Today in Baseball History: September 23rd

Aurelio Rodriguez

2000 On September 23, 2000, former major leaguer Aurelio Rodriguez dies at the age of 52 from injuries suffered when he was struck by a car. A slick-fielding third baseman, Rodriguez won a Gold Glove in 1976 for the Detroit Tigers. He played for seven teams during his 17-year career.

1983 On September 23, 1983, Steve "Lefty" Carlton of the Philadelphia Phillies wins his 300th game. The future Hall of Famer defeats his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Using his trademark slider, Carlton strikes out 12 batters in winning the game, 6-2. Carlton also drives in a run in the first inning…

1978 On September 23, 1978, California Angels star Lyman Bostock is killed by a gunman while riding in a car in Gary, Indiana. The 27-year-old Bostock, a .311 career hitter, was batting .296 with the Angels at the time of his death.

1962 On September 23, 1962, Maury Wills of the Los Angeles Dodgers breaks Ty Cobb's modern day record for most steals in a single season. Wills steals three bases against the St. Louis Cardinals, giving him a record-setting 97 for the season.

1957 On September 23, 1957, Hank Aaron hits a game-winning home run to clinch the pennant for the Milwaukee Braves. Aaron's two-run shot in the 11th inning gives the Braves a 4-2 win over the second-place St. Louis Cardinals.

1957 On September 23, 1957, the Washington Senators held "Roy Sievers Night" at Griffith Stadium for their slugging left fielder. Vice-President Richard Nixon, an avid baseball fan, presided over the hour-long ceremony. Sievers, who led the AL in homers and RBI that season, received gifts of a new Mercury station wagon, television set, golf clubs, wristwatch, and free haircuts for a year.

1908 On September 23, 1908, Fred Merkle of the New York Giants commits one of the most famous gaffes in baseball history. In a crucial game against the Chicago Cubs, Merkle fails to touch second base as the apparent winning run scores. The Cubs argue the play with umpire Hank O'Day, who later declares the game a tie...