Today in Baseball History: September 9th

1999 On September 9, 1999, Hall of Famer Jim "Catfish" Hunter dies from ALS at the age of 53. One of the game's most respected players, Hunter played on five World Championship teams with the Oakland A's and New York Yankees…

1997 On September 9, 1997, Hall of Famer and longtime Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Richie Ashburn dies from a heart attack at the age of 70. Regarded as an outstanding center fielder, Ashburn batted .308 lifetime and won two National League batting titles. He also established a major league record by leading the NL in fielding chances nine times. After his playing days, he became a popular broadcaster with the Phillies…

1992 On September 9, 1992, Robin Yount of the Milwaukee Brewers singles against Jose Mesa of the Cleveland Indians to become the third youngest player to reach 3,000 hits. Only Hank Aaron and Ty Cobb reached the exclusive mark at younger ages…

1987 On September 9, 1987, Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros strikes out 16 batters to surpass the 4,500-mark for his career. Ryan strikes out the last five batters-and 12 of the last 13-he faces. At the plate, Ryan drives in the winning run in a 4-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

1970 On September 9, 1970, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain for the third time on the season. McLain's latest ban, which results from him carrying a gun, along with other unspecified charges, will sideline him for the rest of the season…

1965 On September 9, 1965, Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs. Koufax fans 14 Cubs in a 1-0 victory, becoming the first pitcher to record four no-hitters. Lou Johnson collects the only hit for either team, a seventh-inning double.

1939 On September 9, 1939, Jimmie Foxx of the Boston Red Sox undergoes an appendectomy, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Although Foxx will not return to action in 1939, his 35 home runs will hold up as the most in the American League. He also finishes the year with a .360 batting average and 105 RBIs.

1933 On September 9, 1933, Joe Hauser of the American Association's Minneapolis Millers sets a professional record by hitting his 68th and 69th home runs. Hauser, who had hit 63 home runs with the minor league Baltimore Orioles in 1930, will never make the major leagues…

1928 On September 9, 1928, New York Yankees pitcher Urban Shocker dies from pneumonia at the age of 38. Shocker, an 18-game winner in 1927, had struggled with his health throughout the 1928 season.