Today in Baseball History: October 12th

1988 On October 12, 1988, Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers blanks the New York Mets on five hits to win the National League Championship Series. Hershiser, who is named playoff MVP, vaults the Dodgers into the World Series.

1986 On October 12, 1986, former Detroit Tigers slugger Norm Cash dies in a boating accident at the age of 51. The 1961 American League batting champion hit 377 home runs during his 17-year career with the Tigers and Chicago White Sox…

1986 On October 12, 1986, the Boston Red Sox stave off elimination with a dramatic win against the California Angels in Game Five of the American League playoffs. Dave Henderson's ninth-inning home run against Donnie Moore ties the game, setting the stage for the Red Sox' 7-6 win in 11 innings. The Red Sox will come back to win the series in seven games.

1982 On October 12, 1982, Paul Molitor of the Milwaukee Brewers sets a World Series record by collecting five hits against the St. Louis Cardinals. Brewers starter Mike Caldwell posts a 10-0 shutout in Game One…

1980 On October 12, 1980, the Philadelphia Phillies defeat the Houston Astros, 8-7, to capture the National League Championship Series. In the 10th inning, Garry Maddox drives in Del Unser to end a dramatic playoff series that featured four extra-inning games…

1967 On October 12, 1967, future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson hits a home run and strikes out 10 batters in leading the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Championship over the Boston Red Sox. Gibson allows only three hits as the Cardinals win Game Seven, 7-2.

1963 On October 12, 1963, the major leagues stage the only Hispanic American All-Star game in history. The roster of Latino stars includes future Hall of Famers Luis Aparicio, Orlando Cepeda, Roberto Clemente, and Juan Marichal, and other standouts like Felipe Alou and Tony Oliva. Manny Mota's pinch-hit single helps the National League stars to victory.

1948 On October 12, 1948, the New York Yankees name Casey Stengel their manager, replacing the fired Stanley "Bucky" Harris. Stengel, who receives a two-year contract, will lead the Yankees to five consecutive World Championships beginning in 1949.

1920 On October 12, 1920, Hall of Famer Stan Coveleski of the Cleveland Indians wins his third game of the World Series, a 3-0 shutout of the Brooklyn Robins. The victory gives the Indians the World Championship, five games to two…

1880 On October 12, 1880, future Hall of Famer Pete Hill is born in Pittsburgh. A standout centerfielder with a rifle arm, Hill was one of the greatest line-drive hitters of the early 1900s. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.