On March 30, 1988, Commissioner Peter Ueberroth suspends Cincinnati Reds outfielder Eddie Milner for the season. Milner, who tested positive for use of cocaine, will return to action later in the season, appearing in 23 games for the Reds. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Join the Community” subscribe_text=”We bring you cool stories about the game, players, ballparks and…
On March 29, 1988, former National League home run king Ted Kluszewski dies in Cincinnati at the age of 63. “Big Klu” In a 15-season career, Kluszewski hit 279 home runs, including a National League leading 49 in 1954. @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IC0gLSAtIC0gLSAtIC0gIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@ Other Resources & Links [et_pb_signup provider=”getresponse” getresponse_list=”Thomas Hannon|zs45L” success_action=”redirect” success_redirect_url=”https://thisdayinbaseball.com/join-the-community/” success_redirect_query=”on|off|off|off|off” title=”Baseball history from Doubleday…
Four days shy of his 47th birthday, Phil Niekro’s 24-year Hall of Fame career comes to an end when the Yankees put him on waivers at the end of spring training. The right-handed knuckleballer, best known for his tenure with the Braves, compiled a 318-274 record along with a 3.35 ERA while hurling for four teams, that also included the Yankees, Indians, and Blue Jays.
1988 – Houston trades catcher Robbie Wine to the Texas Rangers for pitcher Mike Loynd. Selected as the eighth overall pick in the 1983 draft, Wine is never able to produce as he did in college. In 23 games as an Astro, Wine hits .146.
On March 21, 1988 — Edd Roush dies in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 94. A two-time National League batting champion and a .323 hitter over an 18-year career, Roush entered the Hall of Fame in 1962.
1988 – Larry Andersen closes out a 4-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. It was number 42 but it didn’t look like Andy and, in fact, it wasn’t. It’s Dave Smith, who forgot to pack his jersey for the short bus trip. Andersen bought an unmarked jersey at a concession stand so as to not be missed in the bullpen. The stunt leads to a fine for both players.
On March 17, 1988, recently acquired slugger Jack Clark tears a calf tendon while hitting a home run for the New York Yankees in an exhibition game. Nicknamed “The Ripper,” the oft-injured Clark had signed a free agent contract during the winter. He will miss the start of the season, but will return to hit…
1988 – It hits the fan when newspapers publish pitcher Bob Knepper’s reaction to the performance of minor league umpire Pam Postema, attempting to become the first woman ump in the majors. Knepper states his religious beliefs that women should not “have authority” over men. Astros public relations say calls in reaction to the comments are running 70% opposed. Postema’s career eventually falls short of the big leagues.
On March 11, 1988, longtime manager Gene Mauch takes a leave of absence from the California Angels because of health reasons. He is replaced by Cookie Rojas. Mauch will officially announce his retirement on March 27. Mauch leaves managing with 1,902 wins and 2,037 losses. Seven years after his retirement as a manager, Mauch returned in…
On March 3, 1988, Los Angeles Dodgers star Kirk Gibson walks out of training camp after teammate Jesse Orosco plays a practical joke by placing “eyeblack” in his cap. The incident illustrates Gibson’s intensity and no-nonsense approach to the game. Gibson, who returns to camp the next day, will help the Dodgers win…
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