Today in Baseball History: June 5th

1977 On June 5, 1977, the Dodgers honor former manager Walt Alston by retiring his uniform No. 24 during "Old Timers' Day" ceremonies at Dodger Stadium. Alston, who had retired after the 1976 season, had managed the Dodgers for 23 consecutive seasons - all on one-year contracts.

1974 On June 5, 1974, Oakland A's teammates Reggie Jackson and Billy North engage in a pre-game brawl in the clubhouse at Detroit's Tiger Stadium. One of the team's catchers, Ray Fosse, tries to break up the fight, only to suffer a damaged disc in his neck. Fosse will miss most of the balance of the regular season.

1966 On June 5, 1966, Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie Stargell goes 5-for-5 against the Houston Astros. The hitting spree gives Stargell nine hits in nine consecutive at-bats over the last two games.

1966 On June 5, 1966, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Leo "Chico" Cardenas hits four home runs in a doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs. Cardenas hits two in the first game and two more in the nightcap. The Reds win the first game, 8-3, but lose the second game, 9-5.

1963 On June 5, 1963, while chasing a fly ball hit by Brooks Robinson, Mickey Mantle runs into a fence and breaks his left foot. The injury will keep Mantle out of the Yankee lineup for 61 games.

1959 On June 5, 1959, Dick "Dr. Strangeglove" Stuart hits the longest home run in the history of Forbes Field. The Pittsburgh Pirates' slugger hits a 457-foot blast over the center field wall, becoming the first player to clear the barrier in the ballpark's 50-year existence. Stuart reaches the seats against Chicago Cubs pitcher Glenn Hobbie.

1957 On June 5, 1957, Brooklyn Dodgers right-hander Don Drysdale pitches the first shutout of his brilliant career. Drysdale handcuffs the Chicago Cubs, 3-0. Drysdale will pitch a total of 49 shutouts in 14 major league seasons.

1955 On June 5, 1955, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees slugs a 550-foot home run against Chicago White Sox left-hander Billy Pierce. The blast clears the upper deck in left field at Comiskey Park.

1949 On June 5, 1949, Commissioner Happy Chandler lifts the ban on major league players who had jumped to the Mexican League. The ruling allows former major league stars like Sal Maglie to return to the big leagues.

1937 On June 5, 1937, the St. Louis Cardinals sign 16-year-old Stan "The Man" Musial to his first professional contract. The Redbirds sign Musial as a pitcher but will eventually convert him to the outfield. Splitting his time as a first baseman and outfielder, Musial will forge a Hall of Fame career with the Redbirds.