Today in Baseball History: April 16th

1987 On April 16, 1987, Hall of Fame umpire Jocko Conlan dies at the age of 89. Conlan served as an American League arbiter from 1941 to 1965 after a brief major league playing career. Conlan also umpired in five World Series.

1983 On April 16, 1983, Steve Garvey of the San Diego Padres sets a National League record for the most consecutive games played. Garvey plays in his 1,118th straight game, breaking the mark held by Hall of Famer Billy Williams. Garvey picks up two hits in an 8-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, his former team.

1978 On April 16, 1978, Bob Forsch of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. Forsch, who wins a 5-0 decision, becomes the first Cardinals' pitcher to pitch a no-hitter in St. Louis since Jesse Haines in 1924.

1972 On April 16, 1972, Chicago Cubs rookie Burt Hooton walks seven batters but still manages to hurl a 4-0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. Hooton accomplishes the feat in just his fourth major league game.

1970 On April 16, 1970, Cincinnati Reds ace Jim Maloney tears his Achilles tendon while running the bases and is replaced by rookie left-hander Don Gullett, who wins his first major league game. Although Maloney will eventually make a comeback from the injury, he will never win another game.

1945 On April 16, 1945, the Boston Red Sox give tryouts to three African-American players: Sam Jethroe, Jackie Robinson, and Marvin Williams. The three players work out at Fenway Park, but none are signed to contracts. Later in the season, Robinson will sign a minor league contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1940 On April 16, 1940, Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians hurls the first and only Opening Day no-hitter in major league history. Feller outduels Edgar Smith of the Chicago White Sox in winning a 1-0 decision at Comiskey Park. During one at-bat, White Sox star Luke Appling fouls off 15 straight pitches, but fails to get a hit.

1935 On April 16, 1935, Babe Ruth makes his National League debut for the Boston Braves. "The Babe" belts out two hits, including a 430-foot home run against Carl Hubbell. Ruth's first NL game draws 25,000 fans, the largest Opening Day crowd in Braves history.

1929 On April 16, 1929, the New York Yankees become the first team to permanently feature numbers on the backs of their uniforms. The numbers correspond to each player's position in the batting order. The numbers also allow fans and broadcasters to more easily identify the players. Future Hall of Famers Earle Combs, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig wear #1, #3 and #4, respectively.