Major League Season Recap 1986

Seasons

Major League Season Recap 1986

World Series – New York Mets NL over Boston Red Sox AL 4 games to 3

World Series MVP – Ray Knight
Babe Ruth Award – Ray Knight

ALCS Boston Red Sox over California Angels 4 games to 3 ALCS MVP – Marty Barrett
NLCS New York Mets over Houston Astros 4 games to 2 NLCS MVP – scottmi03

Awards –

Cy Young Award National League Mike Scott
Cy Young Award American League Roger Clemens

MVP Awards –
NL Mike Schmidt
AL Roger Clemens

NL Rookie of The Year – worreto01
AL Rookie of The Year – Jose Canseco

Roberto Clemente Award – Garry Maddox

All-Star Game – July 15th 1986 – A.L. 3 over N.L. 2 , played at Astrodome (NL)
AL Starter R. Clemens NL Starter D. Gooden MVP R. Clemens

bill veeck

Legendary major league owner Bill Veeck dies at the age of 71

willie mccovey

Willie McCovey is elected to the Hall of Fame

1986 – Picking first in the January draft, Cleveland selects pitcher Jeff Shaw. The Pirates, selecting second, take outfielder Moises Alou. It will be the last time the January draft is held: from now on all draft-eligible players will be part of a single pool for selection in the June Amateur Draft.

tim tuefel

New York Mets acquire second baseman Tim Teufel

The Braves and Chief Noc-A-Homa, the team mascot who has become a huge fan favorite in Atlanta with his spirited dances when a homer is hit by the home team, agree to end their 17-year association. Levi Walker, the third person to play the role for the franchise, is reportedly dissatisfied with his pay of $60 a game, and club officials were unhappy with the Georgia native’s failure to attend seven scheduled appearances last year.

1986 – The Texas Rangers sign free agent catcher Darrell Porter to a one-year contract.

The Yankees sign free-agent Al Holland

The Yankees sign free-agent Al Holland

Astros extend a spring training invitation to reliever Aurelio Lopez

red ruffing

Hall of Famer Red Ruffing dies at the age of 81

Rollie Fingers

Rollie Fingers passes up an opportunity to return to the majors

Although he loses his arbitration case, Boston third baseman Wade Boggs receives the richest amount ($1.35 million) ever awarded by this process.

Although he loses his arbitration case, Boston third baseman Wade Boggs receives the richest amount ($1.35 million) ever awarded by this process.

Dick Williams resigns as manager of the San Diego Padres and is replaced by Steve Boros

Dick Williams resigns as manager of the San Diego Padres and is replaced by Steve Boros

1986 – Nine days after being arrested on drug possession charges for the second time in a month, San Diego Padres pitcher LaMarr Hoyt checks into a drug rehabilitation program and will miss most of the Padres’ spring training. Hoyt was 16-8 with a 3.47 ERA last season.

Commissioner Peter Ueberroth Suspends 11 players

Commissioner Peter Ueberroth Suspends 11 players

1986 – The Atlanta Braves acquire hard-hitting catcher Ted Simmons from the Milwaukee Brewers for defensive-minded catcher Rick Cerone and a pair of minor leaguers. Simmons hit .273 with 76 RBI in 1985.

Carney Lansford is credited with an unusual two-run inside-the-park homer in the A's 5-3 victory

Carney Lansford is credited with an unusual two-run inside-the-park homer in the A’s 5-3 victory

Britt Burns undergoes career ending hip replacement surgery

Britt Burns undergoes career ending hip replacement surgery

Pittsburgh Associates, a coalition of 13 public and private investors, purchases the Pirates from the Galbreath family for $21.8 million.

1986 – Major League Baseball’s Rules Committee votes to change the designated hitter rule for the World Series, allowing a DH to be used in all games played in the American League club’s home park, but not in the National League’s. Since 1976, the DH had been used in all games in even years.

Boston Red Sox acquire designated hitter Don Baylor from the New York Yankees for outfielder-designated hitter Mike Easler

Boston Red Sox acquire designated hitter Don Baylor from the New York Yankees for outfielder-designated hitter Mike Easler

New York Yankees Bucky Bent and Kansas City Royals Hal McRae

the father-and-son team of Hal and Brian McRae appears together in an exhibition game for the Kansas City Royals.

1986 – Pedro Guerrero, the Dodgers’ most productive hitter, ruptures a tendon in his left knee while sliding into third base in an exhibition game. Guerrero will be sidelined for more than three months and not have his first hit until September.

1986 – At Tiger Stadium, Boston Red Sox outfielder Dwight Evans becomes the first player to hit the first pitch on Opening Day for a home run. Jack Morris throws the gopher ball but gets the victory as Detroit edges Boston, 6 – 5, behind two home runs by Kirk Gibson.

Will Clark homers in his first major league at-bat, facing future Hall of Fame right-hander Nolan Ryan. The 22 year-old Giants rookie first baseman’s first inning-solo round-tripper contributes to the team’s Opening Day 8-3 victory at the Astrodome.

Jim Presley hits two home runs, helping the Mariners beat the Angels, 8-4, in a dramatic extra-inning comeback Opening Day victory. The Seattle third baseman’s two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth off Donnie Moore knots the game at four runs apiece, and his two-out grand slam off Ken Forsch in the following frame ends the Kingdome contest.

1986 – Oakland Athletics pitcher Jose Rijo sets a club record with 16 strikeouts in eight innings as Oakland beats the Seattle Mariners, 7 – 2. The two clubs combine for 30 strikeouts overall, setting the modern major league record for a nine-inning game.

Cubs game called for darkness after 13 – 1986

Vida Blue San Francisco Giants

Vida Blue wins his 200th Game

1986 – Alan Ashby homers off Atlanta’s Duane Ward in the ninth for a 3-2 triumph.  Charley Kerfeld, wearing his lucky Jetsons tee-shirt under his jersey, is the winning pitcher. 

Down 2-0 with two outs and nobody on base in the top of the ninth, Houston rallies for a 3-2 triumph in Atlanta. Craig Reynolds gets the game-winner with a two-run single off Bruce Sutter. 

1986 – The game between the California Angels and Minnesota Twins is delayed for nine minutes when strong winds tear a hole in the Metrodome roof, causing suspended lights and speakers to sag toward the field. The roof is reinflated and California rallies for six runs in the 9th inning to win, 7 – 6.

roger clemens 20 strikeouts

Roger Clemens Strikeouts 20 Seattle Mariners

Mario Soto ties the Major League record by surrendering Four home runs in an inning

Mario Soto ties the Major League record by surrendering Four home runs in an inning

1986 – The Seattle Mariners strike out 16 more times in a 9 – 4 loss to the Boston Red Sox, to set a major league record of 36 strikeouts in two consecutive games.

1986 – Bob Knepper runs his record to 5-0 with a 6-1 victory at chilly Montreal. Manager Hal Lanier has been using a three-man rotation of Knepper, Mike Scott and Nolan Ryan to get the Astros off to a fast start. 

Chicago Cubs third baseman Ron Cey hits his 300th and 301st career home runs and Chicago scores four times in the top of the 9th inning to beat the Giants, 6 – 5.

Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly connects for three sacrifice flies in a 9 – 4 victory over the Rangers. Mattingly becomes only the sixth major leaguer to accomplish this feat.

5/3/1986: In the bottom of the third inning at Fenway Park, Dwight Evans hit a fly ball that struck the light tower above the wall in left center field and bounced back into the field. Although it struck above the wall, it was ruled in play, and Evans only reached second on the hit, which came off Chris Codiroli of Oakland.

Secretary of Defense Garry Maddox announces his retirement

Secretary of Defense Garry Maddox announces his retirement

Chuck Cottier is fired as manager of the Mariners. He will be replaced the next day by Dick Williams, who resigned as manager of the Padres in February.

Glenn Davis swats two home runs and a double in leading a 6-3 triumph at Pittsburgh. 

Reggie Jackson passes Mickey Mantle on Homerun List

Reggie Jackson passes Mickey Mantle on Homerun List

A’s infielder Tony Phillips goes 5 for 5, hits for the cycle and drives in four runs as Oakland beats Baltimore, 8 – 4.

5/18/1986: Rookie Wally Joyner of the Angels, hit a two-run homer in the second inning of a game in Detroit. The game was called because of rain in the third inning. It would have been Joyner’s sixteenth of the season.

In the bottom of the tenth inning at Fenway Park, the Red Sox score two runs on an unusual play to beat the Rangers, 6-5, thanks to George Wright’s errant throw. The right fielder throws the ball away fielding Marty Barrett’s double, after becoming confused when two Boston baserunners, both who will score on the error, slide into second at the same time, the batter and Steve Lyons from third base.

1986 – Five Cubs suffer food poisoning prior to a 5-2 Chicago victory at the Astrodome. All had eaten hamburgers and bad mayo is the prime suspect. Pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is hospitalized. 

5/19/1986: Ruppert Jones of the Angels hit a home run off Orioles pitcher Ken Dixon in the top of the second inning. The game was rained out in the bottom of the second inning with California leading 1-0.

Rafael Ramirez strokes four doubles in seven trips to the plate. The infielder’s quartet of two-baggers helps the Braves to edge the Cubs in 13 innings at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, 9-8.

The Phoenix Firebirds of the Pacific Coast League get doused by Hawaii‚ 31 – 5.

Houston Astros pitcher Jim Deshaies records his first major league win, striking out 10 in seven innings, in the Astros’ 4 – 1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

" What do you expect when they build a ballpark on the ocean"

” What do you expect when they build a ballpark on the ocean”

Chicago White Sox pitcher Joe Cowley sets a major league record by striking out the first seven Texas Rangers batters he faces, but still surrenders six runs in 4 1/3 innings and loses, 6 – 3. Cowley’s record will be broken by Jim Deshaies of the Houston Astros before season’s end.

Barry Bonds Debut

Barry Bonds Debut

Rod Carew announces his retirement at the age of 40

Rod Carew announces his retirement at the age of 40

barry bonds

Barry Bonds of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits his first major league home run

Joe Niekro no-hits the Angels for 7 2/3 innings before Gary Pettis doubles‚ and Niekro combines with Al Holland for an easy 11 – 0 one-hitter. Dave Winfield homers twice for the Yankees.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Barry Bonds, the son of former star Bobby Bonds, goes 4 for 5 with his first home run (off Craig McMurtry) as Pittsburgh whips the Atlanta Braves, 12 – 3.

In a 12-3 rout of the Braves, Pirates rookie outfielder Barry Bonds hits his first major league home run, off Craig McMurtry. Bobby’s son will become the all-time career home run leader, hitting 762 during his 22-year career playing for Pittsburgh and the San Francisco Giants.

Padres’ manager Steve Boros, prior to the game against Atlanta, tries to give ump Charlie Williams a videotape of a disputed play from last night’s 4-2 defeat. The San Diego skipper is promptly ejected before the first pitch of today’s contest at Jack Murphy Stadium.

1986 – In the annual June draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates make Jeff King, the Sporting News College Player of the Year, their first choice. Greg Swindell is the next pick, by the Cleveland Indians. Neither will sign for six weeks but Swindell will be in the major leagues after just three starts in the minors. Then, the San Francisco Giants select Matt Williams with the third pick. After being skipped over because scouts are convinced the Heisman Trophy winner is headed to the NFL, Bo Jackson is taken in the fourth round by the Kansas City Royals.

Amos Otis, who played for 14 seasons with Kansas City, being named the team’s Player of the Year three times, and Steve Busby, who averaged more than 18 wins a season before his career is shortened by a rotator cuff injury, are honored at Kauffman Stadium. During the pregame ceremony, the pair is inducted into the newly created Royals Hall of Fame, becoming the first players to be so honored by the team.

1986 – In the longest nine-inning game by time in American League history, Baltimore beats the Yankees, 18 – 9. The game features nine pitchers, 36 hits, and 16 walks, and takes 4:16 to complete.

don sutton

Don Sutton (298) throws a two-hit shutout, beating Tom Seaver (306) and the White Sox 3-0. The starters have the highest combined win total (604) for opposing pitchers since 1926, when Washington’s Walter Johnson (406) faced Chicago’s right-hander Red Faber (197) in a Griffith Stadium contest.

At Shea Stadium‚ Tim Teufel hits a pinch grand slam in the 11th and the Mets beat the Phillies‚ 8 – 4. Teufel had been 0 for 3 as a pinch hitter.

The National League announces that Yale University president A. Bartlett Giamatti will be its next president‚ after Chub Feeney’s retirement in December.

The Dodgers edge the Reds, 1 – 0, when Mariano Duncan scores from second base on Bill Madlock’s grounder to third. There is a force at second base, but Madlock beats the throw to first on the attempted double play‚ and Duncan beats the throw home.

dennis martinez

Baltimore trades Dennis Martinez to Montreal

don sutton

Don Sutton wins his 300th career game

1986 - After leading the club to a 26-38 record, Tony LaRussa is fired as manager of the White Sox and replaced by Jim Fregosi. LaRussa will be hired to manage the A's early next month.

1986 – After leading the club to a 26-38 record, Tony LaRussa is fired as manager of the White Sox and replaced by Jim Fregosi. LaRussa will be hired to manage the A’s early next month.

The season ends for Philadelphia Phillies C Darren Daulton when he tears the ACL in his left knee in a home plate collision with the St. Louis Cardinals’ Mike Heath. St. Louis wins, 8 – 6.

bo jackson signs with royals

Heisman Trophy winner stuns Football and signs with the Royals

San Francisco sweeps a doubleheader from Houston, 4 – 2 and 3 – 2, and leapfrogs past the Astros into first place in the National League West.

Mike LaCoss pitches a three-hitter and belts his first major league home run, off position player Dane Iorg, as the Giants pound the Padres, 18 – 1. Tying a record, 14 Giants get hits and 13 come around to score in the game. In his next at-bat, on June 29th, LaCoss will belt the second and last homer of what will be a 14-year career. That homer will be served up by Tom Browning of the Reds. Iorg gives up four runs in his inning, but does strike out CF Randy Kutcher.

The Braves tie the National League record for a 9-inning game by leaving 18 runners on base in a 6 – 5 win over the Dodgers.

The Phillies set a club record with 11 doubles, and Juan Samuel hits a pair of three-run home runs in a 19 – 1 drubbing of the Cubs at Veterans Stadium.

1986 – Glenn Davis slugs a two-run shot off Ted Power in the bottom of the ninth to shock the Reds, 7-6. Davis had earlier singled home a run. Larry Andersen is the winning pitcher without officially facing a batter. He tags out Buddy Bell at the plate after tossing a wild pitch that ends a ninth-inning Cincinnati threat. 

Phillies release Lefty

Phillies release Lefty

Mark Langston sets a Mariners record with 15 strikeouts in a 6 – 1 three-hitter against the White Sox.

Kirk McCaskill one-hits the Rangers 7 – 1, vaulting California past Texas into first place in the American League West. The Rangers’ only hit is Steve Buechele’s 3rd-inning home run.

1986 – The A’s fire manager Jackie Moore and name Jeff Newman his interim replacement. They will eventually hire recently-ousted White Sox manager Tony LaRussa.

Barrett & Buckner Leads Sox over O's

Barrett & Buckner Leads Sox over O’s

Robby Thompson of the San Francisco Giants sets a major league record when he is caught stealing four times

Robby Thompson of the San Francisco Giants sets a major league record when he is caught stealing four times

don sutton

Phil Niekro of the Cleveland Indians and Don Sutton of the California Angels become the first 300-game winners to face each other during the 20th century

Detroit beats Milwaukee, 9 – 5, in the first game of a doubleheader split, making Tigers manager Sparky Anderson the first manager ever to win 600 games in each league. The Brewers win game 2, 3 – 1.

1986 – Houston regains first place in a 2-1 nailbiter over Fernando Valenzuela and the Dodgers. Craig Shipley and Alex Trevino team up for the only Dodger run but they give it back in the seventh when a bad throw by Shipley puts Phil Garner aboard then a dropped third strike by Trevino puts Glenn Davis on base. Kevin Bass drives in Garner then Jose Cruz dribbles a 20-foot roller that Valenzuela must eat while the winning run scores. 

Claudell Washington New York Yankees

New York Yankees acquire journeyman outfielder Claudell Washington

Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson makes his professional baseball debut with the Memphis Chicks of the AA Southern League and goes 1 for 4 with two strikeouts.

The Blue Jays scores three runs in the 8th inning to beat the Red Sox and Roger Clemens, 4 – 2. Clemens was one game short of the American League record for consecutive wins at the start of a season.

1986 – Denny Walling blasts two home runs and drives in six on a four-hit afternoon to bomb the Padres, 8-1. That’s plenty for Mike Scott who scatters six hits while striking out just three. 

At Comiskey Park, with the score 1 – 1 in the bottom of the 8th, Sox OF John Cangelosi leads off with a drive to the right field corner. A fan leans out of the stands and appears to touch the ball as he tumbles onto the field. Anticipating an interference call, Yankee OF Claudell Washington slows down, while the speedy Cangelosi easily reaches third base. The umps don’t see any interference and Cangelosi remains on third, and scores on a sacrifice fly. The Sox win, 2 – 1.

In the A’s 6 – 3 win over Milwaukee, Tony Phillips of the A’s ties the major league mark with 12 assists at 2B. It’ll be matched again next month.

On the winning side, Al Newman cracks his first major league homer, off Zane Smith; it’ll be the only homer of his career, as Newman will go to the American League next year and set the junior circuit record by going to bat 1,893 times without a 4-bagger.

Bob Horner

Bob Horner of the Atlanta Braves ties a major league record by hitting four home runs in a game against the Montreal Expos

The first two Phillie hitters in the game – Gary Redus and Juan Samuel – hit home runs off Atlanta’s David Palmer.

1986 – Glenn Davis drills two home runs and drives in five as the Astros put a 12-1 hurt on the Expos. Kevin Bass caps the scoring with a grand slam. Mike Scott, soon to be named to the N.L. All-Star team, pockets the easy victory. 

The Padres trade P Tim Stoddard to the Yankees for P Ed Whitson, who had become the target of such fan abuse in New York that manager Lou Piniella would no longer pitch him in Yankee Stadium.

Atlanta’s Dale Murphy does not play in the Braves’ 7 – 3 win over the Phillies, ending his consecutive game streak at 740. Murphy hadn’t missed a game since September 1981.

Oil Can Boyd (11-6) flies into a rage after learning that he has been left off the American League All-Star team and storms out of Fenway Park prior to Boston's game against the Angels. He will be suspended indefinitely by the Red Sox and eventually scuffle with local police before checking into a hospital for psychiatric testing. The weirdness continues into the game as the Angels score three in the 12th to take a 7 - 4 lead. Boston then scores three to tie and when Todd Fischer replaces Mike Cook, he balks in Dwight Evans with the winning run.

Oil Can Boyd (11-6) flies into a rage after learning that he has been left off the American League All-Star team and storms out of Fenway Park prior to Boston’s game against the Angels. He will be suspended indefinitely by the Red Sox and eventually scuffle with local police before checking into a hospital for psychiatric testing. The weirdness continues into the game as the Angels score three in the 12th to take a 7 – 4 lead. Boston then scores three to tie and when Todd Fischer replaces Mike Cook, he balks in Dwight Evans with the winning run.

A very disappointed Oil Can Boyd (11-6, 3.71) begins shouting and throwing clothes in the Red Sox clubhouse after learning he had not been selected by KC manager Dick Howser to be one of the eight pitchers for the American League All-Star team. The inconsolable right-hander, who will storm out of Fenway Park before the team’s scheduled game against California, will be suspended without pay for three days for his tirade.

After allowing three runs in the top of the twelfth, the Red Sox score four times in the bottom of the inning, with the final tally coming on a walk-off bases-loaded balk. The winning run in Boston’s 8-7 improbable victory over the Angels when home plate ump Joe Brinkman rules Todd Fischer moved his hands after coming to a set position before throwing the first pitch of his outing, ending the Fenway contest without a ball being thrown.

The AL wins the All Star game for 2nd time in 15 years, Clemens is perfect for 3 innings and wins MVP

The AL wins the All Star game for 2nd time in 15 years, Clemens is perfect for 3 innings and wins MVP

1986 – The Astrodome hosts its second and last All-Star Game, a 3-2 American League victory. Houston fans could cheer hometown stars Glenn Davis, Kevin Bass, Mike Scott and Dave Smith . They could also cheer Boston’s Roger Clemens, another Texas legend, who is the winning pitcher and the game’s Most Valuable Player. 

Jack Pierce of the Leon Braves hits his 46th and 47th home runs, breaking Hector Espino’s 22-year-old Mexican League record. He will finish with 54, aided by the lively Commando ball the league has been using.

Against Baltimore’s Scott McGregor, the Twins’ first two batters – Kirby Puckett and Gary Gaetti – hit homers. Puckett adds another to help the Twins to a 7 – 3 win. Bert Blyleven is the winner.

The Royals announce that 50-year-old manager Dick Howser, who led the club to a World Championship last season, will miss the rest of the season to undergo treatment for a brain tumor that is later revealed to be malignant. 3B coach Mike Ferraro will manage the club in Howser’s absence.

Jack Morris throws his third consecutive complete-game shutout, limiting Texas to two hits in Detroit’s 5-0 victory at Tiger Stadium. The 31 year-old right-hander’s scoreless streak, which spans 31 innings, will end in the first frame of his next start.

1986 – Mets players Ron Darling, Tim Teufel, Bob Ojeda and Rick Aguilera are arrested following an early-morning fight with off-duty police officers working as security guards outside a Houston bar, but are all released in time for their game against the Astros that evening. On January 26, 1987, Darling and Teufel will be fined $200 while charges against Ojeda and Aguilera will be dropped.

1986 – Rick Aguilera, Ron Darling, Bob Ojeda and Tim Teufel are arrested in Houston after an early-morning fight with off-duty police officers. All are released in time for their scheduled game that evening. Mike Scott takes a two-hitter into the ninth but New York rallies to tie behind homers from Len Dykstra and Darryl Strawberry. With two out in the ninth, Craig Reynolds drills a Roger McDowell fastball into the right field seats to send the crowd home happy. 

1986 – Astros take three-of-four from New York with a wild 9-8 marathon in 15 innings. Houston’s bullpen blows leads of 4-2 and 8-5 late to put the game into overtime. Bill Doran beats Keith Hernandez’ throw to the plate for the game-winner.  Bob Knepper wins in relief. 

1986 – Jose Canseco cranks a Walt Terrell pitch into the upper deck of the CF bleachers at Tiger Stadium. The A’s slugger has now hit a home run in every American League park.

The Cubs fire their ball girl, Marla Collins, when it is revealed that she posed nude for Playboy magazine

The Cubs fire their ball girl, Marla Collins, when it is revealed that she posed nude for Playboy magazine

1986 – A pitcher’s duel in the Dome. Nolan Ryan allows one hit in 9-1/3rd innings, striking out 14, but Montreal’s Floyd Youmans yields just two hits and fans eight. Glenn Davis breaks the stalemate with a blast off Youmans into the left field seats for a 1-0, ten-inning triumph.  Dave Smith gets the win in relief. 

Ken Griffey of the Atlanta Braves swats three solo home runs against the Philadelphia Phillies

Ken Griffey of the Atlanta Braves swats three solo home runs against the Philadelphia Phillies

Howard Johnson

Mets run out of position players

1986 – In Toronto’s 6 – 2 win at Seattle, Tony Fernandez hits a single in the 7th with the ensuing rundown requiring five players to touch the ball a total of eight times, with the catcher getting the putout at second base.

1986 – Kevin Bass has a 5-for-5 night to lead a 9-3 Houston win over the Phillies. The Astros put this one away early with eight runs in the third inning after winning the previous five games in their final at bat. Mike Scott fans 13 Philadelphians to notch his tenth victory. 

Sparky Anderson, the first manager to win the World Series in each league, also becomes the first manager to win 600 games in both the National and American Leagues when his Tigers beat the Brewers, 9 – 5.

1986 – C Ron Hassey is traded for the third time in eight months, this time going to Chicago in a deal that brings OF-DH Ron Kittle, SS Wayne Tolleson and C Joel Skinner to New York.

 Brian Downing and Bob Boone each hit grand slams off Oakland’s Eric Plunk to lead the Angels to an 8 – 5 victory.

On the day the Twins are celebrating their 25th anniversary, in a game which also features Kirby Puckett hitting for the cycle, Bert Blyleven becomes the tenth major leaguer to record his 3,000th strikeout. The Minnesota right-hander, who tosses a two-hitter, reaches the historic milestone by whiffing Mike Davis in the fifth inning, his eighth of the game, en route to a career-high of 15, in the team's 10-1 victory over Oakland at the Metrodome.

On the day the Twins are celebrating their 25th anniversary, in a game which also features Kirby Puckett hitting for the cycle, Bert Blyleven becomes the tenth major leaguer to record his 3,000th strikeout. The Minnesota right-hander, who tosses a two-hitter, reaches the historic milestone by whiffing Mike Davis in the fifth inning, his eighth of the game, en route to a career-high of 15, in the team’s 10-1 victory over Oakland at the Metrodome.

Dodgers Alejandro Pena and Tom Niedenfuer combine to one-hit the Reds, 7 – 1, allowing only Eddie Milner’s leadoff home run off Pena in the 6th inning. It is the 5th time Milner has collected the only hit in a one-hitter, tying Cesar Tovar’s major league record.

At Cleveland, the Yankees set a major-league record by scoring 10 runs in the 5th inning. They have five walks, a hit batsman, and six hits including two homers to score. New York wins, 10 – 6.

At Comiskey Park, Russ Morman homers and singles in the 4th inning in his first major league game as the Sox beat the Tigers, 10 – 1. He ties Billy Martin’s debut with his two hits in one inning.

First ballot inductee Giant first baseman Willie McCovey, the BBWAA's only choice, is enshrined in the Hall of Fame, along with Veterans Committee selections Red Sox second baseman Bobby Doerr and the late Ernie Lombardi, a catcher best known for his playing days with the Reds and Giants. Pirates announcer Bob Prince and Cincinnati beat writer Earl Lawson, respectively, accept the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing.

First ballot inductee Giant first baseman Willie McCovey, the BBWAA’s only choice, is enshrined in the Hall of Fame, along with Veterans Committee selections Red Sox second baseman Bobby Doerr and the late Ernie Lombardi, a catcher best known for his playing days with the Reds and Giants. Pirates announcer Bob Prince and Cincinnati beat writer Earl Lawson, respectively, accept the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing.

White Sox pitcher Jose DeLeon (2-0) beats Boston’s Roger Clemens (17-4) for the second time in five days, 1 – 0 at Fenway Park. DeLeon and the White Sox also won 7 – 2 on July 30.

At Candlestick Park, Giants’ southpaw Steve Carlton gets his 4000th strikeout, fanning Reds’ center fielder Eric Davis. The historic whiff occurs in the third inning with two runners on base and no outs in the eventual Reds’ 11-6 victory.

Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell hit back to back homers for the third time in a month

Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell hit back to back homers for the third time in a month

1986 – Trailing the Dodgers, 2-1, Houston explodes for four runs in the eighth and five more in the ninth for a 10-2 triumph. Denny Walling drills two home runs among his four hits. Billy Hatcher belts a grand slam and Enos Cabell also goes deep. The Astros notch their 60th win, holding a five-game lead in the NL West. 

In the game that establishes a new record for bases-full homers in one game, Texas beats Baltimore, 13-11. Rangers’ infielder Toby Harrah hits a second inning grand slam, and Larry Sheets and Jim Dwyer both go deep with the bases loaded in the Orioles’ nine-run fourth frame.

The Mets release outfielder George Foster, the last National League player to hit 50 home runs in one season. Foster will play 15 games for the White Sox before retiring for good.

1986 – Jose Cruz celebrates his 39th birthday with his 1,000th career RBI during a 5-0 blanking of San Diego. His two-run single caps a four-run sixth inning. Mike Scott goes the distance for his third shutout of the season. Scott leads the league in ERA (2.16) and strikeouts (217). 

Pitcher Bob Forsch hits a grand slam to lead the Cardinals to a 5 – 4 win over the Pirates, and reliever Todd Worrell records his 24th save to break the major league rookie record set by Doug Corbett in 1980.

“I may not have been the greatest Yankee to put on the uniform, but I am the proudest.” – Billy Martin

wrigley field

Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates tie a National League record by combining to use 17 pitchers in one gam

Breaking Max Carey’s mark, Cincinnati Reds’ Pete Rose sets a National League record with his tenth five-hit game of his career. ‘Charlie Hustle’ singles four times and doubles in the 13-4 loss to San Francisco.

1986 – In a nationally-televised game marred by several fielding and baserunning gaffes, the Astros rally to nip the Dodgers, 7-6. Alan Ashby’s bases-loaded double in the ninth off Ken Howell is the game-winner. Jose Cruz ignites a two-run eighth with a solo shot off Tom Niedenfuer. 

1986 – Boston’s Don Baylor sets an American League record when he is hit by a pitch for the 25th time‚ breaking the season record he held with Bill Freehan (1968) and Kid Elberfeld (1911). The Royals’ Bud Black does the plunking in a 5 – 1 win. Baylor will end the season being hit 35 times: the modern major league record is 50 by Ron Hunt.

Future Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, pinch-hitting for southpaw Rob Murphy, makes his major league debut off Terry Mulholland at Riverfront Stadium. The 22 year-old Reds’ rookie fifth-inning groundout to short plates the first run in the team’s eventual 8-6 comeback victory over the Giants.

Future Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, pinch-hitting for southpaw Rob Murphy, makes his major league debut off Terry Mulholland at Riverfront Stadium. The 22 year-old Reds’ rookie fifth-inning groundout to short plates the first run in the team’s eventual 8-6 comeback victory over the Giants.

1986 – Against the Giants, Reds player-manager Pete Rose is 3 for 4 as the Reds win, 2 – 0.

Houston rallies for three in the eighth to stun Fernando Valenzuela and the Dodgers, 3-2.

1986 – Dale Holman, of the International League’s Richmond Braves becomes the first professional player ever to play for two teams in one game. The game was suspended because of rain on June 16th when he was in the lineup for Syracuse. By the time the game is completed today, Holman had been traded to Richmond and is in the lineup for the other side.

Pete Rose makes his final major league appearance, striking out as a pinch hitter against Goose Gossage

Pete Rose makes his final major league appearance, striking out as a pinch hitter against Goose Gossage

Steve Carlton wins his first American League game and the 320th of his career as the White Sox beat the Brewers, 7 – 4.

The Red Sox trade highly-touted SS Rey Quinones, and pitchers Mike Brown and Mike Trujillo to the Mariners for SS Spike Owen and OFs Dave Henderson and John Christensen.

The Mariners trade their captain, Spike Owen, along with center fielder Dave Henderson, to the Red Sox for infielder Rey Quiones, three players to be named later, and cash. In his third game with Boston, the former Seattle shortstop ties a major league record when he scores six runs in a game.

Tigers Walt Terrell is one out away from a no-hitter when Wally Joyner doubles. Terrell settles for a one-hit 3 – 0 win over the Angels.

Dave Winfield hits his 300th homer in a losing cause as the Yanks fall to Seattle, 5 - 2

Dave Winfield hits his 300th homer in a losing cause as the Yanks fall to Seattle, 5 – 2

Philadelphia’s Don Carman pitches a perfect game until Bob Brenly doubles leading off the 9th, and Carman ends up combining with Steve Bedrosian for a 10-inning 1 – 0 win over the Giants. Juan Samuel’s home run in the top of the 10th provides the game’s only run.

In the Red Sox's 24-5 rout the Indians, Spike Owen ties a major league mark, becoming the first major leaguer to score six runs in a game since Johnny Pesky 40 years ago

In the Red Sox’s 24-5 rout the Indians, Spike Owen ties a major league mark, becoming the first major leaguer to score six runs in a game since Johnny Pesky 40 years ago

Jim Pankovits, filling in for an injured Bill Doran, goes 4-for-5 to lead the Astros past St. Louis, 5-1. Dickie Thon drives in two of the runs. Jim Deshaies and Aurelio Lopez team to scatter seven hits and strike out seven. 

A’s rookie Mark McGwire hits his first major league home run, going deep in the fifth inning off of Walt Terrell in Oakland’s 8-4 victory at Tiger Stadium. The round-tripper is the first of 583 round-trippers that Big Mac will hit during his 16-year career.

In Seattle’s 4 – 1 win over Baltimore, the M’s Harold Reynolds ties the major league mark with 12 assists at 2B. He’s the second second sacker to do it this season.

Nolan Ryan posts his 250th career victory, allowing one hit in six innings as the Astros beat the Cubs, 7 – 1.

Mets end game on unusual 8-2-5 double play

Mets end game on unusual 8-2-5 double play

Vida Blue 1 hits expos

Vida Blue 1 hits expos

Nolan Ryan wins his 250th career game, a 7-1 victory over the Cubs. He allows just one hit over six innings before turning it over to Charley Kerfeld. Phil Garner notches four hits. Houston steals six bases in the victory. 

Nolan Ryan wins his 250th career game, a 7-1 victory over the Cubs. He allows just one hit over six innings before turning it over to Charley Kerfeld. Phil Garner notches four hits. Houston steals six bases in the victory. 

Cleveland's Joe Carter belts three home runs and singles twice as the Indians beat the Red Sox, 7 - 3, at Fenway Park.

Cleveland’s Joe Carter belts three home runs and singles twice as the Indians beat the Red Sox, 7 – 3, at Fenway Park.

The Angels, down by eight runs in the bottom of the final frame, score nine times to beat the Tigers, 13-12. Dick Schofield, batting for the second time in the inning, completes the amazing comeback with a two-out walk-off grand slam off Willie Hernandez.

Roger Clemens becomes the major leagues’ first 20-game winner this season, striking out 11 Indians in a 7 – 3 victory to raise his record to 20-4.

New York releases Let’s Go Mets Go!, a music video that features players, coaches, and fans, along with a cameo appearance by Joe Piscopo. Shelly Palmer, known professionally as Shelton Leigh Palmer, composed and produced the official team’s theme song, that becomes a Gold Record, as well as directing and producing the accompanying music video, which will go triple platinum.

Yankee hurlers Tommy John (43) and Joe Niekro (41) become the first 40+ pitchers to start both ends of a doubleheader since 1933 when White Sox hurlers Sad Sam Jones (41) and Red Faber (44) started against the A’s in a twin bill at Shibe Park. John loses 1-0 in the opener, and Niekro pitches five innings of the nightcap for a 3-0 victory over the Mariners.

A's rookie Jose Canseco become the first major league player with 100 RBI this season

A’s rookie Jose Canseco become the first major league player with 100 RBI this season

Texas Rangers pinch hitters Oddibe McDowell and Darrell Porter blast 9th-inning back-to-back homers off Boston Red Sox reliever Steve Crawford, but the Rangers fall to the Red Sox, 6 – 4.

Billy Hatcher Houston Astros Signed 8x10

The Astros and Cubs use a major league record 53 players in the game

Pitching in the 3rd inning against the Mets, Giants rookie Terry Mulholland snags a hard grounder off Keith Hernandez but can’t retrieve the ball from the webbing of his glove. Thinking fast, Mulholland runs towards first and tosses his mitt to 1B Bob Brenly for the out. The Giants come up short, losing, 4 – 2.

After each team scores three times in the seventeenth inning to remain tied, the Astros finally edge the Cubs, 8-7, thanks to Billy Hatcher’s home run in the top of the next frame. The Wrigley Field contest was suspended yesterday at the end of the 14th due to darkness, with the score knotted at 4-4.

1986 – Billy Hatcher homers in the 18th inning for an 8-7 victory in Chicago . The game had been suspended for darkness the previous day at 4-4 after 14 frames. Houston scores three in the 17th only to see the lead erased on a three-run bomb by Keith Moreland. In the regular game, Mike Scott fans twelve in an 8-2 victory, which includes a rare four-strikeout inning. The Astros push their lead to eight games over the Reds. 

After hitting a record 210 homers without a grand slam‚ Atlanta’s Bob Horner finally connects with the sacks full to give the Braves a 4 – 2 win over Pittsburgh. It will be his only career grand slam. Horner’s record will be broken by Sammy Sosa.

At County Stadium‚ the Cleveland Indians swamp the Brewers‚ 17 – 9, on 23 hits. Joe Carter has 5 hits‚ including 2 homers‚ and scores 5 times.

A two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth by Jose Cruz off Todd Worrell stuns the Cardinals, 7-6. 

Greg Maddux wins his first big league game, taming the Reds, 11-3, at Wrigley Field

1986 – Montreal’s Floyd Youmans and Tim Burke combine to one-hit the Giants but lose, 1 – 0, as Mike Krukow tosses a 2-hit shutout. Mike Aldrete’s 1st-inning double drives in the game’s only run.

George Foster released

George Foster released

1986 – Eric Davis leads the Reds to a 14 – 2 pasting of the host Giants by belting three home runs, scoring 5 runs and knocking in 4. His first two homers are off starter Vida Blue.

In his first major league at bat, Oakland’s Terry Steinbach homers at Cleveland. It comes off Greg Swindell in a 9 – 3 victory. Mike Witt (18-8) is the winner.

The Twins fire manager Ray Miller and replace him with coach Tom Kelly.

1986 – Billy Hatcher’s two-run single is the game-winner as the Astros stun the Padres, 5-3, with three runs in the ninth. Terry Puhl draws a bases-loaded walk off Goose Gossage to tie it. Dave Smith becomes the first Astro to reach 30 saves. 

1986 – The Rangers set a club record with seven home runs in a 14 – 1 rout of Minnesota. Five of the home runs come off Twins starter Bert Blyleven, who will yield a major league-record 50 this season.

The Rangers, in a 14-1 trouncing of Minnesota at the Metrodome, hit a team record seven home runs, including blasts from Darrell Porter (2), Ruben Sierra (2), Steve Buechele, Pete O’Brien, and Pete Incaviglia. Minnesota’s starter Bert Blyleven is tagged for five of the round-trippers, which raises his gopher ball total to 44 this season, establishing a new American League record.

Jim Rice has hat stolen by fan

Jim Rice cap stolen by Yankee Fans

Bob Brenly, usually a catcher, ties a major league record by making four errors in one inning playing third base. The Giants infielder makes amends by hitting two homers, including the ninth inning game-winner that gives San Francisco a 7-6 walk-off victory over the Atlanta at Candlestick Park.

Bo Jackson of the Kansas City Royals hits a monstrous 461-foot home run against Nolan Ryan

Bo Jackson slugs his first major league home run – a 475-foot blast believed to be the longest to date at Royals Stadium – as Kansas City downs Seattle, 10 – 3.

new york mets clinch division

The Mets clinch the National League East title

At Age 40, Reggie Jackson belts three homers in a game

At Age 40, Reggie Jackson belts three homers in a game

Joe Cowley walks seven batters and gives up a run, but the White Sox right-hander no-hits the Angels at Anaheim Stadium, 7-1

Tom Seaver pitches the final game of his career in the major leagues, for the Red Sox against the Blue Jays, a four-inning effort resulting in a loss.

Tying the National League record for stolen bases in one game, San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn swipes five bases as the Houston Astros beat San Diego 10 - 6. During his 20-year career, the .338 lifetime hitter will only average 16 stolen bases per season.

Tying the National League record for stolen bases in one game, San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn swipes five bases as the Houston Astros beat San Diego 10 – 6. During his 20-year career, the .338 lifetime hitter will only average 16 stolen bases per season.

Another rookie, the Phils’ Marvin Freeman wins his first big league game, beating the Mets in New York, 7 – 1. Marvin has another cause for celebration: his daughter Paris is born today.

 San Diego’s Jimmy Jones pitches a one-hitter in his debut

The New York Mets defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 5 – 2, at Shea Stadium. The Mets’ Wally Backman, on his 27th birthday, hits his only home run of the season.

Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first Mexican to win 20 games in the major leagues.

Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first Mexican to win 20 games in the major leagues.

Astros rookie starter Jim Deshaies sets a major league record by striking out the first eight batters he faces. The young left-hander will finish with a two-hitter and ten strikeouts, beating the Dodgers, 4-0.

Houston’s Jim Deshaies strikes out the first eight batters on the way to a two-hit, 4 – 0, win over the Dodgers

1986 – Nolan Ryan follows Jim Deshaies’ previous two-hitter with six innings of no-hit ball against the Giants before Mike Aldrete singles to break up the bid. Charley Kerfeld surrenders a hit in the ninth as the pair combine for a two-hit, 6-0 whitewash that clinches a tie for the N.L. West pennant. Glenn Davis belts his 30th home run of the season, the first Astro to hit that many since Jim Wynn in 1969. 

The Orioles assuring the Birds will finish below .500 for the first time in 18 seasons

The Orioles assuring the Birds will finish below .500 for the first time in 18 seasons

Houston's Mike Scott pitches a 2 - 0 no-hitter against the Giants at the Astrodome, clinching the National League West title for the Astros

Houston’s Mike Scott pitches a 2 – 0 no-hitter against the Giants at the Astrodome, clinching the National League West title for the Astros

1986 – California clinches the American League West title with an 8 – 3 win over Texas. Brian Downing belts two home runs for the Angels.

1986 – Jack Morris shuts out the Yankees, 1 – 0, in 10 innings, raising his record to 20-8 and snapping Don Mattingly’s hitting streak at 24 games.

Mike and Greg Maddux become the first siblings to start a game against one another. In the rookie match-up, Cubs’ righty Greg beats his older brother and the Phillies in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, 6-3.

Jay Bell, in his first visit to a big league ballpark, hits the first pitch he sees in the major leagues for a home run off Minnesota hurler Bert Blyleven, the player he was traded for last season. The Twins right-hander’s gopher ball to the Indians rookie shortstop breaks Robin Roberts’s infamous record when he serves up his 47th gopher ball this season.

Yankee first baseman Don Mattingly establishes a new team record, collecting his 232nd hit of the season to break the 1927 mark set by Earl Combs. ‘Donnie Baseball’ will finish the season with a league-leading 238 hits.

Dwight Gooden, facing his last batter of the season, registers his 200th strikeout of the season when Luis Rivera looks at a third strike for the final out in the eighth inning of the Mets’ 8-2 victory over Montreal at Olympic Stadium. The Mets’ phenom becomes the first pitcher in baseball history to reach the coveted plateau in each of his first three seasons.

1986 – Mike Scott strikes out eight batters in a 2-1 victory over the Giants, finishing the season with 306 strikeouts. His bid for a second consecutive no-hitter is broken up with a leadoff double in the seventh by Will Clark. Houston rallies with a run in the ninth then a solo homer by Bill Doran for the game-winner. 

Baltimore Orioles lose to Detroit, 6 – 3, assuring the Orioles of their first last-place finish since moving from St. Louis

Greg Gagne, in the Twins’ 7-3 victory over White Sox at the Metrodome, hits two inside-the-park home runs in the same game, both off Floyd Bannister. The light-hitting Twins shortstop becomes just the 18th modern major leaguer to accomplish this rare feat.

New York sweeps a doubleheader from Boston at Fenway Park, 5-3 and 3-1. Yankee closer Dave Righetti saves both ends of the twin bill, bringing his major league record total to 46.

Toby Harrah the last Senator finishes his career

Toby Harrah the last Senator finishes his career

1986 – Pete Incaviglia of the Texas Rangers hits his 30th home run of the season against the California Angels, becoming the 16th rookie in major league history to reach that mark. The homer comes off Don Sutton as the Rangers beat the Angels, 7 – 4.

Witt beats Clemens in Game 1 of 1986 ALCS

Witt beats Clemens in Game 1 of 1986 ALCS

Mike Scott outduels Dwight Gooden for a 1-0 victory at the Astrodome in Game One of the N.L.C.S.

Tom Gorman, a former National League umpire for 25 seasons and major league pitcher who appeared in four games with the Giants in 1939, suffers a fatal heart attack at his New Jersey home. The 67 year-old arbitrator will be buried in his umpire’s uniform, holding a ball and strike indicator in his hand showing the count to be 3 and 2.

Len Dykstra homers off Dave Smith in the bottom of the ninth to give the Mets a 6-5 decision over the Astros

dave-henderson 1986 ALCS

Dave Henderson hits dramatic homerun to tie game 5 of ALCS

Norm Cash

Detroit Tigers slugger Norm Cash dies in a boating accident at the age of 51

1986 – Mike Scott tames the Mets again with a 3-1 triumph to even the N.L.C.S. at 2-2. Alan Ashby and Dickie Thon swat home runs to account for all of Houston’s runs . While not as sharp as his Game One win, Scott continues to master New York with a complete-game three-hit, five-strikeout victory 

Riding the momentum from their dramatic come-from-behind 7-6 extra inning win to stave off elimination in California, the Red Sox cruise to a 10-4 win over the Angels. The Fenway Park victory evens the ALCS at 3-3.

1986 – Fred Brocklander’s name becomes infamous in Houston as the Mets defeat the Astros in twelve innings, 2-1. Brocklander calls Craig Reynolds out at first for the third out while a teammate is crossing home plate. Replays show Reynolds beat the throw . Nolan Ryan is perfect until allowing a homer to Darryl Strawberry in the sixth to tie the game. Charley Kerfeld is the victim when Gary Carter drives home Wally Backman with the game-winner. New York leads the N.L.C.S., 3-2, as they fly back to Houston. 

New York Mets and Houston Astros play the longest game in post-season history

The Boston Red Sox cap one of the greatest comebacks in major league history by defeating the California Angels, 8 – 1, in Game 7, to win the American League pennant after trailing three games to one in the ALCS.

Steve Crawford is the becomes the first hurler to win a Fall Classic contest after being winless during the regular season

Steve Crawford is the becomes the first hurler to win a Fall Classic contest after being winless during the regular season

Mets win game 3 of 1986 World Series after dropping first 2 at home

Mets win game 3 of 1986 World Series after dropping first 2 at home

gary carter

Carter blasts 2 homeruns to tie series at 2 games

At Fenway Park, Bruce Hurst's complete game victory gives the Boston Red Sox a 4 - 2 win and 3-2 lead in the World Series 

At Fenway Park, Bruce Hurst’s complete game victory gives the Boston Red Sox a 4 – 2 win and 3-2 lead in the World Series 

1986 – Bill Russell, at age 38, announces his retirement. He is the last member of the Dodgers’ Garvey-Lopes-Russell-Cey 1970s infield and is second on the club’s all-time list with 2,183 games played.

Behind the bag - Game 6 of the 1986 World Series

Behind the bag – Game 6 of the 1986 World Series

The Mets, with another dramatic comeback, defeat the Red Sox, 8-5 to win Game 7 of the Fall Classic to become World Champions for the second time in the 25-year history of the franchise

The Mets, with another dramatic comeback, defeat the Red Sox, 8-5 to win Game 7 of the Fall Classic to become World Champions for the second time in the 25-year history of the franchise

The Orioles trade Storm Davis to the Padres for catcher Terry Kennedy and minor leaguer Mark Williamson. After getting off to a 2-7 start with an ERA of 6.18 with San Diego, the right-hander will be dealt to Oakland in August for players to named later.

Hal Lanier is named National League Manager of the Year in his rookie season which saw the Astros the surprise winners of the Western Division. New York Mets skipper Davey Johnson finishes second.

45-year-old player-manager Pete Rose is dropped from the Reds’ 40-man major league roster to make room for pitcher Pat Pacillo. Rose will continue to manage the club.

1986 – Mike Scott wins the N.L. Cy Young Award. Scott wins 18 games and leads the league in ERA (2.22) and strikeouts (306). Fernando Valenzuela of Los Angeles finishes second with the other nine of the 24 first-place votes.

Roger Clemens (24-4, 2.48), joining Denny McLain becomes only the second American League pitcher to unanimously win the Cy Young Award

Roger Clemens (24-4, 2.48), joining Denny McLain becomes only the second American League pitcher to unanimously win the Cy Young Award

Pitcher Dave Stewart, who went 9-5 for the Oakland Athletics after being released by the Phillies in May, signs a two-year contract with Oakland.

Pitcher Dave Stewart, who went 9-5 for the Oakland Athletics after being released by the Phillies in May, signs a two-year contract with Oakland.

The Doubleday Publishing Company agrees to sell the World Champion New York Mets to Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon 

Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon buy the World Champion Mets from the Doubleday Publishing Company for $80.75 million. In 1980, the book company had bought the franchise for a then-record $21.1 million.

Roger Clemens is selected as the American League's MVP

Roger Clemens is selected as the American League’s MVP

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins the 1986 NL Most Valuable Player Award

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins the 1986 NL Most Valuable Player Award

A groundbreaking ceremony is held to build what will eventually be known as Tropicana Field, a venue for hosting baseball fans from Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, before securing a major league franchise. The Florida Suncoast Dome, the ballpark’s original name, will be completed in 1990, but will not field a MLB team until eight years later when the expansion Devil Rays play their first game, although, at various times during the interim, it’s rumored the White Sox, Mariners, and Giants are making plans to be tenants in the Pinellas County facility.

In yet another unwise trade of prospects for aging veterans, the Yankees deal pitchers Brian Fisher, Doug Drabek and Logan Easley to the Pirates for pitchers Rick Rhoden, Cecilio Guante and Pat Clements. Drabek will win the National League Cy Young Award in 1990.

St. Louis Cardinals reliever Todd Worrell, who led the National League with 36 saves, is named Rookie of the Year. Worrell had helped St. Louis to the 1985 World Series as a late-season call-up but was still a rookie this season as defined by the BBWAA.

The Minnesota Twins announce that interim manager Tom Kelly will be the club's skipper next season

The Minnesota Twins announce that interim manager Tom Kelly will be the club’s skipper next season

Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco wins the American League Rookie of the Year Award

Astros announce the firing of Gene Elston, play-by-play voice of the ballclub since 1962

1986 – In the first two major trades of the winter meetings, the Dodgers send 1B Greg Brock to the Brewers for pitchers Tim Leary and Tim Crews. The Mariners trade OF Danny Tartabull and P Rick Luecken to Kansas City for pitchers Scott Bankhead, Steve Shields, and OF Mike Kingery.

The Mets trade Kevin Mitchell, a rookie who played six positions for the eventual world champs, along with prospects Stan Jefferson and Shawn Abner, and two additional minor leaguers to the Padres for outfielder Kevin McReynolds, southpaw Gene Walter, and a minor leaguer. After being traded to the Giants during the season, the San Diego native will become the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1989.

The Mets trade Kevin Mitchell, a rookie who played six positions for the eventual world champs, along with prospects Stan Jefferson and Shawn Abner, and two additional minor leaguers to the Padres for outfielder Kevin McReynolds, southpaw Gene Walter, and a minor leaguer. After being traded to the Giants during the season, the San Diego native will become the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1989.

The Yankees trade Mike Easler and minor leaguer Tom Barrett to the Phillies for P Charles Hudson and minor leaguer Jeff Knox, and also re-sign free agent OF Claudell Washington to fill Easler’s DH position.

The Mets trade versatile rookie Kevin Mitchell, prospects Stan Jefferson and Shawn Abner, and two minor leaguers to the Padres for OF Kevin McReynolds, P Gene Walter, and minor leaguer Adam Ging.

Michael Sergio, a Mets fan who parachuted into Shea Stadium during Game 6 of the World Series, is sentenced to 100 hours of community service and fined $500.

Michael Sergio, a Mets fan who parachuted into Shea Stadium during Game 6 of the World Series, is sentenced to 100 hours of community service and fined $500.

Jack Morris agrees to salary arbitration when no clubs will sign him

Jack Morris agrees to salary arbitration when no clubs will sign him

1986 – Two free agents sign, Gary Ward with the New York Yankees, while Reggie Jackson signs with the Oakland Athletics.

1986 – Pitcher Mark Ross is traded for himself. Ross was dealt to St. Louis in December for a player to be named later. After no agreement could be reached, that player to be named became Mark Ross.