Joel Youngblood Was Traded In the Middle of a Game And Played A Second Game Later That Night
Published on March 19th, 2025 3:50 pm ESTWritten By: Dave Manuel
Joel Youngblood had a very decent career in the major leagues. Youngblood, who made the All-Star game in 1981, played for 14 years and won a World Series title in 1976.
Youngblood also has a place in Major League Baseball history, as he owns the rare distinction of being the first and only player to ever notch two hits for two different teams in two different cities - in the same day.
How is this possible?
On August 4th, 1982, Youngblood began his day as a New York Met.
The Mets were on the road to play the Chicago Cubs, who could only play day games due to the fact that they had no lights at Wrigley Field.
In the 3rd inning of the game, Youngblood laced a single off of Ferguson Jenkins, cashing in two of his teammates.
In the 4th inning, the manager of the Mets walked up to Youngblood and informed him that he had been traded to the Montreal Expos. Youngblood was to say his goodbyes, pack his things and head to the airport.
Youngblood quickly made his way to the airport where he caught a flight to Philadelphia.
Youngblood was driven straight to the stadium and arrived midway through the Phillies/Expos game, which was taking place in the evening.
Youngblood was given his new uniform and made his way to the clubhouse, where he greeted his new teammates.
In the 7th inning, Youngblood was brought in to pinch-hit. Youngblood, who had faced Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins earlier in the day, was now squaring off against another future Hall of Famer, Steve Carlton.
Youngblood would hit an infield single off of Carleton.
This meant that Youngblood had hit two singles over the course of the busy day, while playing for two different teams in two different cities.
To put the cherry on top of the sundae, Youngblood managed to accomplish this against two future Hall of Famers - Ferguson Jenkins and Steve Carleton.
