May 13, 1952

Until last season, Ron Necciai was a first baseman before being converted into a pitcher. In his first two starts for the Bristol (Va.) Twins in the Class D Appalachian League this year, Necciai struck out 20 and 19. Tonight, he makes baseball history.

The 19-year-old, 6-foot-5, 185-pound right-hander is the first pro to strike out 27 in a 9-inning game. Mixing an explosive fastball with a dazzling curve, he also no-hits the Welch Miners in his 7-0 masterpiece.

Only four batters reach base against him -- on an error, a hit batsman, a walk and when a third strike gets past the catcher.

Necciai, who will strike out 24 batters eight days later, will be called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, he will not have the same success he enjoyed in the minors, compiling a 1-6 record and 7.08 ERA while striking out 31 and walking 32 in 54 2/3 innings.