A Century of Highlights
July 29 has repeatedly served as a stage for baseball’s most unforgettable moments, spanning the sport’s earliest legends to today’s superstars.
In 1908, Rube Waddell fanned 16 batters for the St. Louis Browns, steering his team to a 5‑4 victory over the Philadelphia A’s and cementing his reputation as a dominant pitcher.
A few years later, Joe Wood of the Boston Red Sox delivered a flawless 5‑0 no‑hitter against the same Browns, showcasing the kind of pitching brilliance that would become a benchmark for future generations.
Honus Wagner, already a Hall of Fame fixture, became the oldest player to launch a grand slam at age 41 in 1915, a testament to his enduring skill and longevity.
The 1928 season saw the Cleveland Indians explode for 17 runs in the first two innings, overwhelming the New York Yankees 24‑6 and illustrating the explosive potential of a single game.
Fast forward to 1955, when Smoky Burgess of the Cincinnati Reds smashed three home runs and drove in nine runs, underscoring the impact a single batter can have on a contest.
The 1960s added another no‑hitper when George Culver of the Reds silenced the Phillies 6‑1, reinforcing the rarity and prestige of a perfect game.
Steve Garvey’s iron‑man streak met its end in 1983 after a thumb dislocation, reminding fans that even the most durable careers can be interrupted by injury.
In 2000, Eddie Taubensee’s two homers powered Cincinnati to a 4‑3 win over Montreal, while Bill Mueller’s 2003 feat of hitting grand slams from both sides of the plate remains a unique display of versatility.
Tomas Perez’s four doubles in 2006 tied a major‑league record, and Anibal Sanchez’s 2010 one‑hitter led the Florida Marlins to a 5‑0 triumph, highlighting the continued rarity of pitching perfection.
The Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2018 induction class, featuring Vladimir Guerrero and Chipper Jones among others, celebrated careers that have left indelible marks on the sport.
Most recently, Aaron Judge tied the American League record for home runs before the end of July in 2022, linking his name to the historic list of players who have made July 29 a date of significance.