Today in Baseball History: August 14th

1999 On August 14, 1999, popular Hall of Fame shortstop Harold "Pee Wee" Reese dies from lung cancer at the age of 81. An eight-time All-Star, Reese captained the Brooklyn Dodger teams of the 1950s. He helped lead Brooklyn to seven National League pennants, in addition to the Dodgers' only World Championship in 1955. Reese also gained acclaim for his acceptance of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American major league player of the 20th century. While many other National League players voiced their opposition of Robinson, Reese made his new Dodger teammate feel welcome, both in the clubhouse and on the field. Reese won election to the Hall of Fame in 1984, joining Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider as fellow Brooklyn Dodger teammates enshrined in Cooperstown.

1987 On August 14, 1987, Mark McGwire of the Oakland A's hits his 39th home run, setting a record for the most home runs by a major league rookie. McGwire's two-run shot in the sixth inning gives the A's a 5-3 lead over the California Angels. The A's eventually win the game, 7-6, in 12 innings.

1971 On August 14, 1971, future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches the first no-hitter of his career. Gibson strikes out 10 batters and also drives in three runs in an 11-0 whitewash of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The no-hitter is the first in the history of Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium.

1960 On August 14, 1960, Hall of Famer Fred Clarke dies at the age of 87. Clarke played 21 years in the major leagues and also managed for 19 seasons. In 1909, he led the Pittsburgh Pirates to a World Championship.

1958 On August 14, 1958, Vic Power of the Cleveland Indians steals home twice in the same game. His second stolen base gives the Indians a 10-9 win in 10 innings. Not known for his base-stealing ability, Power will finish the season with only three stolen bases.

1937 On August 14, 1937, the Detroit Tigers set a major league record by scoring 36 runs in a doubleheader against the St. Louis Browns. Detroit's Pete Fox leads the run-scoring barrage by reaching home plate eight times.

1929 On August 14, 1929, the Detroit Tigers hold "Charlie Gehringer Day" at Briggs Stadium. The "Mechanical Man" collects three singles, hits a home run, steals home, and handles 10 chances in the field without an error during a 17-13 win over the New York Yankees.

1922 On August 14, 1922, an exhibition game was played to benefit the family of Tommy McCarthy, who had passed away nine days earlier. McCarthy teamed with fellow Hall of Famer Hugh Duffy as the "Heavenly Twins" in the Boston outfield of the 1890s.