This Day in Baseball History

On June 13, 1948, an ailing Babe Ruth makes his final appearance at Yankee Stadium. The New York Yankees retire Ruth’s uniform No. 3 during ceremonies that also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stadium. Fewer than two months later, the 53-year-old Ruth will die from throat cancer.

On June 13, 1984, the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians engineer a blockbuster trade. Chicago sends outfielders Joe Carter and Mel Hall and a minor leaguer to Cleveland for pitchers Rick Sutcliffe and George Frazier and catcher Ron Hassey. Sutcliffe will go 16-1 over the balance of the season, win the Cy Young Award, and help the Cubs to the National League East crown.

On June 13, 1994, Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs gives up $16 million in salary by announcing his retirement at the age of 34. Sandberg will return to active status in 1996.

On June 13, 1905, future Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson pitches a no-hitter, the second of his major league career. The New York Giants’ right-hander blanks the Chicago Cubs, 1-0. A pair of errors committed by Bill Dahlen at shortstop prevents Mathewson from hurling a perfect game.

On June 13, 1912, Christy Mathewson wins his 300th major league game. The New York Giants’ ace defeats the Chicago Cubs, 3-2. Mathewson will finish his career with 373 wins, tied for third on the major leagues’ all-time list.

On June 13, 1930, the Washington Senators and St. Louis Browns swap future Hall of Fame outfielders. The Senators send Goose Goslin to the Browns for Heinie Manush, who will bat .362 over the balance of the season. The trade marks the first time that former batting champions have been traded for one another.

On June 13, 1975, the Cleveland Indians trade future Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry to the Texas Rangers for pitchers Jim Bibby, Jackie Brown, and Rick Waits, and $100,000 in cash. Perry will win 42 games for the Rangers over the next two and a half seasons.

On June 13, 1957, future Hall of Famer Ted Williams hits three home runs in the Boston Red Sox’ 9-2 win over the Cleveland Indians. Williams, who had a three-homer game earlier in the year, becomes the first American Leaguer to hit three home runs in a game twice in the same season…

On June 13, 1940, Bill Nicholson of the Chicago Cubs becomes the first major league player to hit a home run at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown. Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox also homers in the exhibition known as the Hall of Fame Game.