Today in Baseball History: July 23rd

1989 On July 23, 1989, the Hall of Fame continues its 50th anniversary celebration with induction ceremonies in Cooperstown. Johnny Bench, Carl Yastrzemski, Red Schoendienst, and Al Barlick make their induction speeches on the front steps of the Hall's Library.

1987 On July 23, 1987, the Boston Red Sox waive first baseman Bill Buckner, less than a year after he committed a crucial error in Game Six of the 1986 World Series. Buckner, batting .273 at the time of his release, will sign a contract with the California Angels.

1976 On July 23, 1976, Sadaharu Oh of the Yomiuri Giants hits his 700th career home run, becoming the first player in the history of the Japanese Leagues to reach the milestone. Oh joins major leaguers Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth in the exclusive 700-club.

1974 On July 23, 1974, Steve Garvey of the Los Angeles Dodgers collects a single and double to lead the National League to a 7-2 victory in the All-Star Game. Garvey, who was not listed on the All-Star ballot, becomes only the second player to be selected as a starter as a write-in candidate. In 1970, Rico Carty of the Atlanta Braves became the first write-in All-Star.

1964 On July 23, 1964, Kansas City A's shortstop Bert Campaneris hits two home runs in his major league debut. He rips a home run on the first pitch he sees from Minnesota's Jim Kaat, and belts another home run in the seventh inning. Campaneris, who becomes only the second player to hit two home runs in his first game, will hit only 79 home runs in 19 years.

1962 On July 23, 1962, Jackie Robinson, Bob Feller, Bill McKechnie, and Edd Roush are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Robinson, the first black player to participate in major league ball during the 20th century, also becomes the first African-American elected to the shrine.

1956 On July 23, 1956, Joe Cronin and Hank Greenberg are inducted into the Hall of Fame during the annual ceremony in Cooperstown, New York. Shortstop Cronin played most of his career with the Boston Red Sox, while slugger Greenberg won two MVP Awards for the Detroit Tigers before finishing his career with Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

1944 On July 23, 1944, Chicago Cubs slugger Bill Nicholson receives an intentional walk with the bases loaded in the seventh inning of a game against the New York Giants. The Giants' unusual strategy is understandable, given Nicholson's four consecutive home runs over the last two games. In spite of Nicholson's power barrage, the Giants win the game, 12-10.

1930 On July 23, 1930, Pie Traynor of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits game-winning home runs in both ends of a doubleheader. Traynor homers in the ninth inning of the first game and in the 13th inning of the second game.

1925 On July 23, 1925, Lou Gehrig belts a grand slam - the first of his major league record 23 grand slams. Gehrig's slam proves the difference in the New York Yankees' 11-7 win over the Washington Senators.