Today in Baseball History: July 3rd

1993 On July 3, 1993, Hall of Famer Don Drysdale dies from a heart attack. The 56-year-old Drysdale had been serving as a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his 14-year playing career with the Dodgers, the hard-throwing Drysdale won 209 games and pitched 49 shutouts, earning him Hall of Fame election in 1984.

1973 On July 3, 1973, brothers Gaylord and Jim Perry face each other for the only time in their careers. Gaylord Perry, pitching for the Cleveland Indians, loses a 5-4 decision to Jim Perry's Detroit Tigers. Norm Cash rips a pair of home runs to help the Tigers to victory.

1970 On July 3, 1970, Clyde Wright of the California Angels pitches a no-hitter against the Oakland A's immediately after being inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. Wright, who won only one game in 1969, shuts down the A's after being honored in pre-game ceremonies at Anaheim Stadium. Reggie Jackson comes closest to breaking up Wright's no-hitter, with a 400-foot blast that is caught in center field by Jay Johnstone.

1968 On July 3, 1968, Cleveland Indians right-hander Luis Tiant strikes out 19 Minnesota Twins batters in 10 innings. Tiant allows only six hits and no walks in winning the extra inning game, 1-0.

1966 On July 3, 1966, Tony Cloninger of the Atlanta Braves becomes the first National League pitcher to club two grand slams in a game. Cloninger drives in nine runs in a 17-3 shellacking of the San Francisco Giants. Cloninger's nine RBIs set a single-game record for a pitcher.

1951 On July 3, 1951, former major league pitcher Hugh Casey commits suicide by shooting himself in the neck. The 37-year-old Casey won 75 games and saved 55 games over a nine-year career, mostly with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1947 On July 3, 1947, Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck purchases the contract of outfielder Larry Doby from the Newark Eagles of the Negro American League. Doby will play in his first game two days later, becoming the first African-American player in American League history.

1935 On July 3, 1935, the Chicago Cubs release future Hall of Fame outfielder Kiki Cuyler as a cost-cutting measure. Cuyler will sign a contract with the Cincinnati Reds just two days later.

1912 On July 3, 1912, New York Giants pitcher Rube Marquard sets a modern day record by winning his 19th consecutive game - a 2-1 decision over the rival Brooklyn Dodgers. Dating back to the previous season, Marquard's winning s