Today in Baseball History: July 17th

1990 On July 17, 1990, the Minnesota Twins become the first team to turn two triple plays in one game. Third baseman Gary Gaetti, second baseman Al Newman, and first baseman Kent Hrbek are involved in both triple killings against the Boston Red Sox. The Twins still lose the game, 1-0, at Fenway Park.

1987 On July 17, 1987, Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees becomes the first American League player to hit home runs in seven consecutive games. Mattingly connects against Paul Kilgus of the Texas Rangers, helping the Yankees to an 8-4 win.

1974 On July 17, 1974, Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals collects the 3,000th strikeout of his major league career. Gibson, who fans Cesar Geronimo of the Cincinnati Reds, becomes only the second major leaguer to reach the milestone.

1961 On July 17, 1961, Hall of Famer Ty Cobb dies at the age of 74. One of the greatest hitters of all-time, the "Georgia Peach" led the American League in batting 12 times. Cobb also reached the coveted .400 mark three times in his career. When he retired, Cobb held the all-time record for most hits, runs scored, RBI and highest career batting average.

1960 On July 17, 1960, the San Francisco Giants demote Willie McCovey, the National League's Rookie of the Year in 1959, to their minor league affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. The future Hall of Famer will return to the major leagues later in the summer, but will finish the season with only a .238 batting average.

1941 On July 17, 1941, New York Yankees outfielder Joe DiMaggio sees his hitting streak halted at 56 games by two Cleveland Indians pitchers, Al Smith and Jim Bagby. Third baseman Ken Keltner makes two great plays on hot smashes by DiMaggio, robbing the "Yankee Clipper" of hits each time. DiMaggio's 56-game streak stands as the longest in major league history.

1934 On July 17, 1934, Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees draws the 2,000th walk of his career, becoming the first player in major league history to reach the milestone. Ruth will eventually retire as the game's all-time leader in bases on balls, a record that he will hold until it is surpassed by Rickey Henderson in 2001.

1914 On July 17, 1914, New York Giants outfielder Red Murray is knocked unconscious by a bolt of lightning during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Murray, who is struck after catching a fly ball, will recover quickly from the accident.

1914 On July 17, 1914, Babe Adams of the Pittsburgh Pirates