After three years of trying to control Black's drinking problem, the A's suspended
him in 1945, then sold him to Cleveland. Against the A's on July 10, 1947, he pitched
the first no-hitter in Municipal Stadium before the largest crowd (47,871) ever to
see a
no-hitter up until then. The crowd was drawn by the expectation of the first
appearance of Cleveland's Larry Doby, the AL's first black player, but Doby didn't
play in the game. On September 13, 1948, Black collapsed at home plate after suffering
a brain hemorrhage. While still in critical condition, he was given a night by Indians
fans, who raised $40,000 for him. He recovered but never pitched again.
(NLM)
»September 3, 1947:
Rookie Bill McCahan of the Philadelphia Athletics
no-hits the Washington Senators 3-0. 1B Ferris
Fain allows the only runs when his toss to McCahan
on an easy grounder in the 2nd inning goes wide. McCahan,
the former Duke University star, was the losing pitcher
when Don Black threw his no-hitter July 10th. The
Senators have not suffered a no-hitter since Ernie
Shore pitched his 26-out perfect game in 1917.
»May 23, 1948: Joe DiMaggio hits three consecutive home runs for the New York Yankees in a 6–5, first-game win against the Indians. The first two home runs are off Bob Feller. Behind Don Black, the Indians take the nightcap, 5–1, to preserve first place.
»September 13, 1948:
Cleveland P Don Black suffers a cerebral hemorrhage
while at bat against the Browns. Black's life will
hang in the balance for a week. Owner Bill Veeck of
the Indians arranges a benefit game for Black
on September 22, a contest that attracts 76,000, and
$40,000 of the receipts are turned over to the pitcher.
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