Today in Baseball History: August 11th

1995 On August 11, 1995, longtime major league star Kirk Gibson announces his retirement. The 17-year veteran reached the pinnacle of his career in 1988, when he homered for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of the World Series. The home run gave the Dodgers a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Oakland A's. Gibson had also been a key member of the Detroit Tigers 1984 World Series championship team. Playing his second hitch with Detroit and citing the desire to spend more time at home, Gibson states that he "has been traded to his family."

1986 On August 11, 1986, the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates tie a National League record by combining to use 17 pitchers in one game. The Cubs set a new major league mark by using 10 hurlers in the 17-inning loss at Wrigley Field.

1974 On August 11, 1974, New York Yankee greats Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford are inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with Cool Papa Bell, Jim Bottomley, Jocko Conlan, and Sam Thompson.

1970 On August 11, 1970, Jim Bunning of the Philadelphia Phillies earns his 100th National League win. Bunning becomes the second pitcher in history to record 100 wins in each league, joining Cy Young in the category.

1969 On August 11, 1969, Los Angeles Dodgers great Don Drysdale announces his retirement. Drysdale, the last remaining Dodger from the franchise's days in Brooklyn, leaves the game because of shoulder problems. Drysdale finishes his career with 209 wins, a 2.95 ERA, and 49 shutouts in helping the Dodgers to five World Series appearances.

1961 On August 11, 1961, Warren Spahn becomes the 13th major leaguer to win 300 games. The Milwaukee Braves' veteran earns a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Spahn will finish his career with 363 victories, the most by a left-handed pitcher.

1937 On August 11, 1937, 19-year old Clair Bertram of the Pensacola Fliers in the Southeastern League, tosses his second no-hitter in ten days. The right-hander stymies Birmingham, allowing just two walks in a 6-0 gem. On August 2, he had hurled a no-hit game against the Selma Cloverleafs.

1929 On August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees hits his 500th home run, connecting against Willis Hudlin of the Cleveland Indians. In spite of Ruth's home run-his 30th of the season-the Yankees lose the game, 6-5.