Today in Baseball History: May 3rd

1995 On May 3, 1995, rookie infielder David Bell makes his debut for the Cleveland Indians, representing the third generation of his family to play in the major leagues. David's father, Buddy, and his grandfather, Gus, previously starred in the big leagues. The Bells become the second three-generation family in major league history, joining the Boone"s (Ray, Bob, Bret and Aaron).

1980 On May 3, 1980, Ferguson Jenkins of the Texas Rangers becomes the fourth pitcher in history to record 100 wins in each major league. He joins fellow Hall of Famers Jim Bunning, Gaylord Perry, and Cy Young in the exclusive club. Jenkins defeats the Baltimore Orioles, 3-2, for his 100th American League victory.

1980 On May 3, 1980, Willie McCovey of the San Francisco Giants hits the final home run of his Hall of Fame career. McCovey hits his 521st home run against Scott Sanderson of the Montreal Expos, helping the Giants to a 3-2 win. McCovey will enter the Hall of Fame in 1986.

1975 On May 3, 1975, Cincinnati Reds manager Sparky Anderson decides to switch Pete Rose from left field to third base, making room for promising slugger George Foster in the outfield. The move will help the "Big Red Machine" win World Championships in both 1975 and 1976.

1964 On May 3, 1964, Sadaharu Oh of the Yomiuri Giants rips four home runs against the Hanshin Tigers, establishing a new Japanese League record for most home runs in a game. Oh also shares the record with several major leaguers, including Hall of Famers Ed Delahanty, Chuck Klein, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, and Mike Schmidt.

1951 On May 3, 1951, Gil McDougald of the New York Yankees ties a major league record by driving in six runs in one inning. McDougald hits a grand slam and a two-run triple in the ninth inning of a 17-3 demolition of the St. Louis Browns. McDougald's record will eventually be broken by Fernando Tatis of the St. Louis Cardinals.

1938 On May 3, 1938, Lefty Grove of the Boston Red Sox defeats the Detroit Tigers, 4-3, marking the start of a personal 20-game winning streak at home. Grove will not lose a game at Fenway Park until May 12, 1941.

1936 On May 3, 1936, future Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio makes his major league debut. DiMaggio collects two singles and a triple in six at-bats, helping the New York Yankees to a 14-5 win.

1904 On May 3, 1904, future Hall of Fame pitcher Charles "Red" Ruffing is born in Granville, Illinois. Ruffing will win 273 games during a 22-year career with the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.