Today in Baseball History: July 27th

2008 On July 27, 2008, Oakland pitcher Brad Zeigler pitched two innings of scoreless relief to set a record for the most scoreless innings to begin a major league career (27). Zeigler broke the previous mark of 25 innings set by George McQuillan in 1907.

1995 On July 27, 1995, Hall of Fame catcher Rick Ferrell dies at the age of 89. Considered an excellent defensive receiver, Ferrell held the American League record for most games caught until the mark was surpassed by fellow Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk.

1987 On July 27, 1987, the Salt Lake City Trappers lose to the Billings Mustangs, 7-5, to end their all-time professional record of 29 consecutive victories. The Trappers had not lost a game since falling on June 24.

1984 On July 27, 1984, Pete Rose of the Montreal Expos collects the 3,503rd single of his career, passing Hall of Famer Ty Cobb for the all-time lead. Rose reaches the milestone against one of his former teams, the Philadelphia Phillies.

1975 On July 27, 1975, the New York Mets release veteran outfielder Cleon Jones, who had previously been suspended for insubordinate actions. One of the key members of the Mets' 1969 world championship, Jones will remain out of work until 1976, when he makes a brief comeback with the Chicago White Sox.

1970 On July 27, 1970, Ford C. Frick, former sportswriter, league president, and co-founder of the Hall of Fame and Museum, is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Joining him in the induction class are shortstop Lou Boudreau, center fielder Earle Combs, and pitcher Jesse Haines.

1968 On July 27, 1968, Denny McLain of the Detroit Tigers earns his 20th victory of the season - a 9-0 shutout of the Baltimore Orioles. McLain will go on to win 31 games and capture the American League's Cy Young Award and MVP Award.

1959 On July 27, 1959, New York lawyer William Shea announces the formation of the Continental League. New York, Houston, Toronto, Denver, and Minneapolis will have charter franchises. The league will never play a game but will strike a deal with the major leagues, enabling New York and Houston to join as expansion teams and Minneapolis as a relocated franchise.

1953 On July 27, 1953, eight new members are inducted into the Hall of Fame: pitchers Dizzy Dean and Chief Bender, outfielders Al Simmons and Bobby Wallace, manager Harry Wright, executive Ed Barrow, and umpires Tom Connolly and Bill Klem.

1946 On July 27, 1946, Rudy York of the Boston Red Sox hits two grand slams against Tex Shirley of the St. Louis Browns. York becomes the first player to hit two slams in one day against the same pitcher. York finishes the day with 10 RBIs, leading the Sox to a 13-6 win.

1928 On July 27, 1928, 41-year-old Ty Cobb of the Philadelphia Athletics makes the final regular start of his Hall of Fame career. Cobb collects a single and a double before being hit with a pitch by George "Sarge" Connally. The pitch leaves Cobb with a bad bruise, forcing him to leave the game.

1922 On July 27, 1922, future Hall of Fame first baseman George Sisler starts his then AL-record 41-game hitting streak. Sisler bats .420 that season, with a record 257 hits.

1897 On July 27, 1897, one of the finest catchers in Negro leagues history is born in Eagle Pass, Texas. James "Biz" Mackey played from 1918 to 1947, much of that time as a player/manager. In a 1954 poll conducted by the Pittsburgh Courier, Mackey was voted the top Negro league catcher. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.