On June 25, 1976, Texas Rangers shortstop Toby Harrah pulled off one of the strangest statistical feats in baseball history. In a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Harrah played all 18 innings at shortstop—and never touched the ball defensively. Not a single fielding chance. It was the first and probably the only time a pitcher had ever gone through two full games without being involved in a play.
But while his glove stayed idle, his bat was on fire. In Game 1, Harrah went 3-for-5 with a grand slam and five RBIs, helping the Rangers to an 8–4 win. In the nightcap, despite a 14–9 loss, he went a perfect 3-for-3 with another home run and three more RBIs.
The longest anyone has gone without any fielding chance is Baby Doll Jacobson who played 64.1 innings in the outfield without a fielding chance in 1926. The streak is probably longer but there isn’t a play-by-play account for the June 27 game vs. the Yankees.
What’s Happening
Chase Burns records 8 strikeouts in 5 innings in major league debut.
Tigers first team to 50 wins with win over Athletics.
Celtics trade Porzingis to Atlanta Hawks.
This Day In Sports History
1976: Shortstop Toby Harrah goes entire doubleheader without fielding chance.
1988: Cal Ripken Jr. plays 1,000th straight game.
1997: Tim Duncan selected 1st overall by Spurs.
1999: Spurs win 1st NBA title in 5 games over Knicks.
Random Stat Of The Day
Don Mattingly hit 6 grand slams in his career and they were all in 1987.