Can't Predict Baseball: Four Balks In One Game?!?!

On this day in 1950 the Yankees Vic Raschi balked four times in a win over the Chicago White Sox. Apparently Raschi was unable to adjust to the new rule that required a pitcher to come to a full rest for a second before coming to home plate with the pitch.

Also on this day in 1951 the Yankees Gil McDougald tied a major league record with six RBI's in one inning in a 17-3 victory over the Browns. The Yankee rookie hit a grand slam in the ninth inning, the first of his career, and then added a two run triple later in the inning as New York scored 11 times in the inning.

Also on this day in 1959 the Tigers Charlie Maxwell absolutely went off for the 2-15 Detroit team as he hit four straight home runs in a double header against the Yankees. This was Tigers manager Jimmy Dykes first game as the skipper for Detroit and was responsible for Maxwell being in the lineup even though he was hitting .136 at the time.

Finally on this day in 1966 the Indians Luis Tiant threw his third consecutive shutout of the season when he beat the Yankees 1-0. El Tiante is still yet to give up a run this season after shutting out Boston and Kansas City earlier in the season.

You know what they say Suzyn, you really can't predict baseball. 

Can't Predict Baseball: The Roy Campanella Benefit

On this day in 1957 the Indians Herb Score suffered a season ending injury when he was struck in the face by the Yankees Gil McDougald's line drive. The 1955 Rookie of the Year followed up with 20 victories in his sophomore campaign only to fall of the face of the Earth after the injury. Score never regained his winning form although he blamed a torn tendon in his pitching arm and not the line drive to the face.

On this day in 1959 the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees played an exhibition game to benefit Roy Campanella after he was paralyzed in an auto accident prior to the team moving to LA in 1958. The Yankees would win the game 6-2 in front of the largest crowd ever drawn for a baseball game, 93,103 fans. AN estimated 15,000 fans were turned away at the gate due to the sellout. Pee Wee Reese pushed "Campy" in his wheelchair into the darkened stadium that was totally illuminated by fans holding candles or matches.

Can't Predict Baseball: Four Balks In One Game?!?!

On this day in 1950 the Yankees Vic Raschi balked four times in a win over the Chicago White Sox. Apparently Raschi was unable to adjust to the new rule that required a pitcher to come to a full rest for a second before coming to home plate with the pitch.

On this day in 1951 the Yankees Gil McDougald tied a major league record with six RBI's in one inning in a 17-3 victory over the Browns. The Yankee rookie hit a grand slam in the ninth inning, the first of his career, and then added a two run triple later in the inning as New York scored 11 times in the inning.

On this day in 1959 the Tigers Charlie Maxwell absolutely went off for the 2-15 Detroit team as he hit four straight home runs in a double header against the Yankees. This was Tigers manager Jimmy Dykes first game as the skipper for Detroit and was responsible for Maxwell being in the lineup even though he was hitting .136 at the time.

On this day in 1966 the Indians Luis Tiant threw his third consecutive shutout of the season when he beat the Yankees 1-0. El Tiante is still yet to give up a run this season after shutting out Boston and Kansas City earlier in the season.

Yankee Stadium Legacy: #31 Gil McDougald

Gil McDougald made his presence felt from the very beginning in New York winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1951. McGougald also had six hits and seven RBI's in the World Series that year en route to a Fall Classic Championship in a win over the Giants. McDougald would go to the World Series seven more time with the Yankees and was also  named to the MLB All Star Game on six different occasions.

31 days until Yankees Opening Day.

This Day In New York Yankees History 11/15

On this day in 1951 the Yankees Gil McDougald won the American League Rookie of the Year Award. It is worth noting that Willie Mays won the award in the National League on the same day. It is also worth noting that neither player were listed on their teams original Spring Training rosters.

On this day in 1961 Roger Maris won his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award after setting the single season home run record with 61 round trippers. Maris only beat the second place finisher, his teammate Mickey Mantle, by four votes with a 202-198 vote.

On this day in 2001 Roger Clemens won the American League Cy Young award with a 20-3 record with a 3.51 ERA. Roger would become the first player to win this award for the sixth time in his career and the first Yankees player to win the award since Ron Guidry won it in 1978.

On this day in 2005 the Yankees Alex Rodriguez won his second MVP award in three seasons edging out the Red Sox David Ortiz in the vote. Ortiz may have won the award had he played a position and not been a full time DH, sparking a heated debate and controversy, but the Yankees and Alex will take it either way.