Today in Baseball History: May 22nd

1990 On May 22, 1990, Chicago Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson breaks Roger Maris' intentional walk record when he receives five intentional free passes from the Cincinnati Reds. The strategy does not prevent the Cubs from winning a 2-1 decision in 16 innings.

1975 On May 22, 1975, Hall of Fame pitcher Robert Moses "Lefty" Grove dies at the age of 75. Grove won 300 games over a 17-year career with the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox. Grove was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1947.

1969 On May 22, 1969, Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron is lifted for a pinch-hitter for the first time in his major league career. Mike Lum, batting for Aaron in the seventh, hits a pinch-hit double in the Braves' 15-3 blowout of the New York Mets. Aaron had come to bat 9,015 times in his career before being removed for a pinch-hitter.

1968 On May 22, 1968, Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie Stargell hits three home runs in a 13-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The future Hall of Famer just misses a fourth home run when he hits a long double that bounces off the railing of the left field bleachers at Wrigley Field.

1962 On May 22, 1962, New York Yankees slugger Roger Maris receives four intentional walks during a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels. The four intentional free passes set a new American League record. In 1961, Maris had blasted 61 home runs - a major league record.

1957 On May 22, 1957, the Boston Red Sox tie an American League record by belting four home runs in one inning. The four long balls - hit by Gene Mauch, Ted Williams, Dick Gernert, and Frank Malzone - come in the sixth inning of an 11-0 thrashing of the Cleveland Indians.

1933 On May 22, 1933, Joe Sewell of the New York Yankees strikes out for the first time on the season. The future Hall of Famer and contact hitter extraordinaire will strike out only four times all season long.

1926 On May 22, 1926, the St. Louis Cardinals hold "Rogers Hornsby Day" in honor of their star player-manager. Hornsby, the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1925, receives $1,000 in gold during a pre-game ceremony.

1911 On May 22, 1911, Clifford Curtis of the Boston Braves sets a major league record by losing his 23rd consecutive game. Curtis had begun the streak by losing a game on June 13, 1910. Curtis' record will eventually be broken by Anthony Young, a luckless right-hander with the New York Mets.