Today in Baseball History: April 28th

1985 On April 28, 1985, the New York Yankees hire Billy Martin as their manager for a fourth time. The fiery Martin, one of George Steinbrenner's favorite managers, replaces Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, who is fired just 16 games into the season.

1982 On April 28, 1982, Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies goes 5-for-5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, tying Hall of Famer Max Carey for the most five-hit games in National League history. Rose's latest five-hit performance helps the Phillies to a 9-3 win.

1966 On April 28, 1966, the Cleveland Indians tie a modern day major league record by winning their 10th consecutive game on Opening Day. Sonny Siebert, a 16-game winner in 1965, defeats the California Angels, 2-1…

1963 On April 28, 1963, Hall of Fame umpire Tom Connolly dies at the age of 90. Connolly served as an umpire for 34 years, working in both the American and National Leagues. Connolly once went 10 consecutive seasons without ejecting a player from a game…

1962 On April 28, 1962, Frank Thomas, Charlie Neal, and Gil Hodges hit consecutive home runs in the sixth inning to lead the expansion New York Mets to an 8-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The victory is a rare occurrence for the Mets-one of only 40 during their inaugural season…

1961 On April 28, 1961, 40-year-old Warren Spahn becomes the second oldest man to pitch a no-hitter in major league history. The Milwaukee Braves' ace masters the San Francisco Giants, 1-0, for his 290th career win and second career no-hitter. Spahn strikes out nine batters and walks only two. Fellow Hall of Famer Hank Aaron drives in the game's lone run with a single in the first inning.

1956 On April 28, 1956, Cincinnati Reds rookie Frank Robinson hits the first home run of his Hall of Fame career. The 20-year-old Robinson connects against Paul Minner of the Chicago Cubs, helping the Reds to a 9-1 victory. Robinson will hit 586 home runs during his major league career, ranking him fourth on the all-time list…

1952 On April 28, 1952, the St. Louis Browns "lend" two African-American minor league players, infielder John Britton and pitcher Jim Newberry, to the Hankyu Braves of the Japanese Pacific League. The Browns become the first major league organization to loan or sell players to a team outside of the United States.

1930 On April 28, 1930, the first night game in the history of Organized Baseball is played in Independence, Kansas. Muskogee defeats Independence, 13-3, in a battle of Western Association rivals.