Special Sub-Topic: I Did it First Click Here To Play: I Did it First

In 2001, which pitcher was the first in Major League history to win 20 games and have only one loss in the season?

Roger Clemens. The others had already retired prior to 2001. Roger ended up going 20-3 in his 2001 Yankee season. For his efforts, he was awarded his sixth Cy Young Award.

There was only one triple-header played in history, and in the National League that went a full nine innings in each game. This team also swept their opponents on that day in 1890. Which team was it?

Brooklyn Bridegrooms. The other teams were non-existent then. On September 1, 1890, the Bridegrooms (later Dodgers) had their day and their way with the Pittsburgh Innocents, defeating them 10-9, 3-2, and 8-4. The Bridegrooms were led by Oyster Burns who hit 13 home runs in the season. The Innocents were actually the Pittsburgh Allegheny's, and the 'Innocents' name only stuck for 25 games in the season. The name Innocents was adopted because the team had so many 'kids' on the team. They finished the season 23-113, 66.5 games behind the pennant-winning Bridegrooms.

I almost did it. In 2001, I lost my bid to become the third Yankee hurler in four years to throw a perfect game. I lost it in the bottom of the ninth with two out, when Carl Everett singled off me. Who am I?

Mike Mussina. The others never pitched for the Yankees. To make matters worse in Mike's game, Everett was a pinch-hitter for the Red Soxin this game. The rivalry continued, but the Yankees won the AL pennantin the end, then lost to Arizona in the World Series.

This pitching great was the first to throw four no-hitters, and they were all in a four-year span. His last one was a perfect game. Who was this left-handed wonder?

Sandy Koufax. The others were all right-handed greats of the game. Koufax of the Dodgers accomplished this from 1962-1965. He retired in 1966 with elbow problems, but still going 27-9 in the season and winning his third Cy Young Award.

I was mostly noted for being a part of a famous double-play comination. I had a bat too, and used it quite well. I hit the first Chicago Cub home run in a World Series. Unfortunately, I died on my 68th birthday. Who am I?

Joe Tinker. The others listed were all career Pittsburgh Pirates. Tinker's two-run shot came in game two of the 1908 World Series against the Tigers. The Cubs won the game 6-1, then the series four games to one. Joe was born on July 27, 1880, and died on the same day in 1948. However, Joe was there for his induction into the Hall in 1946.

In 2001, a pitcher threw a shutout and hit a home run in his first Major League game. This was the first time in 100 years for this to happen. Who had this great day?

Jason Jennings. The other pitchers listed were at least 10-year veterans in 2001. It was on August 23rd that Jennings debuted with Colorado Rockies. He appeared in seven games with a 4-1 record. Not bad for a pitcher, Jason went 4-for-15 with a double and home run, batting .267 for the season. In 2002, Jennings batted .306.

I really didn't want to be first, but I was the first Major League player killed in a war in 1918. Who am I?

Eddie Grant. The others weren't born until the 1920s. On June 27, Braves' catcher Hank Gowdy was the first Major League player to enter military service. On October 5, 1918, Eddie Grant was killed in Argonne Forest, France, during his service in WWI. The last team that he played for was the New York Giants.

Who was the first player in history to win three season MVP Awards?

Jimmie Foxx. Foxx won two with his Athletics in 1932 and 1933. His third came with the Boston Red Sox in 1938. He almost bagged his fourth in 1940, but finished runner-up to Joe DiMaggio of the Yankees.

Who was the first switch-hitter in the National League to win a batting title?

Pete Rose. The others were all pitchers. Mantle was the first American Leaguer to win it in 1956. Pete Rose, a National League switch-hitter won his in 1968 with the 'Big Red Machine' of Cincinnati. Pete batted .335 and finished .003 points above Pittsburgh's Matty Alou for the title, and .018 ahead of brother Felipe of Atlanta who finished third. Rose also finished second in the MVP voting in 1968 to pitcher Bob Gibson of the Cardinals.

Which team won the first American League game played in history?

Chicago White Sox. The others listed were all former National League teams. On April 24, 1901, it didn't look good for the league's debut. With four games scheduled, three were rained out. Chicago defeated Cleveland 8-2, with pitcher Roy Patterson getting the first win. The White Sox name was adopted only 10 days prior to the start of the season. Newspapers complained that they could not get the name 'Chicago White Stockings' on one line for a headline. The White Stockings name was the very first pro team in Chicago in the mid 1800s.