Today in Baseball History: October 3rd

1982 On October 3, 1982, Don Sutton pitches the Milwaukee Brewers to a 10-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles, giving them the American League East title on the final day of the season. The Orioles and Brewers had been tied heading into the final game. Sutton defeats another future Hall of Famer, Jim Palmer…

1976 On October 3, 1976, Hank Aaron comes to bat for the final time. The Milwaukee Brewers' 42-year-old DH scratches out an infield single before leaving the game for a pinch-runner. Ironically, Aaron, who is in scoring position when he is removed from the game, needed one more run scored to break a tie with Babe Ruth for the most runs in baseball history.

1974 On October 3, 1974, Frank Robinson becomes the first black manager in major league history. The Cleveland Indians name the long-time star their new skipper, replacing the fired Ken Aspromonte…

1971 On October 3, 1971, slugging first baseman Bob Robertson of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits three home runs in a 9-4 playoff win over the San Francisco Giants. With the victory, the Bucs even the Championship Series at a game apiece.

1962 On October 3, 1962, the San Francisco Giants win the final game of their best-of-three playoff with the Los Angeles Dodgers to claim the National League pennant. Don Larsen, the hero of the 1956 World Series, wins a 6-4 decision in relief of Juan Marichal.

1951 On October 3, 1951, in one of the most dramatic moments in baseball history, Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants hits the "Shot Heard Round The World," a pennant-winning three-run home run against Ralph Branca of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Giants entered the ninth inning of the National League playoff game trailing, 4-2, before Thomson connects with two on and one out.

1947 On October 3, 1947, Cookie Lavagetto of the Brooklyn Dodgers breaks up Bill Bevens' no-hit bid with two outs in the ninth, giving the "Bums" a dramatic and unlikely 3-2 win over the New York Yankees in Game Four of the World Series. The Yankees will eventually win the Series…

1920 On October 3, 1920, George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns collects his 257th and final hit of the season, setting a new major league record. Sisler also pitches a scoreless inning of relief.