Today in Baseball History: May 2nd

1972 On May 2, 1972, the long holdout of Oakland A's pitching star Vida Blue comes to an end. Blue, who won the both the American League MVP and Cy Young awards in 1971, agrees to sign a contract for $63,000, after balking at owner Charlie Finley's previous offers. Perhaps affected by the long layoff, Blue will win only six games in 1972.

1969 On May 2, 1969, future Hall of Famer Al Lopez resigns as manager of the Chicago White Sox due to health reasons. Lopez, who leaves the game with 840 wins and two pennants, is replaced by Don Gutteridge.

1964 On May 2, 1964, the Minnesota Twins hit four consecutive home runs in one inning. Tony Oliva, Bob Allison, Jimmie Hall, and Harmon Killebrew go deep in the 11th inning of a 7-3 win over the Kansas City A's.

1960 On May 2, 1960, Birmingham and Memphis set a Southern League record by hitting 11 home runs in one game. With Russwood Park unavailable due to a fire, a temporary park proves especially inviting for home runs. Six of the home runs clear the right-field fence, which is only 204 feet from home plate.

1954 On May 2, 1954, future Hall of Famer Stan Musial has a huge day at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, hitting a major league record five homers in a doubleheader. Ironically, an eight-year old fan attending that game - Nate Colbert - would one day equal Musial"s feat, hitting five homers in a twinbill on August 1, 1972.

1939 On May 2, 1939, Lou Gehrig's streak of 2,130 consecutive games comes to an end. An ailing Gehrig removes himself from the lineup in Detroit, telling manager Joe McCarthy that he cannot play because of continuing weakness. Doctors will later diagnose Gehrig with ALS, a fatal disease that affects the muscles. Gehrig will never play again.

1923 On May 2, 1923, Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators throws his 100th career shutout. Johnson defeats the New York Yankees, 1-0. In the same game, Everett Scott of the Yankees plays in his 1,000th consecutive game.

1920 On May 2, 1920, the first game in the history of the Negro National League is played. The Indianapolis ABCs host the Chicago American Giants, managed by Hall of Famer Rube Foster. The ABCs, featuring Hall of Famer Oscar Charleston, win the game, 4-2.

1917 On May 2, 1917, Fred Toney of the Cincinnati Reds and "Hippo" Vaughn of the Chicago Cubs match no-hit ball for nine innings. The Reds score a run in the 10th and Toney sets down the Cubs in order, completing his no-hitter.