April 3 This Day In Baseball

Debuts, Milestones, No Hitters, Rule Changes, Events, Birthdays, Deaths, and more on This Day In Baseball.  

Events for April 3

Although he tried to return the money, Christy Mathewson is accused by Connie Mack of reneging on his contract with Philadelphia. In January, 'Big Six,' after meeting with the A's manager, received a signing bonus, committing himself to play for the 1901 season with the American League team, but then used the offer as leverage to get a richer contract from the Giants.

Although he tried to return the money, Christy Mathewson is accused by Connie Mack of reneging on his contract with Philadelphia. In January, ‘Big Six,’ after meeting with the A’s manager, received a signing bonus, committing himself to play for the 1901 season with the American League team, but then used the offer as leverage to get a richer contract from the Giants.

1901 – Connie Mack accuses Christy Mathewson of reneging on a Philadelphia Athletics contract signed in January. Mathewson had accepted advance money from Mack, but jumped back to the New York Giants in March. Mack considers going to court, but eventually accepts the loss of the young pitcher.

Although he tried to return the money, Christy Mathewson is accused by Connie Mack of reneging on his contract with Philadelphia. In January, ‘Big Six,’ after meeting with the A’s manager, received a signing bonus, committing himself to play for the 1901 season with the American League team, but then used the offer as leverage to get a richer contract from the Giants.

1902 – The National League names club owners Arthur Soden, John T. Brush, and James Hart as an interim committee to run the league.

Frank Ping beats ostrich in a spaghetti-eating contest!

Frank Ping beats ostrich in a spaghetti-eating contest!

1919 – One of the most bizarre off-the-field incidents in history takes place in Jacksonville, Florida. New York Yankees outfielder Ping Bodie competes against an ostrich named “Percy” in a spaghetti-eating contest! Bodie wins the competition when Percy passes out after its 11th plate of pasta.

Expelled players Happy Felsch and Swede Risberg file suit against the White Sox for back salary and $400,000 in damages. Both players, acquitted for allegedly fixing the 1919 World Series, were still banned from baseball by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, even though they were found not guilty of the wrongdoing in a much-publicized court case.

Expelled players Happy Felsch and Swede Risberg file suit against the White Sox for back salary and $400,000 in damages. Both players, acquitted for allegedly fixing the 1919 World Series, were still banned from baseball by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, even though they were found not guilty of the wrongdoing in a much-publicized court case.

1923 – In Chicago, IL, two Black Sox sue the White Sox. Swede Risberg and Happy Felsch seek $400,000 in damages and $6,750 in back salary for conspiracy and injury to their reputation in the aftermath of the scandalous 1919 World Series court case. Their suit will be unsuccessful.

1930 – The Cuban national team loses its first game ever, after starting its history 8-0. They drop a 2-1 contest to Mexico in the 1930 Central American Games (but will still beat Mexico for the Gold). Fernando Barradas fans 10 to outduel Manuel Domínguez, while Manuel Chávez and José Alvarez each have two hits and a run for Mexico.

1938 – Goose Goslin returns to the Washington Senators for his third stint with the team. Goslin, who had batted a career-low .238 in 1937, has been released by the Detroit Tigers.

Goose Goslin

Goose Goslin returns to the Washington Senators for his third stint with the team

Considered a well-guarded secret, Mel Parnell reveals he pitched all but three of his 39 games for Boston last season with a sore elbow. The 27 year-old 'Dusty' finished the season 25-7 with a 2.77 ERA for the second-place Red Sox.

Considered a well-guarded secret, Mel Parnell reveals he pitched all but three of his 39 games for Boston last season with a sore elbow. The 27 year-old ‘Dusty’ finished the season 25-7 with a 2.77 ERA for the second-place Red Sox.

1950 – Considered a well-guarded secret, Mel Parnell reveals he pitched all but three of his 39 games with a sore elbow last season. The 27-year “Dusty” finished the season with a 25-7 record and a 2.77 ERA for the second-place Boston Red Sox.

1960 – The Baltimore Orioles trade second baseman Billy Gardner to the Washington Senators in exchange for catcher Clint Courtney and shortstop Ron Samford.

New York investors Jack P. Schleifer and Milton Schwartz take a title to Connie Mack Stadium, formerly known as Shibe Park, in hopes of developing the property as an industrial center with bowling alleys and a restaurant when the Phillies move to a proposed new ballpark in the northeastern part of the city. The 52 year-old ballpark, home for both the A’s (1909-1954) and Phillies (1938-1970), will eventually become the site of the Deliverance Evangelistic Church in 1991.

1961 – It is announced that Connie Mack Stadium (formerly known as “Shibe Park”) has been sold and will be torn down after the 1963 season to make room for bowling alleys. In fact, the venerable Philadelphia ballpark will be kept in use until the end of the 1970 season.

New York investors Jack P. Schleifer and Milton Schwartz take a title to Connie Mack Stadium, formerly known as Shibe Park, in hopes of developing the property as an industrial center with bowling alleys and a restaurant when the Phillies move to a proposed new ballpark in the northeastern part of the city. The 52 year-old ballpark, home for both the A’s (1909-1954) and Phillies (1938-1970), will eventually become the site of the Deliverance Evangelistic Church in 1991.

carl wiley

New York Mets pitcher Carl Willey suffers a broken jaw when he is hit by a line drive batted by Detroit Tigers outfielder Gates Brown during a spring training loss

1966 – The New York Mets sign University of Southern California star Tom Seaver to his first contract, including a $50,000 bonus. Seaver had been selected by the Atlanta Braves in the January draft, but Commissioner Spike Eckert voided the deal when he signed a contract after USC’s season had already begun. The Mets beat out the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies in a lottery for Seaver’s services.

New York Mets sign Tom Seaver to first contract

New York Mets sign Tom Seaver to first contract

Al Jackson, competing for a spot in the Cardinals’ rotation to replace an injured Steve Carlton, yields twenty hits over nine innings in an exhibition game. The southpaw’s poor outing comes against the Tulsa Oilers, the Redbirds’ Class AA minor league team in the Texas League.

Al Jackson, competing for a spot in the Cardinals’ rotation to replace an injured Steve Carlton, yields twenty hits over nine innings in an exhibition game. The southpaw’s poor outing comes against the Tulsa Oilers, the Redbirds’ Class AA minor league team in the Texas League.

The Tigers trade left-hander Hank Aguirre to the Dodgers for a player to be named later, minor leaguer Fred Moulder

The Tigers trade left-hander Hank Aguirre to the Dodgers for a player to be named later, minor leaguer Fred Moulder

The Phillies trade first baseman Bill White to the Cardinals for infielder Jerry Buchek and utility player Jim Hutto. White will retire after one season in St. Louis, eventually becoming the president of the National League, after a stint as a Yankee broadcaster.

1969 – First baseman Donn Clendenon ends his retirement and reports to the Montreal Expos. Clendenon, who had refused a trade to the Houston Astros, will eventually be traded to the New York Mets where he will hit 12 home runs and help them win the World Series,

Donn Clendenon ends his retirement and reports to the Montreal Expos

Donn Clendenon ends his retirement and reports to the Montreal Expos

Dodgers get Pedro Guerrero

Dodgers get Pedro Guerrero

The Indians trade Pedro Guerrero to the Dodgers for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. The 17 year-old infielder/outfielder will compile a .309 batting average and will be named to the All-Star team five times during his 11 seasons with the team.

1974 – The Los Angeles Dodgers make one of the best trades in franchise history, acquiring minor league infielder/outfielder Pedro Guerrero from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. The 17-year-old Guerrero will make his major league debut in 1978 and will compile 100-RBI seasons for the Dodgers in 1982 and 1983.

1976 – Angels outfielder Bobby Bonds suffers a fractured finger during an exhibition game with the Dodgers. After 99 painful games, Bonds will have surgery on August 9th.

On Opening Day, Tiger rookie Barbaro Garbey becomes the first Cuban refugee to play in the majors when he grounds out in the seventh inning as a pinch-hitter for Dave Bergman. The 27 year-old utility player will stay in the game, playing first base in Detroit’s 8-1 rout of Minnesota in the Metrodome.

Arbitrator Richard Bloch rules that the Royals’ Willie Wilson and the Mets’ Jerry Martin can return to action on May 15th, the day their year-long suspensions for cocaine abuse are first due to be reviewed.

After rain washed out yesterday’s opener at Royals Stadium, Yul Brynner tosses out the first ball and Kansas City opens with a 4 – 2 win over the Yankees. The threat of snow holds the crowd to just 10,006. Starter Bud Black, with relief help from Dan Quisenberry, tops Ron Guidry, still winless in Openers. Onix Concepción hits Guidry’s first pitch of the game for a home run, while Dave Winfield has a two-run homer for the Yankees.

On Opening Day, Tiger rookie Barbaro Garbey becomes the first Cuban refugee to play in the majors when he grounds out in the seventh inning as a pinch-hitter for Dave Bergman. The 27 year-old utility player will stay in the game, playing first base in Detroit’s 8-1 rout of Minnesota in the Metrodome.

The owners’ proposal of expanding the League Championship Series to best-of-seven is agreed to by the Players’ Association. The LCS started as a best-of-five games series in 1969 when the leagues divided into divisions, with both the Orioles and Mets sweeping their opponents in three games.

1985 – A major league owners’ proposal is agreed to by the Players Association. The American and National leagues playoff formats are changed to best-of-sevens. The League Championship Series had been played as a best-of-five since its inception in 1969.

Championship Series format changes

Championship Series format changes

1986 – Pedro Guerrero, the Dodgers’ most productive hitter, ruptures a tendon in his left knee while sliding into third base in an exhibition game. Guerrero will be sidelined for more than three months and not have his first hit until September.

Dennis Eckersley

Chicago Cubs trade seemingly over-the-hill pitcher Dennis Eckersley to the Oakland A’s

The Cubs trade starter Dennis Eckersley and minor leaguer Dan Rohn to the A’s for three minor leaguers. The ‘Eck’ will become one of the game’s top relievers in Oakland.

1987 – The Chicago Cubs trade starting pitcher Dennis Eckersley to the Oakland Athletics for three minor leaguers. Eckersley will emerge as the game’s dominant closer, saving 291 games over the next eight seasons.

The Cubs trade starter Dennis Eckersley and minor leaguer Dan Rohn to the A’s for three minor leaguers. The ‘Eck’ will become one of the game’s top relievers in Oakland.

Dwight Gooden records most strikeouts

At Shea Stadium, the New York Mets win their 11th consecutive home opener

Ken Griffey Jr Debut

In his first major league at bat, Mariners’ center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. doubles off of Oakland’s Dave Stewart

Billy Hatcher, who is in the delivery room with his pregnant wife when the phone rings, is informed by Pirates manager Jim Leyland that he has been traded but doesn’t ask to which team. After his daughter Chelsea is born, the former Buc outfielder gets a call at home from Cincinnati general manager Bob Quinn to welcome him to the Reds.

bo-jackson-white sox

Bo Jackson returns to baseball

Nolan Ryan and his son, Reid, pitch against each other as the Texas Rangers take on the University of Texas at Austin. Reid, a 19-year-old freshman, gives up four runs in two innings, and is down 4 – 1 to his father when he leaves the game. Nolan gives up five hits, three runs, and strikes out seven in five innings, as the Rangers win, 12 – 5.

The Chicago White Sox sign injured free agent outfielder Bo Jackson to a one-year contract worth $700,000. The Kansas City Royals had released Jackson on March 15th, citing his inability to play baseball due to a football-related hip injury.

1992 – The Red Sox conclude 27 years of spring training at Winter Haven, Florida, by beating the Tigers, 14 – 4.

1993 – The Colorado Rockies sign free agent veteran Dale Murphy. The two-time National League MVP will hit just .143 in 26 games for the Rockies.

At Riverfront Stadium, in a game that is not embraced by the local fans or Cincinnati owner Marge Schott, the new season begins with the first Sunday night opener ever played in major league history. On a frigid Easter Sunday evening, the Cardinals beat the Reds in the controversial contest, 6-4, in front of the smallest opening day crowd in the ballpark’s 24-year history.

1994 – In the first Sunday night major league season opener, St. Louis Cardinals OF Ray Lankford hits a home run as the first batter of the 1994 season. St. Louis goes on to defeat the Cincinnati Reds, 6 – 4, with Bob Tewksbury gaining the win.

At Riverfront Stadium, in a game that is not embraced by the local fans or Cincinnati owner Marge Schott, the new season begins with the first Sunday night opener ever played in major league history. On a frigid Easter Sunday evening, the Cardinals beat the Reds in the controversial contest, 6-4, in front of the smallest opening day crowd in the ballpark’s 24-year history.

Saint Francis College sets 71 NCAA records with a 71 – 1, four-inning defeat of Robert Morris University

1997 – Pitcher Jimmy Key makes his debut with the Orioles, beating the Royals, 4 – 2, to run his opening day record to 7-0, the best ever. Previously, Key won three with the Yankees and three with the Blue Jays.

Milwaukee Brewers SS Jose Valentin strokes three home runs and drives in five runs to lead Milwaukee to a 7 – 1 victory over the Florida Marlins.

Just four days after being obtained in a trade with Cleveland, Reds 1B Sean Casey is hit in the eye by a ball thrown by Damian Jackson during batting practice. His eye orbit is fractured, and will require surgery on April 8th.

With their 8-0 and 21-1 victories over the Clafin Panthers, the Savannah State nine extends its consecutive-game winning streak to 42 games. The Tigers’ twin sweep sets an NCAA record, eclipsing the Marietta College of Ohio record of 40 straight wins established by the Division II school last year.

Andres Galarraga hits a home run in his first game back after missing the entire 1999 season following cancer surgery as the Braves defeat the Rockies, 2 – 0.

A new major league record for Opening Day is set with five players having multiple home run games. Gabe Kapler becomes the first player to hit home runs in his first two at-bats in a Texas Rangers uniform and his teammate Ivan Rodriguez also hits a pair of homers in a 10 – 4 Texas victory against the Chicago White Sox. Vladimir Guerrero hits a pair of homers for the Montreal Expos but the Dodgers defeat Montreal, 10 – 4, behind Eric Karros’ grand slam. Jason Giambi of the Oakland Athletics hits two home runs against the Detroit Tigers. Despite Giambi’s effort, Detroit edges the Athletics, 7 – 4.

Barry Bonds becomes the second player in baseball history to begin a season with consecutive two-homer games. Eddie Mathews also hit a pair of homers in each of the Braves’ first two games against the Pirates to start the 1958 season.

The Giants defeat the Dodgers, 12 – 0, as Barry Bonds hits a pair of home runs for the second day in a row. He becomes only the second player in major league history to begin a season with a pair of two-homer games. Eddie Mathews was the other.

At McAfee Coliseum, the Texas Rangers defeat the Oakland Athletics, 9 – 6. The loss snaps the Athletics’ string of 20 straight wins at home, stretching back to August 24th of last year. Oakland moves past the 1974-1975Cincinnati Reds for most consecutive home wins over two seasons. The Reds’ mark was 17.

4/3/2002: Darrin Fletcher of the Blue Jays hit a home run off Dustin Hermanson of the Red Sox in the second inning of a game at Fenway Park. In the bottom of the inning, Jason Varitek homered off Luke Prokopec. Both blasts came with two out and no one on base. The game was called due to rain after two innings had been played.

Alex Sanchez becomes the first major leaguer to be publicly identified under baseball’s new steroid policy. The Tampa Bay outfielder receives a ten-day suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs..

In his first outing for the New York Yankees, Randy Johnson allows a run and five hits in six innings as New York open the major league season with a 9 – 2 triumph over the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.

Alex Sanchez becomes the first major leaguer to be publicly identified under baseball’s new steroid policy. The Tampa Bay outfielder will be suspended for 10 days for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Alex Sanchez becomes the first major leaguer to be publicly identified under baseball’s new steroid policy. The Tampa Bay outfielder receives a ten-day suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs..

Seattle’s Kenji Johjima becomes the first Japanese catcher to start a major league game. The Mariners’ 30 year-old backstop homers in his debut in the team’s 5-3 loss to the Angels.

Sportsnet NY, the Mets’ new team-owned network, broadcasts its first regular season baseball game. During the third inning of New York’s 3-2 victory over the Nationals, SNY experiences technical difficulties which black out the telecast for nearly twenty minutes.

The Chicago Cubs roll to their fourth straight opening day victory, 16 – 7, over a Cincinnati Reds team that can bring the president to town but can’t stop the Cubs’ run of first-game success. US President George W. Bushthrows a ceremonial pitch at the invitation of new Reds owner Bob Castellini, one of his former ownership partners with the Texas Rangers. No current president had ever thrown an opening day pitch in Cincinnati, the traditional site of the National League’s opener.

At Ameriquest Field in Arlington, Curt Schilling strikes out five and allows two runs over seven strong innings and David Ortiz is 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBI as the Boston Red Sox win on Opening Day for the first time since 2000 with a 7 – 3 victory over the Texas Rangers.

At Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners rookie Kenji Johjima, the first catcher from Japan to start a major league game, hits a home run for his first hit in Seattle’s 5 – 4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Seattle’s Kenji Johjima becomes the first Japanese catcher to start a major league game. The Mariners’ 30 year-old backstop homers in his debut in the team’s 5-3 loss to the Angels.

Sportsnet NY, the Mets’ new team-owned network, broadcasts its first regular season baseball game. During the third inning of New York’s 3-2 victory over the Nationals, SNY experiences technical difficulties which black out the telecast for nearly twenty minutes.

Jimmy Rollins hits a double on opening day to extend his hitting streak to 37

Jimmy Rollins hits a double on opening day to extend his hitting streak to 37

On Opening Day, Marcus and Brian Giles bat first and second in the San Diego lineup in the Padres’ 7-0 victory over the Giants. Skipper Bud Black’s batting order marks first time brothers have hit one and two in a game since Matty and Jesus Alou did it for San Francisco in 1965.

On Opening Day, Marcus and Brian Giles bat first and second in the San Diego lineup in the Padres’ 7-0 victory over the Giants. Skipper Bud Black’s batting order marks first time brothers have hit one and two in a game since Matty and Jesus Alou did it for San Francisco in 1965.

During a tour of Fenway Park, a three-and-a-half pound red-tailed hawk, known to nest at the historic ballpark, attacks a Memorial Boulevard Middle School student. The 13 year-old eighth grader from Bristol, Connecticut, who is treated for a small scratch on her scalp at a local hospital, has a familiar name to Red Sox fans, Alexa Rodriguez, similar to the much detested third baseman of the Yankees, who also is 13 (uniform number).

Twenty minutes before their game, the Dodgers announce reliever Hong-Chih Kuo will start in place of Chad Billingsley, who in turn will be in the bullpen. The unusual move, made due to the threat of rain at the start of the contest, is also employed by the Giants with Merkin Valdez beginning the game on the mound and the announced starter, and eventual winner Tim Lincecum entering the game in the fourth inning.

At Comerica Park in Detroit, the Royals beat the Tigers, 4-1, completing a season-opening three-game sweep. It is the first time that Kansas City had started the year with a sweep on the road since 1977 when the team also won the first three contests of the season in the Motor City.

In a dazzling debut, Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto fans ten batters in an overpowering seven-inning performance when Cincinnati beats the visiting Diamondbacks, 3-2. Using a 96-mph fastball and devastating changeup, the 22 year-old rookie, who started last season pitching in the low minors, strikes out eight of his first 13 Arizona batters he faces.

The Mets, obligated only to pay the major league minimum of $400,000, sign Gary Sheffield (.225, 19, 57) in hopes of adding a much-needed right-handed bat to the lineup. The 40 year-old offensively challenged outfielder, who has 499 career home runs, was unexpectedly released by the Tigers earlier in the week despite having $14 million left on his contract.

On a damp and chilly New York night, both the Mets and Yankees open their new stadiums with exhibition games. The double debut in the Big Apple sees each team come away with a victory when the Amazin’s beat the Red Sox, 4-3, and the Bronx Bombers launch three homers to defeat the Cubs, 7-4.

On a damp and chilly New York night, both the Mets and Yankees open their new stadiums with exhibition games. The double debut in the Big Apple sees each team come away with a victory when the Amazin’s beat the Red Sox, 4-3, and the Bronx Bombers launch three homers to defeat the Cubs, 7-4.

Adam Lind (.305, 35, 114) and the Blue Jays agreed to an $18 million, four-year contract that includes three additional years with a club option. The 26 year-old outfielder, flanked by several teammates, announces the deal at a press conference held before an exhibition game in Houston.

The 2010 Bundesliga season kicks off. Tim Henkenjohann is the big star of the day, striking out 18 in 7 2/3 innings after battling injuries in 2009. His Bonn Capitals beat the Dohren Wild Farmers, 9 – 2.

A number of players are placed on the disabled list in advance of tomorrow’s season opener. They include P Scott Kazmir of the Los Angeles Angels, P Koji Uehara of the Baltimore Orioles, OF Coco Crisp of the Oakland Athletics and P Clay Condrey of the Minnesota Twins.

Ranger teammates Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz become the first pair of players to homer in each of the first three games in a season playing for the same team. The duo’s weekend of round-trippers enabled Texas to sweep their season-opening series against visiting Boston.

In his first career start at 1B, the Indians’ Carlos Santana starts a triple play in the 4th by diving to catch a pop-up bunted down the first base line by the White Sox’s Alexei Ramirez. The two Sox baserunners are running on the play and are doubled off easily. In the bottom of the frame, Orlando Cabrera hits a two-run homer to send the Indians on their way to a 7 – 1 victory, with Justin Masterson getting the best of John Danks.

Orioles P Zach Britton is masterful in his major league debut, giving up a run on three hits while striking out six in as many innings as the Birds complete a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field with a 5 – 1 win. The Rays get more bad news before the game when they place All-Star 3B Evan Longoria on the disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle that will keep him out of action for three weeks.

In one of the few Japanese sporting events not affected schedule-wise by the recent earthquake and tsunami, the spring Koshien is wrapped up. Tokaidai Sagami High School wins its second spring Koshien with a 6 – 1 victory in the finale; they set a record with 74 hits for the event. Both Hirotsugu Sato and Tsuyoshi Sugano homer in the championship game.

Ranger teammates Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz become the first pair of players to homer in each of the first three games in a season playing for the same team. The duo’s weekend of round-trippers enabled Texas to sweep their season-opening series against visiting Boston.

2012 – Alfredo Despaigne of Granma hits his 34th homer of the year, going 400 feet off Ian Rendón. He reclaims the Cuban single-season home run record he had previously held, topping José Dariel Abreu and Yoennis Céspedes’s mark set last year.

The Rays win for the first time this year in dramatic fashion, as Matt Joyce hits a walk-off homer off the Orioles’ Tommy Hunter for a 7 – 6 win. His heroics are necessitated by a rare blown save by Fernando Rodney, who had not allowed a run over his last 20 appearances for the Rays, dating back to last season, in addition to his perfect run in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

The Red Sox start a season 2-0 for the first time since 1999 when they defeat the Yankees, 7 – 4, behind the pitching of Clay Buchholz, who allows one run in 6 innings. Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda isn’t so lucky, having to leave the game in the 2nd inning after being struck on a finger by a line drive off the bat of Shane Victorino. For the second straight game, New Yankee Stadium is virtually empty by the end of the game, as the home side falls behind early and never threatens the Sox’s lead.

Ryo Hijirisawa records his 821st consecutive outfield chance without an error, breaking Eiji Fujii’s Nippon Pro Baseball record. Hijirisawa catches an Esteban German sacrifice fly in a 3 – 1 Rakuten Golden Eagles loss to the Orix Buffaloes.

On the first day of minor league games this year, Henry Owens of the Portland Sea Dogs (Eastern League) throws a rain-shortened six-inning no-hitter as Portland defeats the Reading Fightin Phils, 5 – 0. Mookie Betts goes 4 for 4 with a homer and 3 runs scored to lead the Sea Dogs’ offense.

2015 – Major League Baseball suspends P Ervin Santana, who signed the largest free agent contract in Twins history this off-season, for 80 games for testing positive to the anabolic steroid stanozolol. Santana claims he never knowingly took a banned substance.

On Opening Day in Kansas City with the team’s theme “We Are The Champions” playing in the background, over 2,000 fans participate the Relay the Way event, establishing a new record when they line up to complete the longest first pitch in baseball history. The ball, which is tossed hand to glove for four hours, travels a distance of nine miles and raises over $100,000 for the Royals’ Urban Youth Academy charity.

In the first game of the major league season, the Pirates defeat the Cardinals, 4 – 1, behind a great performance by Francisco Liriano who strikes out 10 batters in 6 scoreless innings and also drives in the first run of the game with a single off Adam Wainwright.

Two other games are played today. Toronto defeats Tampa Bay, 5 – 3, as Marcus Stroman prevails over Chris Archer in a battle of charismatic young starters. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki hits the first long ball of the year in the majors, a two-run shot off Ryan Webb in the 8th, while Corey Dickerson replies for the Rays off Stroman in the 9th. In the nationally televised Sunday night game, a rematch of last year’s World Series, Kansas City gets the better of the Mets, 4 – 3, as Edinson Volquez is the winner against Matt Harvey. For the Mets, LF Yoenis Cespedes drops a routine fly ball by Mike Moustakas in the 1st, leading to the Royals’ first run.

On Opening Day in Kansas City with the team’s theme “We Are The Champions” playing in the background, over 2,000 fans participate the Relay the Way event, establishing a new record when they line up to complete the longest first pitch in baseball history. The ball, which is tossed hand to glove for four hours, travels a distance of nine miles and raises over $100,000 for the Royals’ Urban Youth Academy charity.

2017 – Christian Bethancourt’s bid to become the first two-way player in the majors in over a decade does not get off to a good start. The former catcher pitching for the Padres on opening day relieves Jhoulys Chacin in the 4th with his team trailing the Dodgers, 7 – 1, and immediately uncorks wild pitches on his first two deliveries to the plate, both times scoring a run. He gets out of the inning when a couple of long fly balls are caught just shy of clearing the fence, but in the 5th, Corey Seager touches him for a three-run homer as Los Angeles goes on to win a 14 – 3 rout. For L.A., Joc Pederson hits a grand slam and drives in 5 runs and Yasmani Grandal homers from both sides of the plate, as the team wins its opening game for the seventh straight season – every time behind the pitching of ace Clayton Kershaw.

The Padres are the last team to enter the win column this year, as they defeat the Rockies, 8 – 4, at Petco Park after four straight losses to open the season. Rookie 3B Christian Villanueva is the hero with a three-homer game.

Something unprecedented happens in the Brewers’ 5 – 4 win over the Cardinals. The Cards open the game with back-to-back homers, as Dexter Fowler and Tommy Pham connect off Chase Anderson within the first three pitches of the game, and the contest ends in similar fashion, but now it’s Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich and Ryan Braun who go deep back-to-back off Dominic Leone with two outs in the bottom of the 9th to end the game.

2019 – Jacob deGrom, last year’s Cy Young Award winner is back at it. He strikes out 14 Marlins in 7 innings and also hits a homer to lead the Mets to a 6 – 4 win. It is deGrom’s 26th consecutive quality start, dating back to 2018, matching the major league record set by Hall of Famer Bob Gibson in 1967-1968.

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. 

1998 – It’s not in Colorado, but the Astros club the Rockies as if it was, 15-2. Derek Bell, now hitting in front of Jeff Bagwell in the lineup, drives in six and keys a seven-run uprising to put the game away. 

1977 – An exhibition game with the Texas Rangers in Tulsa, OK, is halted when a part of the stand collapses, injuring 17 people. Players helped carry victims to aid, some making stretchers out of wooden planks. 

1970 – Doug Rader becomes the first to reach the Dome’s gold (upper reserved) seats with a home run off Stan Bahnsen during a 9-5 exhibition win against the Yankees. The ball lands in section 738D, row 6, seat 1. 

1969 – The Rusty Staub trade with Montreal is finally settled when the Astros accept pitchers Skip Guinn and Jack Billingham, along with $100,000, instead of first baseman Donn Clendenon. Jesus Alou was to accompany Clendenon to Houston and he remains part of the deal.

 

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