Top baseball news this week
1. Shohei Ohtani ties Dodgers home‑run streak record
Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani homered in five straight games, matching a franchise record, and now leads the National League with 37 home runs. His walk‑off performance in a 4–3 win over the Twins featured historic drama: he was intentionally walked with two outs and empty bases, then scored the winning run—a first since intentional walks became official in 1955. Dodgers now at 60‑43, riding Ohtani’s red-hot form into August. TalkSport
2. Hall of Fame induction celebrates legends
Cooperstown welcomed Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dave Parker, and Dick Allen at a star-studded ceremony. Ichiro, the first Japanese-born inductee, stole the show with humor and heartfelt moments; Sabathia made emotional remarks despite a late arrival; Allen and Parker were honored posthumously by their families. Milestones like Trout’s 1,000 RBIs and Schwarber’s 1,000 hits were also marked. Bleed Cubbie Blue+1WAMC+1
3. MLB expansion hot race: Salt Lake City vs Nashville
MLB expansion prospects continue to heat up as Salt Lake City and Nashville emerge as leading candidates for a new franchise. Salt Lake City’s Miller family proposed building a stadium to attract a team, and momentum is building behind both cities. A decision could significantly shift baseball's footprint and fanbase in coming years.
RIP
August 1
Ike Boone (died August 1, 1958)
Boone was an outfielder who bounced between MLB and the minor leagues but became legendary with a .321 MLB average across 356 games Wikipedia. In the Pacific Coast League, he dominated: in 1929 he hit .407 with 55 homers and set a league record 553 total bases and 323 hits—just two shy of the record Wikipedia. While he wasn’t a Hall of Famer in MLB, Boone’s minor-league exploits mark him as one of the most prolific hitters in baseball history. His story underscores the rich talent that thrived outside the major leagues.
Harvey Young (died August 1, 1959)
Young was a shortstop in the Negro Leagues, notably with the Baltimore Elite Giants and Kansas City Monarchs between 1941 and 1944 Wikipedia+1Over the Monster+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1. Though he was relatively young at 38 when he died, his presence on elite teams during a competitive era contributes to Negro Leagues heritage. Details on his career beyond those dates are scarce, but his inclusion on those clubs reflects his standing among his peers.
August 3
Chappy Charles (died August 3, 1959)
An infielder who appeared with the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds between 1908–1910 Wikipedia. While not star‑level, Charles represents early‑era players building the foundation of modern baseball post–deadball era.
August 4
Phil Lewis (died August 8, 1959—not quite in range, but close)
Lewis played shortstop for the Brooklyn Superbas (now Dodgers) from 1905–1908 Wikipedia. His career came during a transitional period of baseball’s early leagues and style of play, highlighting the evolution of infield defense and strategy.
Willard “Home Run” Brown (died August 4, 1996)
A Negro Leagues legend with the Kansas City Monarchs and briefly MLB with the St. Louis Browns in 1947Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1. Known as the first African‑American to hit a home run in the American League, his consistent dominance in the Negro American League—batting champion, All-Star, and World Series champion—made him an icon. Brown’s career helped pave the way for integration and recognition of Black baseball excellence and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006 Wikipedia.
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