Today in Baseball History: August 9th

2007 On August 9, 2007, Rick Ankiel made a dramatic return to the St. Louis Cardinals. In his first big league game in three years, Ankiel - a former pitcher - batted second and played right field. After going 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts, Ankiel hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to propel the Cardinals to a 5-0 victory over the Padres at Busch Stadium.

1988 On August 9, 1988, Rich "Goose" Gossage of the Chicago Cubs earns his 300th career save. The veteran right-hander pitches the final inning of the Cubs' 6-4 win over the New York Mets, in what also happens to be the first completed night game at Wrigley Field. A crowd of 36,399 attends the evening affair.

1981 On August 9, 1981, the largest crowd in All-Star Game history watches the National League defeat the American League, 5-4, at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium. Playing in front of a throng of 72,086 fans, future Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter hits two home runs and is named the game's MVP.

1976 On August 9, 1976, two right-handed aces are among those inducted into the Hall of Fame. Bob Lemon and Robin Roberts, each of whom starred in the 1950s, are two of the six inductees. Also inducted are Negro leagues star Oscar Charleston, 19th century slugger Roger Connor, umpire Cal Hubbard, and third baseman Fred Lindstrom.

1975 On August 9, 1975, Davey Lopes of the Los Angeles Dodgers breaks the record for most consecutive stolen bases without being caught. Lopes steals his 32nd straight base, eclipsing the record held by Max Carey. Lopes will swipe six more bases, shattering the mark, before being caught stealing on August 24.

1954 On August 9, 1954, Bill Dickey, Rabbit Maranville, and Bill Terry are inducted into the Hall of Fame during ceremonies in Cooperstown.

1949 On August 9, 1949, Joe DiMaggio catches a sinking line drive off his shoetops to rob his brother Dom of a base hit. The hit would have extended Dom DiMaggio"s hitting streak to 35 games. Dom"s Red Sox win the game, 6-3.

1947 On August 9, 1947, Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians and Hank Thompson of the St. Louis Browns make history by becoming the first African-American players to oppose each other in major league history. Doby's Indians earn a 5-2 win.

1918 On August 9, 1918, Cincinnati Reds manager Christy Mathewson suspends first baseman Hal Chase for what he calls "indifferent play." Mathewson believes that Chase is "throwing" games because of gambling connections. It"s not the first nor last time that Chase is accused of shady play.

1906 On August 9, 1906, Jack "Brakeman" Taylor of the Chicago Cubs sets a major league record by hurling his 187th consecutive complete game. Taylor, whose streak began in 1901, earns the victory in a 5-3 decision over Brooklyn.