July 1, 1973, Don Sutton was one strike from putting the Reds 12 games out of first place when third-string catcher Hal King hit a stunning homer for a 4-3 win over the Dodgers in the first game of a doubleheader at Riverfront. King stepped to the plate as a pinch-hitter with two on and two out and the Dodgers leading 3-1. His three-run homer came on a two-strike fastball and sailed over the right field wall. King began the year in Indianapolis and made his Reds debut only two weeks earlier. The Reds also won the second game 3-2 in ten innings with Tony Perez driving in the winning run with a double. The Reds record from July 1 through the end of the regular season was 60-26.

Today's Daily Highlights

Three no-hitter stories on the same date: Walter Johnson throws one in 1920 — but loses it in the 9th when his own second baseman commits an error. Bob Feller throws his third career no-hitter in 1951. And Andy Hawkins throws a complete no-hitter in 1990 — and still loses 4-0 when his outfielders drop two fly balls. Also: Whitey Ford's MLB debut, Hank Greenberg's dramatic return from WWII, 12 classic broadcasts, and today's Vintage Commercial: Colgate Tooth Powder.

🎙️ Did you know?

Walter Johnson has dozens of broadcasts in our library — going all the way back to his Washington Senators days.