1996 – Bernie Williams homers from each side of the plate and Cecil Fielder breaks a tie with a 7th-inning single as the Yankees beat Texas, 6 – 4, to win the American League Division Series, 3 – 1, and advance to the ALCS.

1996 – Bernie Williams homers from each side of the plate and Cecil Fielder breaks a tie with a 7th-inning single as the Yankees beat Texas, 6 – 4, to win the American League Division Series, 3 – 1, and advance to the ALCS.

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Larry Dierker, the Astros’ former player and broadcaster, is named the new manager despite having no previous coaching or managing experience. 

1996 – Larry Dierker, the Astros’ former player and broadcaster, is named the new manager despite having no previous coaching or managing experience. Terry Collins is relieved after three years, posting a 224-197 record marred by late-season collapses. 

The New York Yankees score twice in the 9th inning to defeat Texas, 2 – 1, despite Juan Gonzalez’s fourth home run of their American League Division Series. New York takes a 2 games to 1 lead.

The New York Yankees score twice in the 9th inning to defeat Texas, 2 – 1, despite Juan Gonzalez’s fourth home run of their American League Division Series. New York takes a 2 games to 1 lead.

After three consecutive second-place finishes, the Astros fire manager Terry Collins, whose first-place team collapsed down the stretch. The 47 year-old skipper leaves the position with the best winningest percentage in franchise history, compiling a 224-197 (.532) record during his three-year tenure with Houston.

After three consecutive second-place finishes, the Astros fire manager Terry Collins, whose first-place team collapsed down the stretch. The 47 year-old skipper leaves the position with the best winningest percentage in franchise history, compiling a 224-197 (.532) record during his three-year tenure with Houston.

10/3/1996 The Devil Rays and Tropicana Dole Beverages of North America, located in nearby Bradenton, announce an agreement that renames the ThunderDome. The ballpark will become known as Tropicana Field with the city of St. Petersburg receiving more than $13 million as part of the sweet deal.

On October 3, 1996.00 The Devil Rays and Tropicana Dole Beverages of North America, located in nearby Bradenton, announce an agreement that renames the ThunderDome. The ballpark will become known as Tropicana Field with the city of St. Petersburg receiving more than $13 million as part of the sweet deal.