The ‘Bring Back Orbit’ Facebook group is created with the hopes of convincing the Astros to reinstate the mascot, who was replaced with Junction Jack beginning in the 2000 season, coinciding with the team’s move from the Astrodome to Enron Field. The social media effort pays off when the franchise reveals the lovable lime-green outer-space creature with antennae extending into baseballs, after a 12-year absence, will be returning to continue his role in 2013, the team’s first season in the American League.

ByTom

The ‘Bring Back Orbit’ Facebook group is created with the hopes of convincing the Astros to reinstate the mascot, who was replaced with Junction Jack beginning in the 2000 season, coinciding with the team’s move from the Astrodome to Enron Field. The social media effort pays off when the franchise reveals the lovable lime-green outer-space creature with antennae extending into baseballs, after a 12-year absence, will be returning to continue his role in 2013, the team’s first season in the American League.

The Yankees receive their 2009 World Series rings in a ceremony before their home opener at New Yankee Stadium. Hideki Matsui, the Series MVP, gets to join his former teammates for the ceremony, as he now plays for todays’ visitors, the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees bang out 13 hits for a 7 – 5 win. Andy Pettitte picks up the victory with six scoreless innings.

ByBaseball

The Yankees receive their 2009 World Series rings in a ceremony before their home opener at New Yankee Stadium. Hideki Matsui, the Series MVP, gets to join his former teammates for the ceremony, as he now plays for todays’ visitors, the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees bang out 13 hits for a 7 – 5 win. Andy Pettitte picks up the victory with six scoreless innings.

Jorge Cantu of the Marlins becomes the first player in 89 years to collect at least one hit and one RBI in his team’s first eight games of the season, thanks to an RBI single against Bronson Arroyo of the Cincinnati Reds. George “Highpockets” Kelly was the last player to accomplish the feat, in 1921. Cantu now has 13 RBI for the year and his streak has reached 13 consecutive games, dating back to 2009. However, the Reds win the game, 10 – 8, in 11 innings. Cantu will extend his season-opening streak to 10 games with a home run tomorrow and a double the next day.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Jorge Cantu of the Marlins becomes the first player in 89 years to collect at least one hit and one RBI in his team’s first eight games of the season, thanks to an RBI single against Bronson Arroyo of the Cincinnati Reds. George “Highpockets” Kelly was the last player to accomplish the feat, in 1921. Cantu now has 13 RBI for the year and his streak has reached 13 consecutive games, dating back to 2009. However, the Reds win the game, 10 – 8, in 11 innings. Cantu will extend his season-opening streak to 10 games with a home run tomorrow and a double the next day.

The Pirates pull out a couple of brilliant defensive plays in beating the Giants, 6 – 5. With Pittsburgh leading 3 – 1 and a runner on first base, Aubrey Huff knocks a ball that appears headed past the mound for an infield single. But pitcher Paul Maholm dives to the ground, stops the ball, and in one motion flips it with his glove to 1B Jeff Clement to retire Huff while completing a backwards somersault. Then, in the bottom of the 9th, Garrett Jones, now playing 1B, makes a lunging grab of Pablo Sandoval’s line drive to end the game.

ByBaseball

The Pirates pull out a couple of brilliant defensive plays in beating the Giants, 6 – 5. With Pittsburgh leading 3 – 1 and a runner on first base, Aubrey Huff knocks a ball that appears headed past the mound for an infield single. But pitcher Paul Maholm dives to the ground, stops the ball, and in one motion flips it with his glove to 1B Jeff Clement to retire Huff while completing a backwards somersault. Then, in the bottom of the 9th, Garrett Jones, now playing 1B, makes a lunging grab of Pablo Sandoval’s line drive to end the game.

Ricky Romero pitches a gem for the Blue Jays. He allows only one hit to the White Sox, a two-run homer by former teammate Alex Rios with none out in the 8th, in 8 innings of work, while striking out a career-high 12 batters. Kevin Gregg completes the one-hitter with a perfect 9th inning, earning his 3rd save in sealing the 4 – 2 win.

ByBaseball

Ricky Romero pitches a gem for the Blue Jays. He allows only one hit to the White Sox, a two-run homer by former teammate Alex Rios with none out in the 8th, in 8 innings of work, while striking out a career-high 12 batters. Kevin Gregg completes the one-hitter with a perfect 9th inning, earning his 3rd save in sealing the 4 – 2 win.