Today in Baseball History: May 31st

2006 On May 31, 2006, pitcher Roger Clemens signs a one-year deal with the Astros, coming back for another season. After winning the NL Cy Young Award in his first season with Houston in 2004, and leading the team to their first World Series in 2005, Clemens returns to help the club and to pursue his dream of playing in the big leagues with his son, a prospect in the Astros" system.

1970 On May 31, 1970, Baltimore Orioles star Paul Blair is hit by a pitch thrown by California Angels relief pitcher Ken Tatum. Blair suffers a broken nose and other facial fractures. Although Blair will recover and continue to play for 10 more seasons, he will never hit above .280 over the balance of his career.

1968 On May 31, 1968, the shutout streak of Don Drysdale appears to end when he hits Dick Dietz with a bases-loaded pitch in the ninth inning. But umpire Harry Wendelstedt rules that Dietz made no effort to avoid the pitch, thus prolonging the at-bat. Drysdale then retires Dietz on a fly ball and completes his fifth consecutive shutout - tying a record.

1965 On May 31, 1965, manager Chuck Dressen returns to the Detroit Tigers after suffering a heart attack in spring training. Dressen will finish out the season, but will suffer a career-ending heart attack in 1967.

1964 On May 31, 1964, the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants play the longest doubleheader in history. The two games last nine hours and 52 minutes. San Francisco sweeps the lengthy twinbill, 5-3 and 8-6.

1961 On May 31, 1961, Carroll Hardy of the Boston Red Sox becomes the only player to pinch-hit for both Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. Subbing for Yaz in the eighth inning, Hardy lays down a bunt single during a 7-6 loss.

1958 On May 31, 1958, future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and outfielder Wes Covington hit back-to-back-to-back home runs against Ron Kline of the Pittsburgh Pirates, powering the Milwaukee Braves to an 8-3 win. Aaron, Mathews and Covington had achieved the same feat in 1957.