Today in Baseball History: May 19th

2008 On May 19, 2008, Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox hurls a no-hitter in his 7-0 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. It"s the first complete game of Lester"s career. His catcher, Jason Varitek, sets a record by catching his fourth no-hit game.

1981 On May 19, 1981, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Jim Bibby narrowly misses pitching his second career no-hitter when he fires a one-hitter against the Atlanta Braves. The massive right-hander allows a leadoff single to Terry Harper before retiring the next 27 batters in a row. In 1973, Bibby had thrown a no-hitter for the Texas Rangers against the Oakland A's.

1970 On May 19, 1970, the lawsuit filed by former St. Louis Cardinals star Curt Flood against Major League Baseball begins its hearing in federal court. Judge Irving Ben Cooper presides over the case, which will result in the upholding of baseball's reserve clause.

1970 On May 19, 1970, Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk dies at the age of 77. An excellent defensive catcher, Schalk played in the 1917 and 1919 World Series for the Chicago White Sox. In 1955, Schalk will gain enshrinement in Cooperstown…

1968 On May 19, 1968, Frank Howard's home run streak comes to an end. The Washington Senators' slugger had hit 10 home runs over the last six games, establishing a new major league record. "Hondo" is shut down by Detroit Tigers pitcher Earl Wilson, who defeats the Senators, 5-4.

1964 On May 19, 1964, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ernie Broglio throws a record-tying three wild pitches in one inning. In an interesting twist, the Cardinals, who lose to the Chicago Cubs, 7-4, will trade Broglio to Chicago later in the season. The deal will net St. Louis future Hall of Fame outfielder Lou Brock.

1963 On May 19, 1963, Billy Bruton of the Detroit Tigers ties a major league record by collecting four doubles in one game. Curiously, Bruton will total only 21 doubles on the season.

1962 On May 19, 1962, Stan Musial breaks Honus Wagner's record for most hits in National League history. The St. Louis Cardinals' legend singles against Ron Perranoski of the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the 3,431st hit of his Hall of Fame career. The Cardinals win the game, 8-1.

1959 On May 19, 1959, pitcher Billy O'Dell of the Baltimore Orioles hits a 120-foot home run against the Chicago White Sox. O'Dell's "drive" hits the foul line and bounces over the head of right fielder Al Smith, allowing O'Dell to circle the bases. Thanks to O'Dell's two-run, inside-the-park home run, the Orioles win the game, 2-1.

1956 On May 19, 1956, Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Dale Long clubs a ninth-inning home run against the Cubs. Long will hit home runs in each of his next seven games, establishing a major league record for home runs in consecutive games.