Today in Baseball History: October 11th

2004 On October 11, 2004, the Houston Astros finally win their first post-season series, defeating the Braves in Game Five of the NL Divisional Series, 12-3. Carlos Beltran hits two homers, Jeff Bagwell hits one, and Craig Biggio collects three hits in the win, which gives the franchise its" first post-season series win in their 42 years of existence.

2003 On October 11, 2003, the Yankees and Red Sox play a rowdy game at Fenway Park in Game Three of the ALCS. In a matchup between ace hurlers Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez, the becnhes clear after Manny Ramirez took exception to a pitch he felt was hurled at his head by Clemens. Among several skirmishes that ensued, Martinez twirled Yankee coach Don Zimmer to the ground. The Yankees prevail, 3-2.

1985 On October 11, 1985, George Brett raps out four hits to lead the Kansas City Royals to a comeback win over the Toronto Blue Jays in the third game of the American League Championship Series. Brett's outburst includes two home runs, which help the Royals to a 6-5 win…

1972 On October 11, 1972, Bob Moose of the Pittsburgh Pirates unleashes a ninth inning wild pitch, giving the Cincinnati Reds a 4-3 win in the decisive fifth game of the National League playoffs. The Bucs had entered the ninth inning with a 3-2 lead before Johnny Bench's solo home run against Dave Giusti tied the game.

1971 On October 11, 1971, Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles sets a World Series record by reaching base five consecutive times against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Robinson's barrage helps Baltimore to an 11-3 win in Game Two.

1967 On October 11, 1967, the New York Mets name former Brooklyn Dodger great Gil Hodges as their manager, succeeding Casey Stengel. Hodges had been managing the Washington Senators, who receive $100,000 as compensation from New York...

1967 On October 11, 1967, Boston Red Sox shortstop Rico Petrocelli blasts a pair of home runs, highlighting an 8-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth game of the World Series. The Red Sox win forces a seventh and deciding game, which the Cardinals will win...

1964 On October 11, 1964, St. Louis' Ken Boyer hits a grand slam in Game Four of the World Series, capping off a 4-3 comeback win over the New York Yankees. The Cardinals had trailed, 3-0, before Boyer's blast against Al Downing.

1948 On October 11, 1948, the Cleveland Indians defeat the Boston Braves in Game Six to win the World Series. Joe Gordon hits a home run in support of future Hall of Famer Bob Lemon, who earns a 4-3 victory-his second win of the Series…

1913 On October 11, 1913, the Philadelphia Athletics win the World Series as Eddie Plank outduels New York Giants pitching great Christy Mathewson in Game Five. Plank allows only two hits in the A's 3-1 victory, giving Philadelphia its third World Championship in the last four seasons…

1911 On October 11, 1911, Ty Cobb of the Detroit Tigers and Frank "Wildfire" Schulte of the Chicago Cubs win the newly established Chalmers Awards, which go to the league's most valuable players. Cobb batted .420 with an American League-leading 127 RBIs, while Schulte led the National League with 21 home runs and 107 RBIs.