The Dead Ball Era

American League Formed

Jan 28, 1901

Previously known as the Western League, the American League is now classified as a major league. Consists of Chicago White Stockings, Boston Americans, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, Milwaukee Brewers and the Cleveland Blues.

Foul Strike Rule

Apr 1, 1901

The National League implements the foul strike rule. Prior to this, foul balls were not counted as strikes.

American League Follows Suit

Apr 1, 1903

The American League adopts the foul strike rule that the National League has had in place for two years.

First World Series

Oct 1, 1903

First World Series game is played between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Americans end up winning the series in eight games.

Merkle's Boner

Sep 23, 1908

Amidst a pennant race between the Giants, Cubs and Pirates, Fred Merkle commits what is known as the Merkle Boner. He was the runner on first when Al Bridwell came up to bat. Bridwell singled and the runner on third crosses the plate. Assuming the game had ended, Merkle leaves the field without touching second. While fans swarm the field, Johnny Evers of the Cubs, obtains the ball and tags second base. The umpires rule that Merkle was out and the go ahead run does not count.

Three Home Runs

Oct 1, 1908

Despite only hitting a team total of three home runs, the Chicago White Sox finished with a 88-64 records, falling just short of winning the pennant.

New Ballpark

Apr 12, 1909

Shibe Park, in Philadelphia, opens, ushering in a new era of baseball parks, built of concrete and steel.

First Death

Apr 26, 1909

Doc Powers is the first baseball injury related death. After crashing into the outfield wall in an attempt to catch a ball, three surgeries were performed. However, he succumbs to his injuries on this day.

New Ball

Jun 11, 1909

Ben Shibe creates a cork-centerd ball for Reach Company, the equipment supplier for the American League. Spalding, the supplier for the National League, follows suit. This increases the league batting average by a remarkable 30 points in just a matter of a year.

First Pitch

Apr 14, 1910

President William Taft becomes the first President to throw out the first pitch of a game; a tradition that still continues today.

500 wins

Jul 19, 1910

Cy Young becomes the first and only pitcher to record 500 wins.

Georgia Peach's best season

Sep 30, 1911

Ty Cobb finished the season with a .420 average and 248 hits, which is attributed to the new cork-centered ball.

Triples record

Oct 1, 1912

Owen "Chief" Wilson finshes the season with an astounding 36 triples, a record that still stands today.

Emery Pitch

May 1, 1913

Minor League pitcher, Russ Ford, stumbles upon what would later be known as the Emery Pitch. One day, during wrm-ups, the ball was accidently scuffed by a concrete wall. The scuffing allowed for the ball to dive drastically as it reached the plate. This pitch, along with the spitball, caused the leagues batting averages once again to drop.

3000 hits

Jun 9, 1914

Honus Wagner becomes the first player of the 20th Century to have 3000 hits.

The Babe

Jul 11, 1914

Babe Ruth makes his major league debut as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. a gmae he won,4-3.

Most Home Runs to Date

Sep 30, 1915

"Cactus" Gavvy Cravath hits a remarkable 24 home runs for the Philadelphia Phillies, a feat attibuted to the small dimensions of the Baker Bowl.

WWI

Jun 27, 1917

Hank Gowdy is the first player to enter the war.

Black Sox Scandal

Oct 2, 1919

During the 1919 World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, eight players intentionally threw the games in exchange for money from gamblers. Most notable players involved are Eddie Ciccote, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, and George "Buck" Weaver.