2014 – One day after the end of the regular season, the Twins, who finished in last place for the third time in the last four years, fire long-time manager Ron Gardenhire after 13 seasons. For their part, the Astros announce the hiring of A.J. Hinch as their new skipper, after completing the season under interim manager Tom Lawless.

The Athletics avoid a monumental collapse, saving their season when Sonny Gray tosses a six-hit shutout to beat the Rangers, 4 – 0, and ensure Oakland’s place as the second wild card team in the American League. The A’s had the best record in the majors at the All-Star break, but end up just one game ahead of Seattle for the final postseason slot in the AL.

For the second straight season, a pitcher tosses a no-hitter on the last day of the regular season. After Henderson Alvarez last year, it’s Jordan Zimmermann’s turn to shine, as the Nationals defeat Miami, 1 – 0. It is the first no-hitter in Nats history, although they recorded four such games when they were the Montréal Expos. Ironically, Alvarez ends up the loser, allowing a solo homer to Ian Desmond in the 2nd for the only run of the game. LF Steven Souza saves the day by making a tremendous catch of a line drive by Christian Yelich to end the game.

Jonathan Lucroy hits a 5th-inning double off Tsuyoshi Wada of the Cubs in a 2 – 1 win to set a new record for a catcher. It is his 46th of the season at the position, besting the 45 hit by Ivan Rodriguez in 1996; it is also his 53rd overall, the others having been hit as a first baseman, tying the Brewers franchise record, set by Lyle Overbay in 2004.

The Royals clinch a spot in the postseason for the first time since 1985 with a 3 – 1 win over the White Sox which ends the longest postseason drought in the majors. Following Detroit’s 11 – 4 loss to Minnesota, the Royals still have a shot at winning the AL Central title, trailing the Tigers by only one game.

The Indians set a major league record for most strikeouts in a season when Corey Kluber records number 1,429 in a 1 – 0 win over the Rays. The record was set by the Tigers only last year. Kluber strikes out 11 in 8 innings to finish the year with 18 wins.

The Diamondbacks continue their house-cleaning. One day after naming Dave Stewart as the team’s new GM, they fire manager Kirk Gibson. Bench coach Alan Trammell will complete the season as interim manager, even though he is also dismissed, his departure being only effective at the end of the season.

The Diamondbacks officially announce the hiring of Dave Stewart as their new General Manager, replacing the fired Kevin Towers. Stewart was the pitching ace for the Oakland A’s when Tony LaRussa, now the D-Backs’ President, led the team to three consecutive World Series appearances from 1988 to 1990.