Notable Debut – Page 8 – Society for American Baseball Research

September 1, 1971: Pirates field first all-Black lineup in baseball history

Larry Yount (NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME LIBRARY)

September 15, 1971: Larry Yount makes his big-league debut, and farewell, for Astros

April 15, 1972: Rangers throw away their first-ever game

Dennis Eckersley (TRADING CARD DB)

June 28, 1972: Dennis Eckersley throws shutout for Reno Silver Sox in pro baseball debut

September 16, 1972: Mike Schmidt’s first career home run is a game-winner

March 29, 1973: MLB experiments with Charlie Finley’s orange baseballs

April 6, 1973: Yankees’ Ron Blomberg makes debut as baseball’s first designated hitter

July 4, 1973: Eddie Bane makes major-league debut for Twins in Independence Day sellout

George Brett (THE TOPPS COMPANY)

August 2, 1973: George Brett makes his debut with Kansas City Royals

John Adams (Courtesy of the Cleveland Guardians)

August 24, 1973: Rare Duffy power surge gives Cleveland a win in John Adams’ debut on drums

April 9, 1974: Padres owner Ray Kroc throws a tirade

April 8, 1975: Frank Robinson debuts as first black manager in major leagues

May 25, 1975: Dennis Eckersley shuts out world champion A’s in first major-league start

July 27, 1975: Red Sox double whitewash Yankees in Guidry’s debut (Game 2)

June 28, 1976: The Bird captivates the nation

Joe West (Trading Card Database)

September 14, 1976: Cowboy Joe’s first ride: West umpires first of record-setting 5,460 games

September 14, 1976: Al Autry wins debut start for Braves in his only major-league game

Ted Turner (ATLANTA BRAVES)

April 2, 1977: On their way to becoming ‘America’s Team,’ Atlanta Braves make their superstation debut

April 7, 1977: A snowy beginning for Toronto’s major-league debut

April 15, 1977: Expos and Phillies christen Olympic Stadium in front of 57,592 fans

April 16, 1977: Montreal Expos earn first win in Olympic Stadium

May 11, 1977: Braves owner Ted Turner takes reins as manager

September 9, 1977: Whitaker and Trammell make their debut

October 2, 1977: Dusty Baker hits 30th homer, receives first-ever high-five from Glenn Burke in Dodgers’ loss to Astros