All-Star outfielder Tim Raines announces his retirement after 21 major league seasons. But he will return in 2001 to play two more seasons.

ByThis Day in Baseball

All-Star outfielder Tim Raines announces his retirement after 21 major league seasons. But he will return in 2001 to play two more seasons.

2000 – The new World Umpires Association agrees to consolidate all umpires as part of an interim agreement with the commissioner’s office. The umpires will merge into a single unit reporting directly to Major League Baseball this season, after being employed by either the National League or the American League since the latter’s creation in 1901.

ByTom

2000 – The new World Umpires Association agrees to consolidate all umpires as part of an interim agreement with the commissioner’s office. The umpires will merge into a single unit reporting directly to Major League Baseball this season, after being employed by either the National League or the American League since the latter’s creation in 1901.

2000 – After acquiring reliever Jesse Orosco from the Orioles in a December trade, the Mets send the veteran left-hander to the Cardinals in exchange for utility player Joe McEwing.

ByTom

2000 – After acquiring reliever Jesse Orosco from the Orioles in a December trade, the Mets send the veteran left-hander to the Cardinals in exchange for utility player Joe McEwing.

In a three-team deal, the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Montreal Expos all exchange first basemen. Toronto trades David Segui to Texas, the Rangers then send Lee Stevens to the Expos, and Montreal then swaps Brad Fullmer to the Blue Jays to complete the circle.

ByTom

In a three-team deal, the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Montreal Expos all exchange first basemen. Toronto trades David Segui to Texas, the Rangers then send Lee Stevens to the Expos, and Montreal then swaps Brad Fullmer to the Blue Jays to complete the circle.

Florida Marlins starting pitcher A.J. Burnett ruptures a ligament in his right thumb during a fielding practice drill. He won’t make his first major league appearance of the year until July 20th.

ByTom

Florida Marlins starting pitcher A.J. Burnett ruptures a ligament in his right thumb during a fielding practice drill. He won’t make his first major league appearance of the year until July 20th.

In spring training action, Boston Red Sox star Pedro Martinez and five relievers combine on a perfect game beating the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 – 0.

In spring training action, Boston Red Sox star Pedro Martinez and five relievers combine on a perfect game beating the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 – 0.

ByTom

2000 – In spring training action, Boston Red Sox star Pedro Martinez and five relievers combine on a perfect game beating the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 – 0.

|

2000 – Major League Baseball comes to the Dominican Republic for the first time as the Astros drop the Boston Red Sox, 4-3, at Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo. Jeff Bagwell launches two homers to pace the Houston victory. Dominican pitcher Jose Limathrills his countrymen with a 3-2 triumph the next day. 

ByTom

2000 – Major League Baseball comes to the Dominican Republic for the first time as the Astros drop the Boston Red Sox, 4-3, at Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo. Jeff Bagwell launches two homers to pace the Houston victory. Dominican pitcher Jose Limathrills his countrymen with a 3-2 triumph the next day. 

2000 – The Boston Red Sox sign Cuban first baseman Juan Diaz, who was declared a free agent after the Los Angeles Dodgers illegally signed him.

ByTom

2000 – The Boston Red Sox sign Cuban first baseman Juan Diaz, who was declared a free agent after the Los Angeles Dodgers illegally signed him.

2000 – Independent arbitrator Shyam Das cuts Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker’s suspension for uttering a number of insensitive remarks in a Sports Illustrated interview this offseason from 28 days to 14 days. Rocker, who is allowed to report to spring training with the team, also has his fine cut.

ByThis Day in Baseball

2000 – Independent arbitrator Shyam Das cuts Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker’s suspension for uttering a number of insensitive remarks in a Sports Illustrated interview this offseason from 28 days to 14 days. Rocker, who is allowed to report to spring training with the team, also has his fine cut.