Of Warren Spahn and one important signing

Warren Spahn

Warren Spahn, arguably the greatest left-handed pitcher in history, has a busy Saturday afternoon 72 years ago today as he ties a National League record with 18 strikeouts in the Boston Braves’ 3-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs in 15 innings at Braves Field.

Spahn also accounts for Boston’s lone run with a home run off Willie Ramsdell to lead off the bottom of the sixth.

Spahn eventually gets tagged with the loss after a two-out, two-run triple by Hal Jeffcoat in the top of the 15th snaps the 1-1 tie.

For the game, the Braves total just four hits — including Spahn’s homer — in 52 trips to the plate.

A footnote for the same day in 1952 comes when Braves scout Dewey Griggs signs an 18-year-old infielder whose contract Boston recently purchases from the Negro Leagues’ Indianapolis Clowns.

After first paying the Clowns $10,000 for that contract, the Braves then sign the infielder to a $350 per month contract.

Within two years, the infielder moves to the outfield, reaches the major leagues with the Braves and begins to help Spahn earn many of his 363 career wins during their time as teammates from 1954-64.

Spahn eventually reaches the Hall of Fame.

So, too, does the kid the Braves sign 72 years ago today.

The kid?

That would be Hank Aaron.

Might have heard of him.