On March 31, 1968, the Seattle expansion franchise announced that it would be called the “Pilots.” The name originated from the coastal seaport city’s association with the airplane industry and co-owner Dewey Soriano’s part-time job as a harbor pilot. The Pilots will last only one season in Seattle before becoming the Milwaukee Brewers.
1968 – In a spring training game, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jim Ellis creates the “Lip Pass” by going to his mouth on a 3 and 1 count to issue an intentional walk. Cubs manager Leo Durocher, who was opposed to the new strict enforcement of the rule preventing pitchers from going to their mouth while on the rubber, is warned not to repeat the Lip pass or he’ll be fined. He doesn’t, but the rule is relaxed.
Ramon Martinez Essentials Positions: Pitcher Bats: L Throws: R Height: 76 Weight: 165 Born: Friday, March 22, 1968 in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional D.R. Debut: 8/13/1988 Last Game: 5/1/2001 Full Name: Ramon Jaime Martinez Notable Events and Chronology for Ramon Martinez Career Biography His best season was in 1990 when he had…
1968 – One of the two American League expansion teams announces its nickname. The Kansas City franchise, now known as the “Royals”, will begin play in 1969. Kansas City’s last major league franchise, the Athletics, moved to Oakland after the 1967 season. The name evokes the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs and the annual “American Royal” Horse Show, held in Kansas City.
1968 – Jeff Kent is born in Bellflower, CA. The former National League MVP bats .292 and averages 24 homers and 100 RBIs during his two seasons in Houston (2003,2004). He also provides one of the most memorable homers in Astros playoff history to win Game 5 of the 2004 N.L.C.S.
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