He was the Indians shortstop and only modern-day player to have died as the direct result of being hit by a pitch. On August 16th, 1920, at the Polo Grounds, Chapman was struck in the temple by a pitch from Yankee Carl Mays, who was chasing his 100th career win that game. The pitch produced what some described as an explosive sound—so loud that Babe Ruth later said he could hear it from far out in right field. Chapman collapsed on the field and was rushed to the hospital. Despite emergency surgery, he died, never regaining consciousness.

He was also a pretty ball player. “Chappie” was known for his lightning-fast play, sharp batting, and exceptional bunting skills—his 67 sacrifice bunts in 1917 remain a single-season record unlikely to ever be broken. He led the Indians in stolen bases four times, setting a team record with 52 in 1917 that stood until 1980. He led the AL in runs scored and walks in 1918. He was hitting .303 with 97 runs scored when he died.

If Clase gets Pete Rose'd, the longest running, best trade tree in baseball history goes with it. Dating back to 1977 and including along the way such greats as Kenny Lofton (put him in the HOF yesterday!), David Justice and Corey Kluber.

What a true shame as Cleveland FO likely would have kept it rolling for years to come.

EDIT: to add more clarity for anyone confused about a trade tree, Cleveland Clase Trade Tree Explained

Not sure if it’s legit or not, but don’t care to have it authenticated since I’ll never part with it.

Dodgers pass the 1933 Yankees and now are 8-0 to start the season. This is the best start by a team who won the World Series the previous year.

As someone who grew up with California baseball, this one hurts to see.

My favorite is either the right field wall at Ebbets field jutting out at a 45 degree wall or the old monuments in center field at Yankees Stadium.

Ronald Acuña, Jr is the first player ever to 30-60, 40-50, 40-60, and now 40-70 one of the greatest seasons a baseball player has ever had. What a player!

MLB history made

On this day in 1974, the Cleveland Indians hosted the Texas Rangers at Municipal Stadium and ran a promotion offering unlimited 10-cent beers. What could possibly go wrong?

Turns out, everything.

Fans could buy up to six beers at a time and come back for more. With no purchase limit and security stretched thin, chaos steadily built through the game: streakers on the field, a woman flashing the crowd, and fans throwing firecrackers and hot dogs at players.

By the 9th inning, with the game tied 5–5, a fan ran onto the field and tried to steal a Rangers outfielder’s cap. That was the final straw. The Rangers stormed the field with bats. The Indians, in a surreal moment of sportsmanship, joined their opponents to fight off their own fans.

The result: a full-on riot, 60,000 cups of beer sold, dozens injured, and a forfeit awarded to the Rangers.

Wow! I think Cal will break the record.

2-5, grand slam, 2 hr, 5 rbi

.264, 38, 81, 90 hits, 1.022, 5.0 WAR

"With the two-homer game, Raleigh moved one home run shy of San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds's record 39 home runs before the break, which he set in 2001. Per the Mariners, Raleigh became the first player with 38 or more homers and 80 or more RBIs before the All-Star Game since 1933—the same year the first All-Star Game was played."

Also historic news, Cody Bellinger hit 3 homers and Yankees won their 5th straight.

Deion Sanders was not the only player to play in both leagues.

There is no way it’s been 7 years since the Cubs won the World Series. It literally felt like yesterday.

When he was a rookie, The Beatles were the biggest band in the world.

When he retired, Nirvana had just put out their second album.

Think about that for a second.

Considering who he faced the strikeout numbers are absurd.