Today in Baseball History: September 5th

2007 On September 5, 2007, Oakland"s Mark Ellis set two franchise records as he helped the A"s defeat the Angels 6-2 in Anaheim. Ellis hit his 17th homer, the most ever by a second baseman for the A"s, and also played his 99th consecutive game at that position without an error.

2007 On September 5, 2007, Alex Rodriguez hit two homers in the Yankees eight-run seventh inning to pass Mel Ott and tie Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews for 17th on the all-time homer list at 512. Rodriguez, suffering from a sore ankle, didn"t let the injury bother him as he belted the 47th and 48th home runs of the campaign.

1995 On September 5, 1995, Cal Ripken, Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles ties one of the game's longest standing records. Ripken plays in his 2,130th consecutive game, matching the mark held by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. Oriole fans shower Ripken with a five-minute standing ovation…

1978 On September 5, 1978, the Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos set a major league record by combining to use 45 players. The Cubs and Expos, managed by Herman Franks and Dick Williams respectively, also tie a record by using 14 pitchers. The Expos win the game, 10-8…

1971 On September 5, 1971, J.R. Richard makes his major league debut for the Houston Astros. The intimidating six-foot, eight-inch right-hander strikes out 15 San Francisco Giants during a 5-3 win.

1969 On September 5, 1969, Pittsburgh Pirates hurler Steve Blass collects four hits while pitching the Bucs to a 6-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. Blass gives up only four hits, all stroked by Cubs star Billy Williams. The future Hall of Famer finishes the game with two doubles and two home runs.

1954 On September 5, 1954, future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron experiences both sides of baseball fortune. Aaron goes 4-for-4 in the first game of a doubleheader, helping the Milwaukee Braves to a 9-7 triumph over the Chicago Cubs. In the second game, Aaron breaks his ankle, ending his season.

1914 On September 5, 1914, Babe Ruth of the Providence Grays hits his first professional home run and also pitches a one-hitter. Playing in Toronto, Ruth blasts a three-run shot. Ruth will never hit another home run in the minor leagues.