Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

August 29, 1951

Johnny Sain, an Arkansas-born star major league pitcher widely considered to have been the best pitching coach in major league baseball history, was traded by the Braves to the New York Yankees. Sain had unique (and still controversial) approaches to working with pitchers, the success of which earned him the respect and affection of his charges. As a pitcher, he won 139 games, the third-highest total for an Arkansas native; only Dizzy Dean, with 150 victories, and Lon Warneke, with 192, won more.

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Solon Borland

Virginia native Solon Borland moved to Arkansas in 1843 to take charge of the newly founded Democratic Party newspaper, Arkansas Banner. Borland’s star rose quickly as he saw service as a major in the Arkansas regiment during the Mexican War. Later, he took over Ambrose Sevier’s seat in the U.S. Senate. After resigning his Senate seat in 1853, he served as U.S. minister to Nicaragua and other Central American republics. Borland saw minor service as a Confederate officer during the Civil War and died of illness in 1864.

 

Virginia native Solon Borland moved to Arkansas in 1843 to take charge of the newly founded Democratic Party newspaper, Arkansas Banner. Borland’s star rose quickly as he saw service as a major in the Arkansas regiment during the Mexican War. Later, he took over Ambrose Sevier’s seat in the U.S. Senate. After resigning his Senate seat in 1853, he served as U.S. minister to Nicaragua and other Central American republics. Borland saw minor service as a Confederate officer during the Civil War and died of illness in 1864.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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