Today in Baseball History: June 8th

1982 On June 8, 1982, Hall of Famer Satchel Paige dies at the reported age of 76. Paige made his major league debut in 1948, after a long career in the Negro Leagues. He made his final major league appearance in 1965, pitching three innings for the Kansas City A's.

1982 On June 8, 1982, Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Sid Fernandez pitches his second no-hitter of the season for Vero Beach of the Florida State League. Fernandez' latest gem will earn him a promotion to Albuquerque, the Dodgers' top affiliate in the Pacific Coast League.

1969 On June 8, 1969, the New York Yankees retire the uniform number of one of their greatest players on "Mickey Mantle Day" at Yankee Stadium. Mantle's No. 7 is retired before a crowd of 60,096 fans, who stay on to watch the Yankees sweep a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.

1968 On June 8, 1968, Don Drysdale's major league record streak of consecutive scoreless innings comes to an end. Howie Bedell of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a sacrifice fly against Drysdale, ending his streak at 58 2/3 innings. Drysdale's Los Angeles Dodgers will go on to win the game, 5-3.

1968 On June 8, 1968, three major league games in New York, San Francisco, and Washington are postponed after the assassination of New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy. New York Mets players had asked for postponement of their game in San Francisco. Commissioner Spike Eckert orders the other two postponements and instructs all other teams to delay their games until the evening.

1965 On June 8, 1965, the Kansas City A's select collegiate star Rick Monday with the initial pick of the first-ever amateur free agent draft. Future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round. Another Hall of Famer, Nolan Ryan, is chosen in the tenth round by the New York Mets.

1950 On June 8, 1950, the Boston Red Sox establish a major league record for the most runs in one game as they rip the St. Louis Browns, 29-4, at Fenway Park. Bobby Doerr hits three home runs and drives in eight, while Walt Dropo and Ted Williams each slam two home runs.

1950 On June 8, 1950, the Kansas City A's sign pitcher Lew Krausse to a $125,000 bonus, the largest in major league history. The 18-year-old right-hander pitched 18 no-hitters in high school and once struck out 24 batters in a game.

1933 On June 8, 1933, Jimmie Foxx of the Philadelphia A's hits three home runs in a 14-10 win over the New York Yankees. Foxx's home runs come in his first three at-bats, giving him homers in four consecutive plate appearances.