Today in Baseball History: July 24th

2007 On July 24, 2007, the same day that he announced he would retire at the end of the season, Houston"s Craig Biggio hit a grand slam to defeat the Dodgers, 7-4. Earlier in the season, Biggio had collected his 3,000th hit.

1983 On July 24, 1983, the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees play the famed "Pine Tar Game." George Brett hits a three-run home run in the ninth inning to give the Royals a 5-4 lead. Umpire Tim McClelland, ruling that Brett's bat had excessive pine tar, calls him out. American League President Lee MacPhail will later reverse the decision.

1978 On July 24, 1978, Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds extends his hitting streak to 37 games with two hits against the New York Mets, tying Tommy Holmes' modern day major league record. Rose collects two singles in a 5-3 win, causing Mets pitcher Pat Zachry to kick at the dugout steps. Zachry breaks his foot and will miss the rest of the season.

1975 On July 24, 1975, the Kansas City Royals fire Jack McKeon as manager and replace him with Whitey Herzog. The former Texas Rangers' manager will lead the Royals to three consecutive Western Division titles.

1973 On July 24, 1973, Willie Mays of the New York Mets makes his final appearance in an All-Star Game. Mays strikes out on three pitches as a pinch-hitter for Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie Stargell. The National League wins the game, 7-1.

1970 On July 24, 1970, the Pittsburgh Pirates hold "Roberto Clemente Night" at Three Rivers Stadium, which opened only eight days earlier. After receiving over 100 gifts, Clemente collects two hits and makes two sliding catches to help the Pirates to an 11-0 rout.

1968 On July 24, 1968, Hoyt Wilhelm of the Chicago White Sox appears in the 907th game of his career, breaking Cy Young's record for most appearances. The future Hall of Famer pitches a scoreless inning of relief and picks up a no-decision in Chicago's 1-0 loss to the Oakland A's.

1964 On July 24, 1964, future major league star Barry Bonds is born in Riverside, California. The son of Bobby Bonds, Barry will make his debut in 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and will win MVP awards in 1990, 1992, 1993, 2001 and 2002.

1964 On July 27, 1964, eight new members: Luke Appling, Red Faber, Pud Galvin, Burleigh Grimes, Miller Huggins, Tim Keefe, Heinie Manush, and John Montgomery Ward, are inducted into the Hall of Fame during ceremonies in rural Cooperstown, New York.

1961 On July 24, 1961, two former outfielders: Max Carey and Billy Hamilton, are inducted into the Hall of Fame during ceremonies in Cooperstown. Carey starred for the Pirates for much of his 20-year career, leading the league in stolen bases 10 times. Hamilton, known as "Sliding Billy," hit .344 in a career spent almost exclusively in the 19th century. He was known for his brazen baserunning style.

1950 On July 24, 1950, at least six Hall of Famers (the largest in attendance since the original induction in 1939) attend the induction ceremony in Cooperstown. Two sluggers, each with more than 500 homers: Jimmie Foxx and Mel Ott, are inducted.

1948 On July 24, 1948, a fiery bus crash near St. Paul, Minnesota kills five members of Duluth's minor league team in the Northern League. The accident, which involves a collision between the team bus and a truck, also leaves 13 others injured.

1912 On July 24, 1912, future Hall of Fame outfielder Tris Speaker starts a 20-game hitting streak, his third streak of at least 20 games that season. Speaker remains the only player to accomplish that feat.

1911 On July 24, 1911, a team of American League All-Stars plays the Cleveland Naps in a benefit game for the family of Addie Joss. The Naps' pitcher died on April 14 from a rare form of meningitis. The AL stars win the game, which raises over $12,000 for Joss' family.