June Pickups

[Scott Garner]

I recently picked up a tough ticket to Johnny Vander Meer's 1st ML career start on May 19, 1937, which also happened to be the 1st night game for the Reds in 1937.
As many of you perhaps know, the Cincinnati Reds became the first ML team to play baseball under the lights in 1935.
Prior to this game, rookie Vander Meer only had been used as a pinch hitter and in relief since his ML debut in late April 1937.

21 year-old Vandy went the full 9 innings, but took the tough luck loss 3-1.
Vander Meer deserved better, pitching effectively and striking out a season high 11 Boston batters, not allowing an earned run in the game.
As an aside, Vandy also picked up his 1st career hit in his first AB in the majors.

I wish I had an actual photo from this game...