On April 8, 2008, former Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner returned to Fenway Park for opening day and received a standing ovation. Buckner’s error in Game Six of the 1986 World Series, which helped lead to the Mets miraculous comeback, had been vilified by many, including the press. An emotional Buckner tossed out the first pitch after the Sox 2007 World Series flag was unfurled.
At the Play Ball, Chicago! Event in the Windy City, the U.S. Postal Service unveils a stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the song, Take Me Out to the Ball Game. The favorite tune was written on a New York City train a century ago when passenger Jack Norworth, actor, singer, and songwriter, who claimed never to have seen a major league game, wrote the lyrics after seeing a sign about an upcoming contest at the Polo Grounds, home of the New York Giants.
Reds rookie Johnny Cueto strikes out eight and walks none; this gives him 18 strikeouts and no walks in his first two major league games. No pitcher has done that since 1900.
Top Atlanta Braves prospect Jordan Schafer, who was named the best prospect in the Carolina League in 2007, is suspended 50 games for using Human Growth Hormone. Schafer had hit only .240 in 2006 before leading the affiliated minor leagues in hits last year. He almost won the Braves’ centerfield job in spring training.
Chase Utley ties a major league record by being hit by pitch three times in a game as the Phillies top the Mets, 5 – 2. Utley is hit by an Oliver Perez pitch in the 1st inning and is again plunked by Perez in the 4th. In the 7th, he is hit by Scott Schoeneweis to tie the record.
On April 8, 2008, Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco made a throwing error to snap his record errorless streak. Polanco had gone 186 games and 911 total chances without a miscue, dating back to July 1, 2006.
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