Shamsky tied a major league record by homering in four consecutive at-bats for the
Reds on August 12 and 14 of 1966. He finished the year with 21 HR in only 96 games.
He became a favorite of Jewish fans in New York after his 1967 trade to the Mets
and his .300 performance as a fourth outfielder and lefthanded pinch hitter for the
beloved 1969 World Champions. His seven hits led all batters in the 1969 LCS. Nagging
back problems hastened Shamsky's departure from the game in 1972.
(JCA)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»August 12, 1966: At Crosley Field, long-ball lovers enjoy 11 home runs in one game, tying the most in any contest and setting a major-league record for an extra-inning contest. Art Shamsky hits three for Cincinnati, including two in extra innings. But Pittsburgh prevails 13–11, scoring three in the 13th inning. Shamsky, who did not enter the game until the 8th, when he hits a 2-run homer to put the Reds up 8–7. His solo homer in the 9th ties the score at 9-9, as does his 2-run homer in the 11th. Shamsky's pair of extra-inning homers is a first in the National League, and just the 3rd time ever in the Majors (Vern Stephens, 1943: Willie Kirkland, 1963). Also going deep are Rose, Deron Johnson, Bob Bailey (2), Clemente, Jesse Gonder, and Jerry Lynch. For Lynch, it is his 18th pinch-hit home run, a ML record.
»August 14, 1966: Art Shamsky hits his 4th consecutive home run, tying the ML record, but the Reds lose again to the Pirates 4–2. Shamsky did not play yesterday, and did not come in today until the 7th inning when his 2-run homer puts the Reds up, 2–1. The homer streak will end tomorrow in Los Angeles, when he delivers a pinch single against Bob Miller.
»May 17, 1971:
Atlanta's Ralph Garr homers in the 10th and 12th innings of a game against the Mets, tying a major-league record for most home runs in extra innings. He's just the 4th to do it and the 2nd NLer. Art Shamsky last did it, in 1966. The Braves win 4–3.
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