Today in Baseball History: September 2nd

2006 On September 2, 2006, Cleveland rookie Kevin Kouzmanoff hits a grand slam in his first major league at-bat, on the first pitch. It"s the first time in major league history that a player belted a grand slam on the first pitch thrown to him in his first plate appearance.

1996 On September 2, 1996, David Cone of the New York Yankees makes a dramatic return from an aneurysm in his right arm, pitching seven innings of no-hit ball against the Oakland A's. Manager Joe Torre removes Cone and replaces him with Mariano Rivera, who allows an infield hit in the ninth. Cone still earns a 5-0 win…

1996 On September 2, 1996, Mike Greenwell of the Boston Red Sox sets a major league record by driving in all of his team's runs in a 9-8 win over the Seattle Mariners. Greenwell's seven-hit day includes a grand slam, a two-run homer, a double, and a game-winning single…

1987 On September 2, 1987, the Philadelphia Phillies release minor league catcher Dave Bresnahan, who one day earlier had substituted a potato for a baseball on a pickoff attempt. Bresnahan had thrown the potato wildly, in an attempt to deceive a runner. The umpire fined Bresnahan $50.

1972 On September 2, 1972, Milt Pappas of the Chicago Cubs pitches a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres and comes within one strike of hurling a perfect game. With two outs in the top of the ninth, Pappas runs the count to 1-and-2 on pinch-hitter Larry Stahl, but then throws three consecutive balls. Pappas argues with home plate umpire Bruce Froemming after the last ball, then settles down to retire pinch-hitter Garry Jestadt on a lazy pop-up. The Cubs win the game, 8-0.

1971 On September 2, 1971, Cesar Cedeno of the Houston Astros hits a 200-foot inside-the-park grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cedeno's pop fly falls in when second baseman Jim Lefebvre and right fielder Bill Buckner collide.

1970 On September 2, 1970, future Hall of Famer Billy Williams of the Chicago Cubs sets a National League record by playing in his 1,117th straight game. The next day, Williams will ask manager Leo Durocher to sit him down, ending the streak.

1955 On September 2, 1955, Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs sets a record for shortstops by hitting his 40th home run. Banks' home run surpasses the mark of 39 homers established by Vern Stephens of the Boston Red Sox.