1953 Hall of Fame Game

The Cincinnati Reds set Hall of Fame Game records for most runs scored in a game and most runs scored in a single inning, exploding for a 10-run sixth inning en route to defeating the Chicago White Sox 16-6 in the 12th exhibition match on July 27, 1953, at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.

The 16 runs scored topped the previous record of 10 runs, which was set by the Chicago Cubs in the inaugural Hall of Fame Game in 1940. Additionally, no team had ever scored more than six runs in a single inning in any of the games.

The Reds’ offense first struck in the top of the first inning, producing four runs on five hits off of White Sox starter Gene Bearden. Three doubles – two of which were ground-rule doubles – powered the Reds in the first inning. First baseman Ted Kluszewski knocked in two of his game-high four RBI during the inning.

Down 4-0, the White Sox came back with a run in both the first and second innings. Two more ground-rule doubles scored the first run, and catcher Red Wilson scored on a Vern Stephens single to make the score 4-2.

In the bottom of the fifth, Chicago evened the game at four runs apiece. The White Sox never had the chance to take the lead though, as the Cincinnati offense rallied for 10 runs in the top of the sixth inning. Kluszewski and Jim Greengrass each collected multiple hits in the inning and Willard Marshall hit a three-run home run that accounted for three of his four RBI in the game.

Chicago scored one run in the bottom half of the sixth and once more in the bottom of the ninth. Cincinnati picked up a run in both the seventh and eighth innings to put the game out of reach.

Six different Reds players recorded multi-hit games, with Kluszewski and Roy McMilan leading the way with three apiece. Bud Stewart was the only Chicago player to hit safely more than once. He recorded three hits and two RBI.

Herm Wehmeier pitched five innings and picked up the win for the Reds. Chicago reliever Bob Keegan took the loss after allowing seven hits in one and two-thirds innings pitched.