THIS DATE IN NY GIANTS HISTORY: JULY 8, 1949 & 1956

July 8, 1949
Hank Thompson & Monte Irvin becomes the first African-Americans to play for the Giants. When Thompson faces Dodger right-hander Don Newcombe, it marks the first time a pitcher-batter confrontation takes place between black players in the major leagues.(Nationalpastime.com)

July 8, 1956
In an 11-1 rout of the Pirates at the Polo Grounds, the Giants go deep for a franchise record seven home runs. Willie Mays, Daryl Spencer and Wes Westrum each connect for a pair and Hank Thompson adds another.(Nationalpastime.com)

 

THIS DATE IN NY GIANTS HISTORY: JUNE 24, 1950

June 24, 1950
Giants’ catcher Wes Westrum, a low average, high power defensive catcher, hits three home runs and a triple. The 27-year old backstop’s fifteen total bases help New York defeat Cincinnati at the Polo Grounds, 12-2. (Nationalpastime.com)

June 24, 1950
Willie Mays makes his professional baseball debut playing centerfield for Trenton, the Giants’ farm team in the Class B Inter State League. The 20-year old outfielder from Alabama goes hitless in the game against Hagerstown in Maryland, but will hit .353 in 81 games, before being promoted to the Minneapolis Millers, the Triple A affiliate of the parent club. (Nationalpastime.com)

 

THIS DATE IN NY GIANTS HISTORY: MAY 28, 1951 & 1957

MAY 28, 1951
After starting his career 0-for-12, Giants rookie Willie Mays gets his first hit, a 450-foot homer off Braves left-hander Warren Spahn.
(Nationalpastime.com)

May 28, 1957,
National League owners voted unanimously to allow the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers to move to San Francisco and Los Angeles, respectively, at the mid-season owner’s meeting. For the move to take place, both teams had to move together and both had to notify MLB prior to October 1, 1957. The Giants would formally announce their intention to leave for San Francisco on August 19, 1957. “Stay Team Stay” a slogan the fans came to use, fell on deaf ears. The NY Giants would soon be no more.
(Nationalpastime.com)

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