Today in Baseball History: September 26th

2007 On September 26, 2007, the New York Yankees clinched a playoff birth for a record 13th consecutive season. The Yankees, who were eight games below .500 on May 29, defeated the Devil Rays, 12-4 to clinch at least a wild card spot.

1981 On September 26, 1981, future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros becomes the first pitcher to throw five no-hitters in the major leagues. Ryan strikes out 11 batters and walks three in no-hitting the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-0, at the Astrodome…

1971 On September 26, 1971, Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs plays in his final major league game. The future Hall of Famer picks up his final hit-an infield single against Ken Reynolds of the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans at Wrigley Field give Banks a standing ovation in his final at-bat…

1971 On September 26, 1971, Jim Palmer becomes the fourth member of the Baltimore Orioles to register 20 wins on the season. Palmer pitches a three-hitter to improve his record to 20-9. Palmer joins Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally, and Pat Dobson as 20-game winners.

1961 On September 26, 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees ties Babe Ruth for most home runs in one season. Maris blasts No. 60 against Jack Fisher, helping the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles, 3-2.

1954 On September 26, 1954, the Philadelphia Athletics play their final game before their off-season move to Kansas City. The A's, one of the charter franchises in the American League, defeat the New York Yankees, 8-6, as Art Ditmar earns his first major league victory…

1908 On September 26, 1908, Ed Reulbach of the Chicago Cubs becomes the only pitcher to throw two shutouts on the same day. In blanking the Brooklyn Superbas, 5-0 and 3-0, Reulbach allows a total of only eight hits in the doubleheader.