Template:Today in Baseball/September 23

April 24: Today's featured birthday is that of Herman Segelke, who turns 66.

1908 - In one of the most controversial games in baseball history, rookie Fred Merkle (pictured) leaves the basepath before reaching second base as Moose McCormick crosses home with the presumed winning run. Cubs 2B Johnny Evers secures a ball and tags second base, claiming Merkle is out. Umpire Hank O'Day agrees, though Merkle was merely following the general practice of the era. The play becomes known as Merkle's Boner.
1950 - Backup catcher Joe Astroth, with 22 RBI in his first 104 games, drives in six runs in an inning, setting a new record (since broken).
1956 - Ozzie Virgil Sr. becomes the first player from the Dominican Republic to appear in the National League or American League. Hundreds more will follow.
1978 - Lyman Bostock Jr., a top young performer, is killed at age 27 by a shotgun blast intended for somebody else.
1988 - Jose Canseco steals two bases to become the first player in major league history with a 40-40 season.
2001 - Alex Rodriguez hits his 48th home run, breaking Ernie Banks' major league record for shortstops. Six years from now, he will break Mike Schmidt's record for third basemen.
2001 - Yoshitomo Tani hits his 49th double of the season, setting a new Nippon Pro Baseball record. He will finish the campaign with 52.

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