June in Baseball History Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lou Gehrig

The others listed weren't born yet. Born Ludwig Heinrich Gehrig on June 19, 1903, he was a New Yorker from beginning to end. He was a career Yankee from 1923-1939, winning two MVPs and a Triple Crown. June 2nd was a sad day for baseball, but still retained the memories of this Hall of Fame great.

In another June (1932), Gehrig was the first player in modern day baseball to hit four home runs in a game.

Answer: Jim Northrup

The others were all Tiger pitchers on this 1968 World Series winning team. Playing under the shadows of Mickey Lolich, and 31-game winner Denny McLain, Northrup hit two big salamis on June 24th, then pulled off his third on the 29th, three of his 21 home runs in the season.

He played 11 of his 12 seasons in the Detroit outfield beside Al Kaline, and retired in 1975. Also in June (1970), Frank Robinson of the Orioles hit two grand slams in a game.

Answer: Don Drysdale

The other pitchers never played with the Dodgers. Drysdale was in his 13th of 14 seasons, all with the Dodgers. Although being overshadowed by the great Sandy Koufax in portions of his career, he never showed any animosity. Don was the 1962 Cy Young winner, when the award was given to only one pitcher in the Major Leagues. 20 years later, another Dodger in the name of Orel Hershiser would break his 58-inning record.

Answer: Forbes Field

Forbes Field was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although the Cubs spoiled their opening day ceremonies defeating the Pirates 3-2, the Pirates went on to win the World Series behind the bats of Honus Wagner, Fred Clarke, and Chief Wilson. Forbes and Pittsburgh hosted their first night game in 1940. The stadium was demolished in 1971, making room for Three Rivers Stadium.

Answer: Showed up for a game in the wrong city

The team under the watchful eye of manager Jimmy Collins, but too much as they all showed up in Philadelphia to play when they should have been in Baltimore. The game in Baltimore was delayed to accommodate Boston's late arrival. In June 1915, the St. Louis Browns showed up in Detroit with no uniforms and had to borrow some from the Tigers to play that game.

Answer: Pinch hit in the National League

Patsy Tebeau, the Cleveland manager, did the deed by sending Doyle in. Doyle of the Cleveland Spiders hit a single in baseball's first pinch hit. The Spiders also rostered the great Cy Young who went 36-12 in the season.

Answer: Ernie Shore

The others listed would not start their MLB careers for another 20+ seasons. After walking the first first batter Ray Morgan, Ruth tried to throw a punch at home plate umpire Brick Owens and was ejected. Shore went 13-10 in the Red Sox 1917 season. He later joined the Babe on the Yankees.

Answer: Cleveland Spiders

The others were all American League franchises which began in 1901 with the new American League. Even with the record setting 26-game streak, the Spiders finished last of 12 teams with a 20-134 record.

Answer: Joe Nuxhall

The others were not pitchers, nor southpaws, nor did not begin their careers for 15+ years later. With permission from his high school, Joe was allowed to pitch in this one game. His following game did not take place until 1952. Nuxhall played for 16 seasons and retired at age 37.

Answer: Harmon Killebrew

The others never played for the Twins or hit more than 50 home runs in their career. Killebrew's first career home run came off Billy Hoeft of the Tigers. Never reaching the 50 home run season plateau, Harmon hit 48 in 1962, then 49 in 1964 and 1969.

In 1971, the first baseman became a member of the 500 home run club. His only World Series opportunity was in a loss to the 1965 Dodgers, but he made his mark with a home run in game four.