August 5 Willie Mays is inducted into the Hall of Fame

This Day in Baseball - The Daily Rewind

Milestones:

August 5, 1979, Willie Mays is inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Mays slugged 660 homers, batted .302, and collected 3,283 hits in his 22-year career. Known for his all-around play, Mays won 12 Gold Glove Awards for his defense in center field. Former National League outfielder Hack Wilson and executive Warren Giles are also inducted during the ceremony in Cooperstown, which draws a record crowd.

August 5, 2007, Mets left-hander Tom Glavine won his 300th career game, defeating the Cubs in Chicago's Wrigley Field, 8-3. Glavine, the fifth southpaw to reach the 300-victory level, pitched 6 1/3 innings to become the first 300-game winner since former teammate Greg Maddux in 2004.

August 5, 1963, a record number of Hall of Famers are in Cooperstown for the annual induction ceremony. Four new members receive plaques: pitchers John Clarkson and Eppa Rixey, and outfielders Elmer Flick and Sam Rice

Enhanced History:

August 5, 1999, Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals becomes the 16th major leaguer to join the 500-home run club. McGwire’s milestone blast - a solo shot in the third inning - comes against Andy Ashby of the San Diego Padres. In the eighth inning, McGwire adds his 501st home run. The Cardinals lose the game, 10-2.

Accomplishments:

August 5, 1969, Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates becomes the first player to hit a home run completely out of Dodger Stadium. Stargell’s titanic blast travels over 500 feet and helps the Pirates win, 11-3.

Events:

August 5, 1921, Harold Arlin announces the play-by-play on the first radio broadcast of a major league game. The game between the Pirates and Phillies, which the Pirates win, 8-5, is heard over KDKA radio in Pittsburgh. Arlin’s grandson, Steve Arlin, will one day pitch for the San Diego Padres.