occurred on the diamond. Among these achievements, Babe Ruth made headlines in 1927 when he became the first player to clear the roof at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Fast forward to 1947, Ralph Kiner etched his name in Pirates history by hitting three consecutive home runs in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, a feat that had never been accomplished by a Pirates player before. The 1980s saw several standout performances, including Tim Raines of the Montreal Expos achieving a perfect 5-for-5 game in 1987, which included a cycle against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That same year, Darryl Strawberry of the New York Mets drove in five runs in a dominant victory over the Cubs, showcasing the offensive prowess of the era. In more recent years, significant milestones continued to unfold. In 2009, Derek Jeter surpassed Luis Aparicio's record for the most hits by a shortstop, while Albert Pujols reached 30 home runs for the 11th consecutive season in 2011. The sale of the San Diego Padres in 2012 for $800 million marked a significant financial milestone in the league, further highlighting the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.