One too many firsts for George Hall

Philadelphia Athletics outfielder George Hall becomes the first major leaguer to hit for the cycle 148 years ago today.

A year later – in 1877, and more than 40 years before anyone hears of the infamous Black Sox – Hall becomes the first player to be banned from baseball after he is caught throwing games.

By then, the 28-year-old Hall is playing for Louisville, his sixth team during a seven-year career in which he bats .322.