Today in Baseball History: June 1st

1987 On June 1, 1987, Phil Niekro of the Cleveland Indians defeats the Detroit Tigers, 9-6, to establish a record for most career wins by a pair of brothers. The victory gives Phil and his younger brother Joe a combined 530 wins, surpassing Gaylord and Jim Perry on the all-time list.

1976 On June 1, 1976, the Minnesota Twins trade ace pitcher Bert Blyleven and ailing shortstop Danny Thompson to the Texas Rangers for infielders Roy Smalley and Mike Cubbage, pitcher Bill Singer, and $250,000 in cash. Thompson, who is seriously ill with leukemia, will lose his battle with the disease on December 10.

1975 On June 1, 1975, California Angels fireballer Nolan Ryan notches the fourth no-hitter of his major league career. In earning his 100th career win, Ryan strikes out nine Baltimore Orioles in equaling Sandy Koufax' record for most career no-hitters. Ryan will eventually break Koufax' record, and will finish with an unprecedented seven no-hitters.

1968 On June 1, 1968, Joe Hoerner of the St. Louis Cardinals ties the National League record for most consecutive strikeouts by a relief pitcher. The side-arming left-hander fans the final six batters he faces and earns the win in a 6-5 victory over the New York Mets.

1965 On June 1, 1965, Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Bob Veale sets a franchise record by striking out 16 Philadelphia Phillies. The hard-throwing Veale wins the game, 4-0, making it 12 consecutive victories for the Bucs.

1955 On June 1, 1955, future Hall of Famer Duke Snider hits three home runs at Ebbets Field, helping the Brooklyn Dodgers to an 11-8 win over the Milwaukee Braves. As a team, the Dodgers set a franchise record with six home runs.

1944 On June 1, 1944, Washington Senators outfielder Stan Spence goes 6-for-6 in an 11-5 win over the St. Louis Browns. Spence, who collects five singles and a home run, will finish the season with a .316 batting average and career highs in home runs (18) and RBIs (100).

1943 On June 1, 1943, Truett "Rip" Sewell of the Pittsburgh Pirates debuts his "eephus" or "blooper ball" pitch, which travels as high as 25 feet above the ground before dropping into the strike zone. Sewell will use the pitch on his way to a 20-win campaign.

1941 On June 1, 1941, Mel Ott hit his 400th career home run and collected his 1,500th career RBI in the Giants" 3-2 victory over Cincinnati.

1925 On June 1, 1925, Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees begins his historic consecutive-game streak when he pinch-hits for shortstop Pee Wee Wanninger. The following day, Gehrig will take over as the Yankees' everyday first baseman, replacing Wally Pipp, who is sidelined by a headache.