Pittsburgh’s PNC Park makes its major league debut as hometown product Sean Casey leads the visiting Reds past the Pirates, 8 – 2. The Reds first baseman, who hit the first home run ever at Miller Park three days ago, goes 4 for 4 and again has the honor of hitting the first home run in a major league park’s history. The bat which was used to hit both historic homers is sent to the Hall of Fame.

ByBaseball

Pittsburgh’s PNC Park makes its major league debut as hometown product Sean Casey leads the visiting Reds past the Pirates, 8 – 2. The Reds first baseman, who hit the first home run ever at Miller Park three days ago, goes 4 for 4 and again has the honor of hitting the first home run in a major league park’s history. The bat which was used to hit both historic homers is sent to the Hall of Fame.

On Opening Day at Veterans Stadium, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning’s number 14 jersey is retired. Bunning, who compiled a 224-184 record in his 17-year career pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers, joins Richie Ashburn (1), Robin Roberts (36), Steve Carlton (32) and Mike Schmidt (20) as the fifth player to have his number retired by the Phillies.
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On Opening Day at Veterans Stadium, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning’s number 14 jersey is retired. Bunning, who compiled a 224-184 record in his 17-year career pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers, joins Richie Ashburn (1), Robin Roberts (36), Steve Carlton (32) and Mike Schmidt (20) as the fifth player to have his number retired by the Phillies.

ByThis Day in Baseball

On Opening Day at Veterans Stadium, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning’s number 14 jersey is retired. Bunning, who compiled a 224-184 record in his 17-year career pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers, joins Richie Ashburn (1), Robin Roberts (36), Steve Carlton (32) and Mike Schmidt (20) as the fifth player to have his number retired by the Phillies.

The Milwaukee Brewers open Miller Park with a 5-4 Victory

ByBaseball

The Milwaukee Brewers, after a disappointing 0-4 start on the road, get into the winner’s circle in front of US President George W. Bush, as they beat the Cincinnati Reds 5 – 4, in the first game played at Miller Park. Cincinnati’s Sean Casey hits the park’s first home run, but Richie Sexson’s home run in the 8th inning breaks a 4 – 4 deadlock, giving Milwaukee the victory.

For the first time since June 7, 1995, the Indians do not have a sellout crowd at Jacobs Field. The streak of 455 games of consecutive full houses, a major league record, will be broken by the Boston Red Sox in 2008.

ByBaseball

For the first time since June 7, 1995, the Indians do not have a sellout crowd at Jacobs Field. The streak of 455 games of consecutive full houses, a major league record, will be broken by the Boston Red Sox in 2008.

nomo

Hideo Nomo – no hits Orioles in Red Sox debut

ByThis Day in Baseball

On April 4, 2001, Hideo Nomo of the Boston Red Sox pitches the second no-hitter of his career – a 3-0 whitewash of the Baltimore Orioles. In making his Red Sox’ debut, Nomo becomes only the fourth pitcher in major league history to hurl no-hitters in both leagues, joining Jim Bunning, Nolan Ryan, and Cy Young in exclusive company.

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2001 – Craig Biggio returns from knee surgery in style with the first five-hit game of his career during an 11-3 Opening Day win against Milwaukee, scoring three times. Daryle Ward and Chris Truby belt homers. 

ByTom

2001 – Craig Biggio returns from knee surgery in style with the first five-hit game of his career during an 11-3 Opening Day win against Milwaukee, scoring three times. Daryle Ward and Chris Truby belt homers. 

San Francisco Giants starter Livan Hernandez beats the San Diego Padres, 3 – 2, with relief help from Robb Nen, who strikes outs the three batters he faces. Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn collects his 3,110th hit, tying him with Dave Winfield on the all-time list. With his start today, Gwynn becomes the fifth player in National League history to spend 20+ years while playing his entire career with one team. The others are: Cap Anson (1871-1897 Cubs), Mel Ott (1926-1947 Giants), Stan Musial (1941-1944, 1946-1963 Cardinals), and Willie Stargell (1962-1982 Pirates).

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San Francisco Giants starter Livan Hernandez beats the San Diego Padres, 3 – 2, with relief help from Robb Nen, who strikes outs the three batters he faces. Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn collects his 3,110th hit, tying him with Dave Winfield on the all-time list. With his start today, Gwynn becomes the fifth player in National League history to spend 20+ years while playing his entire career with one team. The others are: Cap Anson (1871-1897 Cubs), Mel Ott (1926-1947 Giants), Stan Musial (1941-1944, 1946-1963 Cardinals), and Willie Stargell (1962-1982 Pirates).

On Opening Day, New York Yankees fireballer Roger Clemens becomes the all-time American League career strikeout leader, passing Walter Johnson. Kansas City Royalsinfielder Joe Randa is his 3,509th victim. Clemens now takes over the seventh spot in major league history from Johnson.

ByBaseball

On Opening Day, New York Yankees fireballer Roger Clemens becomes the all-time American League career strikeout leader, passing Walter Johnson. Kansas City Royalsinfielder Joe Randa is his 3,509th victim. Clemens now takes over the seventh spot in major league history from Johnson.

For the first time in major league history, a Japanese position player participates in a regular season game. Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, hitless in his first three at-bats, singles in the 7th inning to ignite a two-run rally, and bunts for another single in the 8th in his debut at Safeco Field. He will go on the be both the American League Rookie of the Year and MVP this year.

ByBaseball

For the first time in major league history, a Japanese position player participates in a regular season game. Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, hitless in his first three at-bats, singles in the 7th inning to ignite a two-run rally, and bunts for another single in the 8th in his debut at Safeco Field. He will go on the be both the American League Rookie of the Year and MVP this year.