Austin J. Eich
@austineich.bsky.social
Celebrating America’s Pastime. OBP acolyte. Complete game enthusiast. Purveyor of fitted hats. Girl dad. Southpaw.
2/9/1976: Oscar Charleston is selected for Hall of Fame induction by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues. A career .365 hitter over 18 seasons, Charleston would post a 162-game average of 25 home runs, 151 RBI and 37 stolen bases.
February 10, 2026 at 12:18 AM
2/9/1976: Oscar Charleston is selected for Hall of Fame induction by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues. A career .365 hitter over 18 seasons, Charleston would post a 162-game average of 25 home runs, 151 RBI and 37 stolen bases.
2/8/1991: Roger Clemens signs a four-year contract extension with the Red Sox. The Rocket will accumulate more strikeouts, bWAR and ERA titles in his Boston tenure alone (13 seasons) than HOF hurler Jim Palmer in his entire 19-year career.
February 8, 2026 at 11:07 PM
2/8/1991: Roger Clemens signs a four-year contract extension with the Red Sox. The Rocket will accumulate more strikeouts, bWAR and ERA titles in his Boston tenure alone (13 seasons) than HOF hurler Jim Palmer in his entire 19-year career.
2/7/1908: St. Louis (AL) purchases Rube Waddell from the Philadelphia Athletics for $5000. Waddell would strike out 232 batters and post a 1.51 FIP in his 1908 campaign. Since 1911, only Pedro Martínez has bested these marks in a single season (313 K/1.39 FIP in 1999).
February 7, 2026 at 9:12 PM
2/7/1908: St. Louis (AL) purchases Rube Waddell from the Philadelphia Athletics for $5000. Waddell would strike out 232 batters and post a 1.51 FIP in his 1908 campaign. Since 1911, only Pedro Martínez has bested these marks in a single season (313 K/1.39 FIP in 1999).
Babe Ruth’s slugging percentage by month (career):
.638 - April/March
.702 - May
.710 - June
.712 - July
.664 - August
.679 - Sept/Oct
324 MLB hitters recorded 200 or more at bats in 2025 — only Judge slugged above .630.
Ruth, born OTD in 1895, had at least 640 at bats in any given month.
.638 - April/March
.702 - May
.710 - June
.712 - July
.664 - August
.679 - Sept/Oct
324 MLB hitters recorded 200 or more at bats in 2025 — only Judge slugged above .630.
Ruth, born OTD in 1895, had at least 640 at bats in any given month.
February 7, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Babe Ruth’s slugging percentage by month (career):
.638 - April/March
.702 - May
.710 - June
.712 - July
.664 - August
.679 - Sept/Oct
324 MLB hitters recorded 200 or more at bats in 2025 — only Judge slugged above .630.
Ruth, born OTD in 1895, had at least 640 at bats in any given month.
.638 - April/March
.702 - May
.710 - June
.712 - July
.664 - August
.679 - Sept/Oct
324 MLB hitters recorded 200 or more at bats in 2025 — only Judge slugged above .630.
Ruth, born OTD in 1895, had at least 640 at bats in any given month.
Hank Aaron recorded 20 seasons with 20+ home runs — only five players in MLB history (including Aaron) recorded more than 20 seasons with 100+ games played.
To me, Aaron’s most enduring attribute was his poise in the presence of adversity; a beacon of humanity.
Hammer was born OTD in 1934.
To me, Aaron’s most enduring attribute was his poise in the presence of adversity; a beacon of humanity.
Hammer was born OTD in 1934.
February 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Hank Aaron recorded 20 seasons with 20+ home runs — only five players in MLB history (including Aaron) recorded more than 20 seasons with 100+ games played.
To me, Aaron’s most enduring attribute was his poise in the presence of adversity; a beacon of humanity.
Hammer was born OTD in 1934.
To me, Aaron’s most enduring attribute was his poise in the presence of adversity; a beacon of humanity.
Hammer was born OTD in 1934.
Left-handed batters to slash 300/400/580 or better at Fenway Park (min 600 PA):
• Babe Ruth
• Lou Gehrig
• Ted Williams
• Fred Lynn 🎂
• David Ortiz
Lynn slashed 347/420/601 over 1833 plate appearances at Fenway.
🎂 Happy 74th Birthday!
• Babe Ruth
• Lou Gehrig
• Ted Williams
• Fred Lynn 🎂
• David Ortiz
Lynn slashed 347/420/601 over 1833 plate appearances at Fenway.
🎂 Happy 74th Birthday!
February 4, 2026 at 3:18 AM
Left-handed batters to slash 300/400/580 or better at Fenway Park (min 600 PA):
• Babe Ruth
• Lou Gehrig
• Ted Williams
• Fred Lynn 🎂
• David Ortiz
Lynn slashed 347/420/601 over 1833 plate appearances at Fenway.
🎂 Happy 74th Birthday!
• Babe Ruth
• Lou Gehrig
• Ted Williams
• Fred Lynn 🎂
• David Ortiz
Lynn slashed 347/420/601 over 1833 plate appearances at Fenway.
🎂 Happy 74th Birthday!
2/3/1979: The Minnesota Twins trade Rod Carew, who will post a .393 on-base percentage with the California Angels (second only to Mike Trout in franchise history among batters with ≥ 3500 PA).
Carew posted a (tied) franchise-best .393 on-base percentage over 6980 PA with the Twins.
Carew posted a (tied) franchise-best .393 on-base percentage over 6980 PA with the Twins.
February 4, 2026 at 3:08 AM
2/3/1979: The Minnesota Twins trade Rod Carew, who will post a .393 on-base percentage with the California Angels (second only to Mike Trout in franchise history among batters with ≥ 3500 PA).
Carew posted a (tied) franchise-best .393 on-base percentage over 6980 PA with the Twins.
Carew posted a (tied) franchise-best .393 on-base percentage over 6980 PA with the Twins.
1/31/1952: Harry Heilmann is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Over a span of 17 major league seasons, the four-time batting champ never struck out more than 54 times in any of them.
In the 2025 MLB season, nine batters recorded 54 or more games with multiple strikeouts.
In the 2025 MLB season, nine batters recorded 54 or more games with multiple strikeouts.
January 31, 2026 at 11:10 PM
1/31/1952: Harry Heilmann is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Over a span of 17 major league seasons, the four-time batting champ never struck out more than 54 times in any of them.
In the 2025 MLB season, nine batters recorded 54 or more games with multiple strikeouts.
In the 2025 MLB season, nine batters recorded 54 or more games with multiple strikeouts.
1/31/1965: James Francis Galvin is selected for Hall of Fame induction by the Special Veteran’s Committee. In his 1883 campaign, Pud notched 72 complete games over 75 starts.
There have been 57 complete games in the majors since the 2024 season began (a span of 9718 starts).
There have been 57 complete games in the majors since the 2024 season began (a span of 9718 starts).
January 31, 2026 at 6:22 PM
1/31/1965: James Francis Galvin is selected for Hall of Fame induction by the Special Veteran’s Committee. In his 1883 campaign, Pud notched 72 complete games over 75 starts.
There have been 57 complete games in the majors since the 2024 season began (a span of 9718 starts).
There have been 57 complete games in the majors since the 2024 season began (a span of 9718 starts).
Reposted by Austin J. Eich
It is unconscionable that January 31st is not a national holiday.
January 31, 2025 at 6:04 PM
It is unconscionable that January 31st is not a national holiday.
Tony “Count” Mullane was born on this day in 1859 (Cork, Ireland). The ambidextrous hurler finished his career with six seasons of 25 or more wins.
In 2025, Colorado Rockies starting pitchers combined for *checks notes* 22 wins.
In 2025, Colorado Rockies starting pitchers combined for *checks notes* 22 wins.
January 31, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Tony “Count” Mullane was born on this day in 1859 (Cork, Ireland). The ambidextrous hurler finished his career with six seasons of 25 or more wins.
In 2025, Colorado Rockies starting pitchers combined for *checks notes* 22 wins.
In 2025, Colorado Rockies starting pitchers combined for *checks notes* 22 wins.
1/30/1917: Grover Cleveland Alexander threatens to retire if his salary demands go unfulfilled. Old Pete will make 44 starts and log 34 complete games for the Phillies in his ‘17 campaign. Since 2016, Cleveland leads all MLB clubs with 28 complete games (a span of 1516 starts).
January 30, 2026 at 7:02 PM
1/30/1917: Grover Cleveland Alexander threatens to retire if his salary demands go unfulfilled. Old Pete will make 44 starts and log 34 complete games for the Phillies in his ‘17 campaign. Since 2016, Cleveland leads all MLB clubs with 28 complete games (a span of 1516 starts).
1/29/1987: Wade Boggs inks a 3-year pact with the Red Sox. Over that span Boggs averaged 100+ runs, 100+ BB, 200+ hits, a .455 OBP, and 44 strikeouts.
Since 1895 only Ty Cobb (1915), Lou Gehrig (1934) and Boggs himself (1988) have bested the aforementioned marks in a single season.
Since 1895 only Ty Cobb (1915), Lou Gehrig (1934) and Boggs himself (1988) have bested the aforementioned marks in a single season.
January 29, 2026 at 11:50 PM
1/29/1987: Wade Boggs inks a 3-year pact with the Red Sox. Over that span Boggs averaged 100+ runs, 100+ BB, 200+ hits, a .455 OBP, and 44 strikeouts.
Since 1895 only Ty Cobb (1915), Lou Gehrig (1934) and Boggs himself (1988) have bested the aforementioned marks in a single season.
Since 1895 only Ty Cobb (1915), Lou Gehrig (1934) and Boggs himself (1988) have bested the aforementioned marks in a single season.
1/28/1946: Red Sox star Ted Williams, who served as an aviation instructor during World War II, is discharged from active duty with the U.S. Marine Air Corps.
After three years of military service, Teddy Ballgame would capture American League MVP honors at season’s end in 1946.
After three years of military service, Teddy Ballgame would capture American League MVP honors at season’s end in 1946.
January 28, 2026 at 7:17 PM
1/28/1946: Red Sox star Ted Williams, who served as an aviation instructor during World War II, is discharged from active duty with the U.S. Marine Air Corps.
After three years of military service, Teddy Ballgame would capture American League MVP honors at season’s end in 1946.
After three years of military service, Teddy Ballgame would capture American League MVP honors at season’s end in 1946.
1/25/1974: Ray Kroc acquires the San Diego Padres for $12,000,000.
That’s a lot of Big Macs.
That’s a lot of Big Macs.
January 25, 2026 at 10:08 PM
1/25/1974: Ray Kroc acquires the San Diego Padres for $12,000,000.
That’s a lot of Big Macs.
That’s a lot of Big Macs.
1/24/1939: George Sisler is elected to the HOF. Sisler recorded 8 seasons with 25 or more stolen bases, 4 of which included 200+ hits and an average above .300.
2025 inductee Ichiro Sukuki recorded 12 seasons of 25 or more stolen bases, 10 of which included 200+ hits and an average above .300.
2025 inductee Ichiro Sukuki recorded 12 seasons of 25 or more stolen bases, 10 of which included 200+ hits and an average above .300.
January 24, 2026 at 11:00 PM
1/24/1939: George Sisler is elected to the HOF. Sisler recorded 8 seasons with 25 or more stolen bases, 4 of which included 200+ hits and an average above .300.
2025 inductee Ichiro Sukuki recorded 12 seasons of 25 or more stolen bases, 10 of which included 200+ hits and an average above .300.
2025 inductee Ichiro Sukuki recorded 12 seasons of 25 or more stolen bases, 10 of which included 200+ hits and an average above .300.
1/24/1973: Warren Spahn is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. In his age 37 and older seasons, the crafty southpaw recorded 139 complete games over 261 starts.
Since 1995, ten major league franchises have recorded 110 or fewer complete games.
Since 1995, ten major league franchises have recorded 110 or fewer complete games.
January 24, 2026 at 8:35 PM
1/24/1973: Warren Spahn is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. In his age 37 and older seasons, the crafty southpaw recorded 139 complete games over 261 starts.
Since 1995, ten major league franchises have recorded 110 or fewer complete games.
Since 1995, ten major league franchises have recorded 110 or fewer complete games.
1/23/1962: Jackie Robinson and Bob Feller are elected to the Hall.
Robinson was the only major league batter with 175+ stolen bases and an OBP above .400 from 1947-56 (NL career).
Despite 3+ years of military service, Feller made more starts than any other big league pitcher from 1936-56 (career).
Robinson was the only major league batter with 175+ stolen bases and an OBP above .400 from 1947-56 (NL career).
Despite 3+ years of military service, Feller made more starts than any other big league pitcher from 1936-56 (career).
January 24, 2026 at 12:21 AM
1/23/1962: Jackie Robinson and Bob Feller are elected to the Hall.
Robinson was the only major league batter with 175+ stolen bases and an OBP above .400 from 1947-56 (NL career).
Despite 3+ years of military service, Feller made more starts than any other big league pitcher from 1936-56 (career).
Robinson was the only major league batter with 175+ stolen bases and an OBP above .400 from 1947-56 (NL career).
Despite 3+ years of military service, Feller made more starts than any other big league pitcher from 1936-56 (career).
1/23/1979: Say Hey! Willie Mays is elected to the Hall of Fame. Mays made his professional debut in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons — seven months after future Hall of Fame backstop Johnny Bench was born. Bench was a seven-year veteran at the time of Mays’ retirement.
January 23, 2026 at 4:42 PM
1/23/1979: Say Hey! Willie Mays is elected to the Hall of Fame. Mays made his professional debut in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons — seven months after future Hall of Fame backstop Johnny Bench was born. Bench was a seven-year veteran at the time of Mays’ retirement.
1/22/1998: Rickey Henderson signs with Oakland (again) — that season he will swipe 66 bags and record 118 walks just months shy of his 40th birthday.
In 2025, no major league player stole more than 49 bases; 26 teams did not feature a batter with 100 or more walks.
In 2025, no major league player stole more than 49 bases; 26 teams did not feature a batter with 100 or more walks.
January 22, 2026 at 5:58 PM
1/22/1998: Rickey Henderson signs with Oakland (again) — that season he will swipe 66 bags and record 118 walks just months shy of his 40th birthday.
In 2025, no major league player stole more than 49 bases; 26 teams did not feature a batter with 100 or more walks.
In 2025, no major league player stole more than 49 bases; 26 teams did not feature a batter with 100 or more walks.
If you really want to know how good Sandy Koufax was, just ask one of his contemporaries.
The Left Arm of God was elected to the Hall of Fame on this day in 1972.
The Left Arm of God was elected to the Hall of Fame on this day in 1972.
January 19, 2026 at 9:05 PM
If you really want to know how good Sandy Koufax was, just ask one of his contemporaries.
The Left Arm of God was elected to the Hall of Fame on this day in 1972.
The Left Arm of God was elected to the Hall of Fame on this day in 1972.
You can parse the numbers any way you’d like, but on this day in 1972 Yogi Berra’s enshrinement among the greatest of all time in the Hall of Fame was confirmed.
January 19, 2026 at 3:46 PM
You can parse the numbers any way you’d like, but on this day in 1972 Yogi Berra’s enshrinement among the greatest of all time in the Hall of Fame was confirmed.
1/18/1969: Ted Williams is hired as manager for the Washington Senators. Here is Teddy Ballgame holding court with Curt Flood and others during a 1971 spring training game. Flood, a pioneer in player free agency, was born on this day in 1938.
January 18, 2026 at 11:01 PM
1/18/1969: Ted Williams is hired as manager for the Washington Senators. Here is Teddy Ballgame holding court with Curt Flood and others during a 1971 spring training game. Flood, a pioneer in player free agency, was born on this day in 1938.
1/18/1938: Grover Cleveland Alexander is elected to the Hall of Fame. In his 1914 through 1917 seasons, Old Pete recorded 140 complete games (170 starts). Since 2022, there have been 128 complete games recorded in all of Major League Baseball.
January 18, 2026 at 3:31 PM
1/18/1938: Grover Cleveland Alexander is elected to the Hall of Fame. In his 1914 through 1917 seasons, Old Pete recorded 140 complete games (170 starts). Since 2022, there have been 128 complete games recorded in all of Major League Baseball.
1/17/1970: Say Hey! Willie Mays is named Sporting News Player of the Decade for the 1960s. His cowboy crooner career never took off, so it’s good he had baseball to fall back on.
January 17, 2026 at 5:27 PM
1/17/1970: Say Hey! Willie Mays is named Sporting News Player of the Decade for the 1960s. His cowboy crooner career never took off, so it’s good he had baseball to fall back on.