This day in NY sports history: July 31, 1989

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Wednesday, August 1, 1945

Mel Ott joins the 500 club

With a third-inning blast before 19,318 at the Polo Grounds, New York Giants slugger Mel Ott became the third player in baseball history to reach the 500-home run plateau. Ott, 36, connected for a solo shot - his 11th of the season - off Braves pitcher Johnny Hutchings in the Giants' 9-2 win, gaining entrance to the exclusive 500 club which previously had held only Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx. A career Giant, "Master Melvin" made his debut at 17 and was the National League's premiere power hitter during his prime. The Hall of Famer played two more seasons, finishing with a career .304 average and 511 homers.