1996 – For the first time in major league history, the regular season opens in March with the Seattle Mariners beating the Chicago White Sox in 12 innings, 3 – 2, at the Kingdome. Five Mariners pitchers strike out 21 batters, with Randy Johnson collecting 14 Sox in seven innings. The American League unveils its new colorful red polo shirts for the umpires, part of the “What a Game” campaign to lure fans back to the parks. The last sartorial change was in the 1970s when AL umps wore red blazers for several years. National League umpires will stick with traditional blue.

ByTom

1996 – For the first time in major league history, the regular season opens in March with the Seattle Mariners beating the Chicago White Sox in 12 innings, 3 – 2, at the Kingdome. Five Mariners pitchers strike out 21 batters, with Randy Johnson collecting 14 Sox in seven innings. The American League unveils its new colorful red polo shirts for the umpires, part of the “What a Game” campaign to lure fans back to the parks. The last sartorial change was in the 1970s when AL umps wore red blazers for several years. National League umpires will stick with traditional blue.

Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox play the earliest Opening Day game in history

Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox play the earliest Opening Day game in history

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 31, 1996, the Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox play the earliest Opening Day game in history. Playing at the Kingdome, the Mariners win, 3-2, on Alex Rodriguez’ RBI single in the 12th inning. Randy Johnson strikes out 12 White Sox batters in going the distance.