Sunday, April 16, 2023

OTD April 16th in Baseball History




         On the 16th of April in baseball history, Bob Feller threw his first of three "No-Hitters." It was Opening Day for the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in 40-degree weather. Despite the cold weather, his mother, father, and sister traveled from Iowa to see Feller pitch that day. Bob Feller, who was 21 years old, was entering the prime of his career. He didn't feel sharp warming up and was concerned that the wind coming from Center Field would affect his Curveball. He'd Walk five batters that game, and Roy Weatherly would drop the ball in Center Field. So the wind played a factor. Nonetheless, Feller and the Indians didn't allow one hit, and after the error, Feller could retire 20 batters in a row.


In all of Major League Baseball history, this would be the only time a No-Hitter happened on Opening Day. That year Bob Feller would go on to win the Pitching Triple Crown. The Cy Young Award wasn't created until 1956, but Feller would've won it that year.


Written & Published by Robert Dobek
Follow on Twitter @RobTheYankee

Reference:

  1. Paul Rogers III, C. April 16, 1940: Bob Feller's no-hitter on Opening Day propels Cleveland to 1-0 win over White Sox via SABR: https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-16-1940-bob-fellers-no-hitter-on-opening-day-propels-cleveland-to-1-0-win-over-white-sox/


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