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4/15/1997: Scott Hatteberg of the Red Sox hit his first major league home run in Fenway Park but lost it to an umpire’s call. The ball was ruled in play by John Shulock and Hatteberg only got to second base on the play. The hit came off Don Wengert of Oakland in the sixth inning and hit off a TV camera in center field. (Two batters later, Nomar Garciaparra hit a ball that was ruled a homer even though a fan seemed to reach over the right field wall.)

ByTom

4/15/1997: Scott Hatteberg of the Red Sox hit his first major league home run in Fenway Park but lost it to an umpire’s call. The ball was ruled in play by John Shulock and Hatteberg only got to second base on the play. The hit came off Don Wengert of Oakland in the sixth inning and hit off a TV camera in center field. (Two batters later, Nomar Garciaparra hit a ball that was ruled a homer even though a fan seemed to reach over the right field wall.)

Jackie Robinson number 42 retired across baseball
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Jackie Robinson number 42 retired across baseball

ByThis Day in Baseball

On April 15, 1997, commissioner Bud Selig announces that Major League Baseball will retire uniform #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson. The decision comes on the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Players who are currently wearing the number are allowed to continue to do so until they retire.