THIS DAY IN BÉISBOL September 1: Bernie Williams leads class of 2012 Latino Baseball Hall of Fame inductees

As a switch-hitting Gold Glover who manned the hallowed ground that is centerfield in Yankee Stadium during the team’s late-’90s dynasty, Bernie Williams was undoubtedly deserving of having his No. 51 retired by the team.

But while his overall numbers fell a little short of being Cooperstown worthy, the Puerto Rico native received a tremendous honor nonetheless on this day in baseball, Sept. 1, 2011.

Williams was among several players inducted into the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012 — contemporary and old-timers — who were honored at a ceremony in La Romana, Dominican Republic the following February.

The Class of 2012 also included Manny Trillo (Venezuela), Aurelio Rodriguez (Mexico), Ben Oglivie (Panama) and Tony Peña (Dominican Republic). 

Also on this day: In 1986, Oakland A’s outfielder Jose Canseco continued to dazzle fans on his way to Rookie of the Year honors with a 4-for-5 game against the Yankees that included a home run. He became the first player in either league to reach 100 RBI.

In 2008, third- baseman Adrian Beltre of the Mariners hit for the cycle while going 5-for-6 to help beat the Rangers, 12-6.

Mets closer Edwin Diaz earned his 250th career save in a victory over the Detroit Tigers in 2025. He finished the season with 28 saves, a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 62 games.