
April 15 marks several significant events in baseball history, including Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947 and Cal Ripken Jr.'s 3,000th hit in 2000. Other notable moments include Grover Cleveland Alexander's debut in 1911 and Hank Aaron's first hit in 1954.
Free of charge for the discerning reader. Happy birthday to King Cole and a mighty host of others, plus more baseball stories, like the Babe turning into THE Babe, Jackie Robinson debut, Hank’s first hit, and California baseball.
Today in baseball history:
Cubs Birthdays: Trey Wingenter, Milton Bradley, Jeromy Burnitz, Mike Diaz, Ted Sizemore, Ed Bailey, King Cole*, Elmer Sutcliffe.
Today in history:
*pictured.
Jackie Robinson made his historic debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African-American player in Major League Baseball in the 20th century.
Cal Ripken Jr. reached his 3,000th career hit on April 15, 2000, during a game against the Minnesota Twins.
Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers hit for the cycle and went 6 for 6 in a game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 15, 2009.
Hank Aaron collected the first hit of his Major League Baseball career on April 15, 1954, during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

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