Had to happen eventually

Well, somebody had to do it and that somebody 32 years ago today is Randy Tomlin as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ left-hander becomes the first major leaguer to hit John Kruk with a pitch after the Philadelphia Phillies’ All-Star first baseman goes his first 2,681 at-bats in the majors without being plunked.

Tomlin hits Kruk with two outs in the bottom of the third inning of a game the Phillies eventually win 6-5 at Veterans Stadium.

Kruk, also seen here ducking out of the way of Randy Johnson's fastball two years later at the 1993 All-Star Game in Baltimore, is hit with a pitch only one other time – in 1992 by the Mets' Wally Whitehurst – during his distinguished 10-year career in the majors.

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In the heat of the pennant race

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Back when players would bunt