The Giants' Streak to Nowhere
A streak that went nowhere, a swing that saved a season, a loss that became a legend, and one out that never came. Twice.
Ed. 09.30.26
The Giants' Streak to Nowhere (1916)
The New York Giants beat Boston in the opener of a doubleheader on this day for their 26th straight win, with one rain-shortened tie in the middle. The Braves finally beat them in the nightcap. It's still listed as the longest winning streak in big league history, though purists point to that tie. Earlier that year, the Giants had won 17 in a row, all on the road. They finished fourth anyway.
Jackie Robinson Keeps Brooklyn Alive (1951)
The Dodgers had to win on the season's last day to force a playoff with the Giants, and they fell behind the Phillies 6-1. They tied it in the eighth. In the 12th, with the bases loaded and two out, Jackie Robinson dove to snag a low liner and keep the game going. In the 14th, he homered off Robin Roberts into the left-field stands. Brooklyn won, 9-8. Three days later came Bobby Thomson.
The Mets Finish What They Started (1962)
The expansion Mets closed their first season with a 5-1 loss at Wrigley Field, their 120th of the year, the most by any team in the 20th century. In the eighth inning, catcher Joe Pignatano hit into a triple play in what turned out to be his final big league at-bat. Seven years later the Mets won the World Series, and Pignatano was their bullpen coach.
Dave Stieb, One Out Away. Again. (1988)
On September 24, Dave Stieb was one out from the first no-hitter in Blue Jays history when a two-out grounder took a bad hop over his second baseman's head. In his very next start, on this day against Baltimore, he got there again. Pinch hitter Jim Traber blooped a 2-2 pitch into right field. Stieb finally got his no-hitter in 1990. As of this season, it's still the only one in Blue Jays history.
