Sept. 28, 1938
Chicago Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett would hit one of the most legendary home runs in professional baseball (although certainly not better than Maz’s home run in 1960). It was called “The Homer in the Gloamin’.” The gloaming, you see, was an old-timey word for dusk. The phrase, penned by Associated Press writer Earl Hilligan, was a nod toward the old-timey song called “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’.” With the Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates tied at one in the bottom of the ninth, the Wrigley Field day game was quickly turning dark and the field had no lighting. If the game were still tied after the inning, it would have to be completely replayed the next day. But with two outs and facing an 0-2 count, Hartnett launched a Mace Brown pitch into the night sky, and eventually centerfield, for the win.
Sept. 28, 2009
In Cincinnati, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward becomes the first player in team history to record 10,000 receiving yards.
Sept. 28, 2013
Twenty years of playoff futility comes to an end when the Pirates clinch homefield advantage in the National League wild-card race.
Sept. 29, 1942
Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Monarchs beat the Homestead Grays 9-5 to win the first-ever Negro World Series.
Sept. 29, 1957
Former Steelers tight end Lowell Perry becomes just the second black coach in NFL history when the Steelers name him wide receivers coach. Perry played for the Steelers the year prior, but his career was ended by a brutal hit from New York’s Rosey Grier and Bill Svoboda.
Oct. 1, 1903
The Pirates win the first game of the first World Series, beating Cy Young and the Boston Americans.
Oct. 1, 2006
Pirates second baseman Freddie Sanchez clinches the National League batting title.
Oct. 4, 1925
Pirate Max Carey steals his 26th base against the Cincinnati Reds to become the league’s stolen-base leader for a record 10th time.
