The Devil Rays get their first win in the history of the organization when the club’s Gulf Coast League affiliate beats the GCL Astros. Jose Rodriguez, an 18 year-old right-hander from Cotui in the Dominican Republic, gets the victory.

ByTom

The Devil Rays get their first win in the history of the organization when the club’s Gulf Coast League affiliate beats the GCL Astros. Jose Rodriguez, an 18 year-old right-hander from Cotui in the Dominican Republic, gets the victory.

1996 – The Indians win their 13th straight over the Red Sox, 5 – 4, on Kenny Lofton’s bloop single in the 9th off Mike Stanton. Jim Thome hits a game-tying home run in the 8th, off Roger Clemens, the 17th straight game in which the Indians have gone deep, a team record. Clemens leaves after 157 pitches with no decision.

ByThis Day in Baseball

On June 20, 1996 – The Indians win their 13th straight over the Red Sox, 5 – 4, on Kenny Lofton’s bloop single in the 9th off Mike Stanton. Jim Thome hits a game-tying home run in the 8th, off Roger Clemens, the 17th straight game in which the Indians have gone deep, a team record. Clemens leaves after 157 pitches with no decision.

In the first game played by a minor league affiliate of Tampa Bay’s new expansion team, the GCL Devil Rays lose to the GCL Yankees 10-1. A record crowd of 7,582 is in attendance at Al Lang Stadium to see 18 year-old right-hander Pablo Ortega throw the first pitch in franchise history.

ByNational

On June 19, 1996 In the first game played by a minor league affiliate of Tampa Bay’s new expansion team, the GCL Devil Rays lose to the GCL Yankees 10-1. A record crowd of 7,582 is in attendance at Al Lang Stadium to see 18 year-old right-hander Pablo Ortega throw the first pitch in franchise…

Cardinals infielder Ozzie Smith, considered the best all-time defensive shortstop, announces he will retire at the end of the season. In his first year of eligibility, the writers elect the 15-time All-Star infielder will to the Hall of Fame.

ByNational

On June 19, 1996 Cardinals infielder Ozzie Smith, considered the best all-time defensive shortstop, announces he will retire at the end of the season. In his first year of eligibility, the writers elect the 15-time All-Star infielder will to the Hall of Fame.

Copper Kings infielder Jim Kerr hits the first home run in Devil Rays history. The 21 year-old former Yankees farmhand goes deep in the Buttes Pioneer League opener against Idaho Falls.

ByNational

On June 19, 1996 Copper Kings infielder Jim Kerr hits the first home run in Devil Rays history. The 21 year-old former Yankees farmhand goes deep in the Buttes Pioneer League opener against Idaho Falls.

Brant Brown hits the first three home runs of his career on the same day. The 25 year-old rookie goes deep as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning off Chan Ho Park in a 9-6 loss to the Dodgers in the opener of a Wrigley Field twin bill, but his two additional round-trippers contribute to Chicago’s 7-4 victory in the nightcap.

ByNational

On June 18, 1996 Brant Brown hits the first three home runs of his career on the same day. The 25 year-old rookie goes deep as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning off Chan Ho Park in a 9-6 loss to the Dodgers in the opener of a Wrigley Field twin bill, but his two…

Chris Anderson becomes the first player representing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to get a base hit. The Hudson Valley catcher, the team’s 66th-round draft choice, delivers a run-producing single in the second inning of the Renegades’ 7-6 loss to New Jersey in the New York-Penn League contest.

ByNational

On June 18, 1996 Chris Anderson becomes the first player representing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to get a base hit. The Hudson Valley catcher, the team’s 66th-round draft choice, delivers a run-producing single in the second inning of the Renegades’ 7-6 loss to New Jersey in the New York-Penn League contest.

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6/17/1996: Raul Mondesi had a three run homer and Todd Hollandsworth hit a two run shot for the Dodgers in the top of the first against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Cub pitcher Mike Campbell also allowed two other hits. After two batters in the bottom of the first and a 1:38 rain delay, those hits and the Dodgers 5-0 lead were wiped out.

ByTom

6/17/1996: Raul Mondesi had a three run homer and Todd Hollandsworth hit a two run shot for the Dodgers in the top of the first against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Cub pitcher Mike Campbell also allowed two other hits. After two batters in the bottom of the first and a 1:38 rain delay, those hits and the Dodgers 5-0 lead were wiped out.

Legendary broadcaster Mel Allen dies at the age of 83.
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Legendary broadcaster Mel Allen dies at the age of 83.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1996 – Legendary broadcaster Mel Allen dies at the age of 83. In 1939, Allen started doing play-by-play for both the New York Yankees and New York Giants, and later narrated the long-running television show, This Week in Baseball. In 1978, Allen received the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence.

Dodgers turn their first triple play in forty-seven years

ByThis Day in Baseball

In the first inning of their 6-2 victory over the Braves, the Dodgers turn their first triple play in forty-seven years. After making a running, back-to-the-plate grab of Chipper Jones’s popup to short left with runners on first and second, Juan Castro throws to second baseman Delino Deshields to double up Marquis Grissom, then the ball is relayed to first baseman Eric Karos to get Mark Lemke, who was also running on the pitch.