Today in Baseball History: September 30th

 

 

1998 On September 30, 1998, former major leaguer Dan Quisenberry dies from a brain tumor at the age of 45. Nicknamed "Quiz," the side-arming reliever saved 244 games and posted a 2.76 ERA during his 12-year career. The colorful Quisenberry was known for his sharp sense of humor and tendency to play practical jokes.

1992 On September 30, 1992, George Brett of the Kansas City Royals goes 4-for-4 to reach the 3,000-hit plateau. The future Hall of Famer collects the milestone hit against Tim Fortugno of the California Angels.

1984 On September 30, 1984, Mike Witt of the California Angels pitches a perfect game. The curveballing right-hander stymies the Texas Rangers, striking out 10 batters in a 1-0 victory. Exhibiting terrific control, Witt throws 70 of 94 pitches for strikes…

1972 On September 30, 1972, Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente collects the 3,000th hit of his major league career. In the fourth inning at Three Rivers Stadium, Clemente smacks a double against New York Mets left-hander Jon Matlack. The hit will be the last one in regular season play for the future Hall of Famer, who will die in a plane crash on New Year's Eve, 1972.

1971 On September 30, 1971, the Senators play their final game in Washington before their off-season move to Texas. With the Senators holding a 7-5 lead over the New York Yankees in the ninth, numerous fans run onto the field, causing umpire Jim Honochick to declare a forfeit in favor of the Yankees…

1951 On September 30, 1951, Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers makes a game-saving catch and hits a game-winning home run to clinch a tie for the National League pennant. Brooklyn's 3-2 win in 14 innings sets up a three-game play-off series against the New York Giants…

1945 On September 30, 1945, Hank Greenberg hits a dramatic ninth inning grand slam home run to give the Detroit Tigers a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Browns. Just back from duty in World War II, Greenberg hits the home run that clinches the American League pennant for the Tigers…

1934 On September 30, 1934, Babe Ruth makes his final appearance as a New York Yankee. Ruth goes 0-for-4 with a walk in a 5-3 loss to the Washington Senators, then leaves the field in tears.

1927 On September 30, 1927, Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees sets a major league record by hitting his 60th home run of the season. Ruth victimizes Tom Zachary of the Washington Senators to break his own record of 59 home runs in 1921…