The Pitcher Who Tried To Intentionally End DiMaggio's Streak
Johnny Babich wanted to etch his name in history and it didn't end well
As Joe DiMaggio’s streak reached the 30s, it became something that people checked in with everyday, checking the papers while drank coffee and smoked in front of their child. And after surviving a scare in game 36 when he did not record a hit in his first 3 at bats against Bob Muncrief, then getting a hit in the 8th, he was nearing the all time modern record of 41. And interestingly, Browns manager Luke Swell wanted Muncrief to walk him, but Muncrief ignored him, something that could’ve changed baseball history but thankfully Muncrief wanted to battle.
Muncrief’s attitude was just a microcosm of the competitiveness as pitchers wanted to be the one who ended the streak. And another one who wanted to end the streak was as Johnny Babich, who was facing DiMaggio the day he was hoping to reach 40. He told the press before the game, he would get DiMaggio out in the first at bat, then give him nothing to hit.
He did get him out in the first at bat, then threw him 3 straight unhittable pitches in his next at bat. With tensions rising in both clubhouses as Babich was making true on his promise, on a 3-0 count, DiMaggio would reach out and hit the ball between Babich’s leg which would end with a double. DiMaggio describing it:
“It was probably my most satisfying hit of The Streak.”
DiMaggio would of course go on to pass Sisler and reach 56 to set a record that will probably never be touched. And it was little things like this moment with Babich that made it all possible along with Muncrief who set his ego aside.
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This Day In Sports History
1916: Cleveland Indians become first team to wear numbers on their jerseys.
1994: Kirby Puckett passes Rod Carew on all time Twin’s hit list with 2.088.
1996: Allen Iverson selected 1st overall by Philadelphia 76ers.
2003: Lebron James selected 1st overall by Cleveland Cavaliers.
2008: Derrick Rose selected 1st overall by Chicago Bulls.
Random Stat Of The Day
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