Today in Baseball History: August 25th

1997 Boston's Nomar Garciaparra singles twice to extend his hitting streak to 27 games, breaking the American League rookie record set by Guy Curtright of the Chicago White Sox in 1943. The Red Sox come back to beat the Mariners 9-8. Garciaparra's streak will extend to thirty games.

1991 Doug Dascenzo commits his first career error after 242 games, an National League record, in Cubs' 12-9 loss to the Padres.

1986 Oakland A's third baseman Mark McGwire hits his first major league home run, a 450-foot blast to center field off Walt Terrell, as Oakland beats Detroit 8-4 at Tiger Stadium.

1985 On August 25, 1985, Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets becomes the youngest pitcher to win 20 games in a season. At 20 years, nine months, and nine days - one month younger than Bob Feller was when he won 20 games in 1939 - Gooden defeats the San Diego Padres, 9-3.

1967 On August 25, 1967, Dean Chance of the Minnesota Twins pitches a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. Earlier in the month, Chance pitched a rain-shortened, five-inning perfect game against the Boston Red Sox.

1956 On August 25, 1956, the New York Yankees release longtime shortstop Phil Rizzuto, ending his playing career. The Yankees cut Rizzuto in order to make room for another Hall of Famer - outfielder Enos Slaughter. In 1957, the Yankees will add Rizzuto to their broadcasting crew.

1952 On August 25, 1952, Virgil Trucks of the Detroit Tigers hurls his second no-hitter of the season. During the game, a play by shortstop Johnny Pesky is first ruled an error, then changed to a hit, and then changed back to an error, preserving the no-hitter. Incredibly, Trucks will finish the season with only five wins.

1946 On August 25, 1946, future Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers is born in Steubenville, Ohio. After a brilliant amateur career that includes American Legion "Player of the Year" honors, Fingers will make his major league debut with the Oakland A's in 1968 and will become one of baseball"s top relievers.

1935 On August 25, 1935, Yankee outfielder Earle Combs collides with teammate Red Rolfe while chasing a fly ball. The injury to Combs shoulder helps force his retirement from the game. Serving primarily as the leadoff man for the "Murderers" Row" Yanks, Combs hit .325 in his 12-year career, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1970.

1922 On August 25, 1922, the Chicago Cubs outslug the Philadelphia Phillies, 26-23, in the highest scoring game in major league history. The two teams combine for 51 hits, 23 walks, and 10 errors.

1891 The Boston National League club shocks the baseball world by announcing the signing of King Kelly away from the rival Boston American Association club, thereby wrecking peace talks between the leagues. Kelly signs through the 1892 season for a total of $25,000, a figure that will not be topped by any player until the Federal League war of 1914 and 1915.