ON THIS DAY: August 1, 1945. New York Giants player-manager Mel Ott hits his historic 500th career home run off Boston Braves’ hurler Johnny Hutchings in the Giants’ 9-2 victory at the Polo Grounds in New York.
Ott became the first National league batsman to accomplish the feat, joining American Leaguers Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx in reaching the career milestone.
A 12-time All-Star, Ott ended his 22-season big league career with a .304 batting average, 511 home runs, 488 doubles and 1,860 RBI.
Mel was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951
Recent Comments & Reviews