Today in Baseball History: August 22nd

1989 On August 22, 1989, Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers becomes the first major league pitcher to reach the 5,000 strikeout mark. Ryan fans Rickey Henderson of the Oakland A's in the fifth inning of a 2-0 loss for the Rangers.

1978 On August 22, 1978, Ron LeFlore of the Detroit Tigers establishes an American League record by stealing his 27th consecutive base in a 7-3 win over the Minnesota Twins. LeFlore's streak began on July 16.

1974 On August 22, 1974, minor league outfielder Alfredo Edmead of Class-A Salem (Va.) is killed when he collides with a teammate during a game against Rocky Mount. An autopsy will show that Edmead had an unusually thin skull, contributing to his on-the-field death.

1965 On August 22, 1965, San Francisco Giants ace Juan Marichal hits Los Angeles Dodgers catcher John Roseboro over the head with a bat. Marichal became angered when he thought Roseboro was throwing the ball too close to his head while returning throws to Sandy Koufax. The National League will suspend Marichal for eight days.

1961 On August 22, 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hits his 50th home run of the season during a 4-3 loss to the expansion Los Angeles Angels. Maris becomes the first player to reach the 50-home run mark during the month of August. Maris will eventually break Babe Ruth's record for most home runs in a single season.

1959 On August 22, 1959, future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson of the Cincinnati Reds hits three home runs in an 11-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Robinson's trio of blasts come in consecutive at-bats.

1949 On August 22, 1949, the New York Yankees acquire future Hall of Famer Johnny Mize from the New York Giants for $40,000 in cash. Playing primarily as a backup first baseman and platoon role, Mize will participate in all five of the Yankees' world championships from 1949 to 1953.

1948 On August 22, 1948, the Brooklyn Dodgers pull off a triple steal in their game against the Boston Braves. Jackie Robinson steals home on the play, but the Dodgers lose the game on an eighth inning home run.

1917 On August 22, 1917, Carson Bigbee of the Pittsburgh Pirates sets a major league record by coming to bat 11 times in a 22-inning game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Pirate reliever Elmer Jacobs also sets a record by pitching 16 2/3 innings of relief.