This is the 82nd anniversary of Johnny Vander Meer's VanderMeeracle!

[Scott Garner]

On June 15th, 1938 Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Vander Meer set one of MLB's most unassailable records by pitching his second consecutive no-hitter at historic Ebbets Field.

The story is well documented, but June 15th was also the first night game at Ebbets and all sorts of fanfare. Before the game, Vandy was presented a special engraved wristwatch by the mayor of his hometown of Midland Park, NJ in front of 500 locals. Drum and Bugle Corps played as they paraded around the infield. 1936 US Olympics star Jesse Owens had a 100 yard race plus a 10-yard handicap with Reds' Ernie Coy and Lee Gamble. Speedster Ernie Coy actually beat Owens by a yard in the contest.

The lights themselves initially malfunctioned, but finally worked to huge oohs and ahhs, but not before delaying the game for well over an hour and a half.

Babe Ruth was on hand that night as he was about to join the Brooklyn Dodgers as a coach. He stopped by the Reds dugout before the game to congratulate Vander Meer for his no-hitter 4 days earlier on June 11th in Cincinnati.
After the game, Ruth came by the Reds clubhouse again to give Vandy another round of congratulations for the 2nd consecutive no-hitter saying "Nice job, Kid".
Ruth and Vandy were both great outdoor sportsmen, and that evening cemented a great friendship that endured for many years.
Babe and Vandy hunted and fished every year, mostly in NY until the Babe's death.
One of Babe Ruth's interesting quirks was that he never called anyone by their correct given name. Vandy was always "Lefty" or "Left Hander"...

Here's a toast to the VanderMeeracle!