July 2, 1939 In a doubleheader with the Dodgers before 51,435 at the Polo Grounds, the fireworks start two days early. The Dodgers take an uneventful opener, 3 – 2, but in the 4th inning of the nightcap, Dodger player-manager Leo Durocher ends the inning by grounding into a double play and spikes 1B Zeke Bonura as he crosses the bag. Bonura takes off after Durocher, chases him down the right field line, and throws his mitt at him. He finally wrestles him to the ground. Both players are ejected, and the Giants go on to win, 6 – 4. To Bonura's charge of intentional spiking, the Lip retorts, "If that big clown hadn't got his foot in my way, I wouldn't have been close to him."

Today's Daily Highlights

Joe DiMaggio sets a new major league hitting streak record on this day in 1941 — his 45th consecutive game, surpassing Wee Willie Keeler's mark of 44, with a three-run homer in front of 52,832 at Yankee Stadium. Also: Carl Hubbell pitches 18 shutout innings in a 1-0 win in 1933, Juan Marichal vs. Warren Spahn in a legendary 16-inning pitchers' duel in 1963, 11 classic broadcasts, and today's Vintage Commercial: Coney Island Penny Machine.

🎙️ Did you know?

Joe DiMaggio has 83 broadcasts in our library — including from the legendary 1941 season when he hit in 56 straight games.