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This Day in Baseball History

January 1

"A homer a day will boost my pay." -JOSH GIBSON, Negro League catcher (1930-46)

1927 The press is informed that outfielder Zack Wheat, after 18 consecutive seasons with the Robins, has been released. The Brooklyn outfielder, who led the National League in hitting in 1918 with a .335 batting average, will hit .324 in 88 games for Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's this season and will finish his distinguished Hall of Fame career with a lifetime mark of .318.

1929 Cuba's Cienfuegos Jim Bell becomes the first player to hit three home runs in a professional game in Cuba. The third baseman accomplished the feat in 15-11 victory over Havana at Alda Park.

1943 Josh Gibson suffers a mental breakdown and is hospitalized. The black 'Babe Ruth' will be released in time for spring training in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

1961 Briggs Stadium officially becomes Tiger Stadium.

1970 Chub Feeney begins his 16-year presidency of the National League taking over for Warren Giles, who held the position for 18 years.

1974 Succeeding the retiring Joe Cronin, Lee MacPhail takes over as American League president and will serve in this role until 1984. MacPhail will join his dad, Larry, as a member of the Hall of Fame in 1998.

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