1982 – Don Sutton notches his 250th career win, a 5-1 four-hit victory over the Cubs. It’s Sutton’s ninth of the year. Phil Garner drills a two-run shot and Jose Cruz plates the other two tallies.
The Reds rally, scoring five runs in the top of the 9th to beat the Pirates, 6 – 3. Wayne Krenchicki’s pinch three-run homer off Kent Tekulve is the tie-breaker in the frame.
Harold Baines hits three consecutive home runs, including a grand slam, to lead the White Sox over the Tigers, 7 – 0.
1982 – Joe Niekro gives up homers to Omar Moreno and Johnny Ray to start the game, then settles in for a 6-4 complete-game victory in rainy Pittsburgh. Jose Cruz and Phil Garner bail Niekro out with a home run and three RBIs apiece.
7/4/1982 – The Yankees were playing in Cleveland. In the first inning, they had the bases loaded and one run in when Roy Smalley batted in Graig Nettles’ place. Smalley flew out to end the inning and nothing was said by the Indians. New York won the game, 3-2.
Celebrating Independence Day at Mile High Stadium in Denver, 65,666 fans watch an American Association contest and enjoy a giant fireworks display after the game. The gathering is the largest crowd in minor leaguehistory.
On July 3, 1982 A County Stadium-record crowd of 55,716 watches the Brewers shut out the Red Sox, 7 – 0, to move into a first-place tie with Boston in the AL East. Source Baseball Reference July 3
On July 2, 1982 Boston’s Tony Perez singles off Milwaukee’s Bob McClure (7-2) for his 2,500th career hit, but that’s a lone bright spot as the Brewers clobber the Red Sox, 14 – 5. Gorman Thomas has a pair of homers as six are hit. Source: Baseball Reference July 2
At Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium, Mark Fidrych, mounting one more attempt to return to the majors, and Dave Righetti, the AL Rookie of the Year who was sent down by the Yankees to Triple-A Columbus after a slow start in his sophomore season, match up in one of the most memorable games ever played in the minor leagues. The chanting and cheering overflow crowd of 9,389, packed into the ballpark designed to accommodate 5,800 fans, vocally displays their support for the ‘Bird’ throughout the game and becomes delirious when he strikes out Butch Hobson for the final out in his improbable complete-game 7-5 victory.
In what is considered a questionable decision at the time, Cal Ripken Jr. is moved from third base to shortstop by Oriole manager Earl Weaver.
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