On Aug. 16, 1920, Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman was struck in the head by a pitch. He died a day later, becoming the only player in major league history to die from a pitched ball.
Chapman Dies After Suffering Skull Fracture
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The first-place Indians were in New York, opening up an important three-game series against the Yankees, who were a half-game behind Cleveland in the standings.
Chapman led off the fifth inning against the Yankees pitcher Carl Mays. Chapman had a crouched batting stance and liked to crowd the plate. Mays, a submarine pitcher, was known for his spitball, which would often rise up toward the batter's head.
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