Today in Baseball History: August 1st

2005 Rafael Palmeiro becomes the highest-profile player to be suspended for violating Major League Baseball's steroids policy. The Orioles first baseman, who denies knowingly taking any banned substances, stated this spring to the House Government Reform Committee that published allegations by Jose Canseco of his steroids use were "absolutely false" and had considered suing his former teammate over the accusation.

1994 On August 1, 1994, Cal Ripken, Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles becomes the second major leaguer to play in 2,000 consecutive games, joining Lou Gehrig in the exclusive club. Ripken goes hitless in four at-bats, as the Orioles defeat the Minnesota Twins, 1-0.

1982 On August 1, 1982, the major leagues' all-time home run king is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hank Aaron, who hit 755 home runs to eclipse Babe Ruth's record, is joined by playing greats Frank Robinson and Travis Jackson and former commissioner Happy Chandler.

1978 On August 1, 1978, the hitting streak of Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose ends at 44 games. Rose goes 0-for-4, in the Reds' 16-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Rose's 44-game streak sets a new modern day National League record, surpassing the 37-game streak of Tommy Holmes.

1972 On August 1, 1972, Nate Colbert of the San Diego Padres sets a major league record by driving in 12 runs during a doubleheader sweep of the Atlanta Braves. Colbert also ties a doubleheader record by clubbing five home runs. In a remarkable coincidence, Colbert attended a game at Sportsman's Park in 1954, when Hall of Famer Stan Musial also hit five home runs in a doubleheader.

1970 On August 1, 1970, future Hall of Famer Willie Stargell ties a major league record by piling five extra-base hits against the Atlanta Braves. Stargell's five-hit outburst, which includes three doubles and two home runs, highlights a 20-10 win for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Stargell finishes the game with five runs and six RBI.

1969 Dick Williams pulls Carl Yastrzemski from the Boston lineup after one at-bat and fines him $500 for "dogging it." Jim Lonborg allows just three hits over eight innings, but the A's rally in the 9th for three runs and beat the Sox, 4 - 3.

1957 On August 1, 1957, slugging first baseman Gil Hodges of the Brooklyn Dodgers sets a new National League record with his 13th career grand slam. The slam is also the last in the history of the Brooklyn franchise, which will relocate to Los Angeles after the season.

1945 On August 1, 1945, Mel Ott of the New York Giants rips the 500th home run of his career. Ott, who ranks third on the all-time list at the time, will finish his career with 511 home runs.

1941 On August 1, 1941, Lefty Gomez of the New York Yankees sets a major league record for most walks thrown in a shutout. Gomez walks nine St. Louis Browns, but still wins the game, 9-0.

1937 On August 1, 1937, Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees hits for the cycle. Gehrig's cycle, the second of his major league career, highlights the Yankees' 14-5 demolition of the St. Louis Browns.

1929 Grover Cleveland Alexander wins his 372nd game to tie Christy Mathewson's National League record for wins (the record has since been amended to 373 wins). The Cards top the Robins, 5 - 2.

1865 On August 1, 1865, in Pittsfield, MA, future Hall of Famer Frank Grant is born. Often regarded as the greatest black ballplayer of the 19th century, Grant played all positions but excelled at second base, where his speed, range and acrobatic plays impressed all observers. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.