Today in Baseball History: September 1st

1989 On September 1, 1989, Commissioner Bart Giamatti dies from a heart attack at the age of 51. Giamatti's death occurs only eight days after he made headlines by banning Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose from baseball for gambling. Giamatti had been elected commissioner in 1988.

1975 On September 1, 1975, Tom Seaver becomes the first major league pitcher to reach the 200-strikeout plateau in eight consecutive seasons. The New York Mets' ace strikes out Manny Sanguillen of the Pittsburgh Pirates to reach the milestone…

1971 On September 1, 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates field the first all-black lineup in major league history. The lineup, which includes future Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, helps the Pirates defeat the Philadelphia Phillies, 10-7, at Three Rivers Stadium. Rennie Stennett (2B), Gene Clines (CF), Roberto Clemente (RF), Willie Stargell (LF), Manny Sanguillen (C), Dave Cash (3B), Al Oliver (1B), Jackie Hernandez (SS), Dock Ellis (SP).

1964 On September 1, 1964, Masanori Murakami of the San Francisco becomes the first Japanese-born player to appear in a major league game. Murakami pitches one inning of relief in a 4-1 loss to the New York Mets.

1951 On September 1, 1951, Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem dies at the age of 77. Known as "The Old Arbitrator," Klem excelled so much at calling balls and strikes that he worked exclusively as a home plate umpire for the first 16 years of his major league career…

1906 On September 1, 1906, the Boston Pilgrims and Philadelphia Athletics play the longest game to date in major league history. Playing at the Huntington Avenue Grounds in Boston, the Athletics beat the Pilgrims, 4-1. The 24-inning marathon lasts four hours and 47 minutes.