On This Date in 2004...

Mariano Rivera earned his 300th career save in the Yankees' 7-5 win over the Devil Rays in Tampa Bay (the victory went to Javier Vazquez). The Yankees closer becomes the 17th pitcher to reach that plateau. As impressive as that was, Rivera wasn't even halfway to his eventual career total of 652.

What else makes May 28th a noteworthy day on the baseball calendar?


  • In 1951, Willie Mays, after going hitless in his first 12 major league at bats, homers off fellow future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn for his first career hit. There would 3282 more over the next 22 years en route to Cooperstown.
  • In 1956, Dale Long homers off Carl Erskine of the Dodgers. The Pirates first baseman becomes the first player to hit a home run in eight straight games.
  • In 1989, Mike Schmidt plays his final major league game at Candlestick Park. In his last plate appearance, he works a walk off Mike LaCoss of the Giants.
  • In 1996, Cal Ripken hits three home runs against the Mariners in the Kingdome.



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