On August 16, 1920, Ray Chapman, shortstop for the Cleveland Indians, tragically passed away after being struck in the head by a pitch from Carl Mays of the New York Yankees. This incident remains the only on-field fatality in Major League Baseball history.
The game took place at the Polo Grounds in New York. In the fifth inning, Chapman, who was known for crowding the plate, faced submariner pitcher Carl Mays. Mays threw a fastball that struck Chapman in the left temple, causing a loud noise that was initially mistaken for the sound of the ball hitting the bat. Chapman fell to the ground, and while he briefly stood up, he soon collapsed again and had to be carried off the field.
Chapman was rushed to a nearby hospital, where surgeons operated to relieve pressure on his brain. Despite their efforts, Chapman never regained consciousness and sadly passed away early the next morning at the age of 29.
This tragic event led to several changes in baseball. Umpires were instructed to replace the ball more frequently during games, as discolored or scuffed balls were harder for batters to see. Additionally, although batting helmets were not mandatory until many years later, some players began experimenting with protective headgear in the wake of Chapman's death.
The Cleveland Indians, inspired by the memory of their fallen teammate, went on to win the American League pennant and eventually the World Series against the Brooklyn Robins (later known as the Dodgers), dedicating their victory to Ray Chapman. Chapman's death remains a somber reminder of the inherent risks in sports and the importance of player safety.
