August 22 = Juan Marichal hits John Roseboro - This Day in Baseball - The Daily Rewind

Vintage Baseball Reflections

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On August 22, 1989, Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers becomes the first major league pitcher to reach the 5,000 strikeout mark. Ryan fans Rickey Henderson of the Oakland A’s On a 96 mph fastball in the fifth inning. The "Ryan Express" strikes out 13 and gives up only five hits, but loses the game 2-0.

On August 22, 1965, San Francisco Giants ace Juan Marichal hits Los Angeles Dodgers catcher John Roseboro over the head with a bat. Marichal became angered when he thought Roseboro was throwing the ball too close to his head while returning throws to Sandy Koufax. The National League will suspend Marichal for eight days.The Los Angeles backstop suffers cuts on the head during the 14-minute brawl.

August 22, 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hits his 50th home run of the season during a 4-3 loss to the expansion Los Angeles Angels. Maris becomes the first player to reach the 50-home run mark during the month of August. Maris will eventually break Babe Ruth’s record for most home runs in a single season.

2010

Lou Piniella retires after 23 seasons as a manager. In his last game at the helm, his Cubs lose, 16 - 5, at home to the Atlanta Braves. Piniella missed some time earlier this year to be with his ailing mother, and had announced that this season would be his last. Coach Mike Quade will take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season. Piniella retires with a lifetime record of 1835-1712.

August 22, 1959, future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson of the Cincinnati Reds hits three home runs in an 11-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Robinson’s trio of blasts come in consecutive at-bats. and 7 years later in 1966 - At a private party for the Robinson falls into a swimming pool and is saved from drowning by Andy Etchebarren, who dives in to rescue his teammate.