The Hall of Fame announces that Gary Carter will become the first player to wear a Montreal Expos cap on his plaque when he is inducted next July at Cooperstown. Although the former Montreal catcher had expressed his desire to go in with a Mets logo, for whom he won a Championship in 1986, the Hall of Fame makes the final decision.
The owners establish the minimum age of 14 for bat boys. The change from not having any age requirement is prompted by a near collision at home plate during Game 5 of last year’s World Series involving 4-year old bat boy Darren Baker, the son of Giants manager Dusty Baker.
2003 – Eddie Murray, the only switch-hitter in major league history with 500 home runs and 3,000 hits, is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility by being chosen on 85 percent of the ballots cast by the BBWAA. Former All-Star C Gary Carter also is elected on his sixth try after falling 11 votes short last year.
2003 – Due to a conflict with the major league schedule, the annual Hall of Fame Game which has been held the day after Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will take place on a different weekend for the first time in the Hall’s history. The game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Devil Rays is scheduled for June 16th, with the Hall of Fame induction taking place on July 27th.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!