July 31, 1954

Before the game at Ebbets Field, Milwaukee Braves first baseman Joe Adcock is told that the Brooklyn Dodgers don't consider him much of a hitter. Then Adcock gives the Dodgers reason to change their minds.

Using a borrowed bat -- it belongs to reserve catcher Charley White -- because he broke his regular one last night, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound former LSU basketball player becomes the third player this century to hit four homers in a nine-inning game (Lou Gehrig and Gil Hodges are the others). He also doubles, giving him 18 total bases, a major-league record that still will be standing as the century draws to a close.

Incredibly, Adcock sees only seven pitches. Two homers and his double come on the first pitch and the other two homers on the second. His homers are made off four pitchers: Don Newcombe, Erv Palica (who also yielded the double), Pete Wojey and Johnny Podres.

Adcock knocks in seven runs as the Braves, who hit seven homers, win their ninth straight, 15-7.