May 9

On May 9, 1962, future Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles clubs a grand slam against Ed Rakow of the Kansas City A’s. Robinson had hit a grand slam in his last game, making him one of five American League players to connect on bases-loaded home runs in consecutive games.

On May 9, 1960, future San Diego Padres star Tony Gwynn is born in Los Angeles. Gwynn will make his major league debut in 1982, and go on to win eight bating titles.

n May 9, 1984, the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers complete the longest game - by time - in major league history. The White Sox win the game in the 25th inning when Harold Baines hits a 420-foot home run against Chuck Porter. The game, which had been suspended the previous day after 17 innings, lasts a total of eight hours and six minutes.

On May 9, 1973, Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench wins a battle of future Hall of Famers. For the second time in his career, the All-Star catcher hits three home runs against left-hander Steve Carlton. Bench finishes with seven RBIs to lead the Reds over the Philadelphia Phillies, 9-7.

On May 9, 1961, Baltimore Orioles slugger Jim Gentile becomes the first major leaguer to hit grand slams in consecutive innings. “Diamond Jim” connects in the first and second inning of a 13-5 win over the Minnesota Twins. Three other players had previously hit two grand slams in a game, but never in back-to-back innings.

On May 9, 1937, future Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi goes 6-for-6 and Alex Kampouris drives in eight runs, helping the Cincinnati Reds to a 21-10 blowout of the Philadelphia Phillies.

On May 9, 1944, Joe McCarthy returns to manage the New York Yankees after missing most of spring training and the early season due to illness. With his roster heavily affected by World War II, McCarthy and the Yankees will finish in third place in the American League pennant race.

On May 9, 1987, Eddie Murray of the Baltimore Orioles becomes the first player in major league history to switch-hit home runs in two consecutive games. Murray’s latest two-homer game helps the Orioles club the Chicago White Sox, 15-6. The previous game, Murray homered twice in a 7-6 win over the White Sox.

On May 9, 1989, Kevin Elster's record-setting errorless streak comes to an end. The New York Mets’ shortstop makes his first error after 88 consecutive games without a miscue.