A Century of Brilliance
The story of baseball from 1915 to 2021 is marked by moments that redefined what the sport could achieve, from explosive offensive outbursts to masterful pitching performances.
In 1956 the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Braves set a National League record by combining for eight home runs in a single game, a feat that highlighted the era’s power-hitting surge. The following decade saw Lew Burdette deliver a no‑hitter for the Milwaukee Braves in 1960, while Hank Aaron’s controversial home run in 1965 — initially ruled out of the box — still propelled the Braves to victory.
Jack Hamilton’s 1967 collision with Tony Conigliaro ended the latter’s season, a turning point that underscored the risks of the game. Don Sutton’s fifth one‑hitter in 1977 tied a National League record, and Tom Henke’s 300th career save in 1995 placed him among an elite group of relievers.
The turn of the millennium brought dramatic feats such as Darin Erstad’s game‑saving catch followed by a homer in the 10th and 11th innings for the Angels in 2000, and Micah Owings’ four‑for‑five performance with two homers and solid pitching in 2007.
More recent milestones include Mike Jacobs’ 2011 suspension for a positive HGH test, the first under minor‑league drug testing procedures, and Manny Machado’s contribution to a 10‑home‑run game in 2017 that helped the Orioles win 9‑7. Jacob deGrom’s 2018 season featured a complete‑game win with an ERA of 1.71, while Zack Grenke recorded his 200th career win in 2019 as the Astros edged the Athletics.
The 2021 season culminated with Hideo Ohtani becoming the first hitter in MLB history to reach 40 homers in a season, while also improving his pitching record to 8‑1, cementing his status as a dual‑threat legend.
Legends Who Defined the Milestones
Alfonso Soriano’s 2006 accomplishment as the third player to post at least four seasons with 30 homers and 30 stolen bases stands as a testament to sustained excellence, echoing the legacies of earlier greats like Lou Gehrig and Rex Barney. The careers of Bob Thurman, Freddie Freeman, and many others illustrate how consistency and skill have shaped the sport across generations.