19th November 1921
On this day in 1921, Chelsea’s goalkeeper Benjamin Howard Baker showcased his remarkable versatility in a First Division match against Bradford City at Stamford Bridge. Known for his diverse athletic talents, Baker had already made a name for himself as an England international footballer and an Olympic athlete in high jump and triple jump. During the match, Baker scored the only goal for Chelsea, converting a penalty to secure a 1-0 victory. Despite losing his penalty-taking duties later in the season after a miss against Arsenal, Baker’s performance on this day remains a testament to his exceptional all-round abilities. Throughout his career, Baker made 93 League and FA Cup appearances for Chelsea, alongside stints at Everton and Oldham.
19th November 1960
Fast forward to 1960, and another memorable event unfolded at Stamford Bridge. On 19th November, Chelsea’s Jimmy Greaves delivered a stunning performance in a First Division clash against Manchester City. Greaves scored a hat-trick, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s emphatic 6-3 victory. This match was particularly significant for Greaves as he reached a personal milestone, scoring his 100th League goal. At just 20 years and 290 days old, Greaves became the youngest player ever to achieve this feat. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess was a key factor in Chelsea’s success during that period, and his record continues to be celebrated in the annals of football history.