On Opening Day, April 16, 1926, rookie Earl Averill became the first American Leaguer to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat. The Indians center fielder’s blast came on an 0-2 count against Detroit pitcher Earl Whitehill as Cleveland defeated the Tigers, 5-4.
I find that Goudey card just amazingly beautiful. A similar thing happened last week. A guy for the Twins got his first big league hit in the first inning – a double off the wall and then the Twins batted around and he hit a homer his second time up, also in the first inning.
It makes one wonder who the artist was for these cards. They should bring these back. There’s just something so nostalgic about this style.