In Massachusetts, Pittsfield city officials and historians release a bylaw dating back to 1791 which they believe is the earliest written reference to baseball. The 213-year-old document, used to protect the windows in the town’s new meeting house by prohibiting anyone from playing baseball within 80 yards of the building, was uncovered by baseball historian John Thorn while doing research on the origins of baseball.

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In Massachusetts, Pittsfield city officials and historians release a bylaw dating back to 1791 which they believe is the earliest written reference to baseball. The 213-year-old document, used to protect the windows in the town’s new meeting house by prohibiting anyone from playing baseball within 80 yards of the building, was uncovered by baseball historian John Thorn while doing research on the origins of baseball.

At Fenway Park, Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox leads his teammates out of the dugout waving an American flag to celebrate his first day as a citizen of the United States. As the 31-year native of the Dominican Republic comes to bat, the song America by Neil Diamond is played over the public address system.

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At Fenway Park, Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox leads his teammates out of the dugout waving an American flag to celebrate his first day as a citizen of the United States. As the 31-year native of the Dominican Republic comes to bat, the song America by Neil Diamond is played over the public address system.

In the 6 – 3 victory over the Marlins at Pac Bell Park, Barry Bonds of the Giants sets a major league record by being intentionally walked four times in a nine-inning game. In 1990, Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson was given five intentional passes in a 16-inning contest against Cincinnati.

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In the 6 – 3 victory over the Marlins at Pac Bell Park, Barry Bonds of the Giants sets a major league record by being intentionally walked four times in a nine-inning game. In 1990, Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson was given five intentional passes in a 16-inning contest against Cincinnati.

Fifty-seven years after the historic event, major league baseball begins the tradition of Jackie Robinson Day

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Fifty-seven years after the historic event, major league baseball begins the tradition of Jackie Robinson Day, an annual celebration marking the day the color line was broken. At big league parks across the country there are ceremonies honoring the ground-breaking Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman, including Commissioner Bud Selig joining his widow, Rachel Robinson, for a Shea Stadium tribute.

The New York Yankees and Joe Torre agree to a three-year contract extension. The contract also includes an additional six-year deal in which the 62-year old manager will serve as a team advisor through the 2013 season. That adjunct to the deal will never be implemented.

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The New York Yankees and Joe Torre agree to a three-year contract extension. The contract also includes an additional six-year deal in which the 62-year old manager will serve as a team advisor through the 2013 season. That adjunct to the deal will never be implemented.

David Aardsma surpasses Hank Aaron in an unlikely category. ‘Hammerin’ Hank’ will no longer be the first player named alphabetically in baseball history books when the Giants hurler makes his major-league debut against the Astros.

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David Aardsma surpasses Hank Aaron in an unlikely category. ‘Hammerin’ Hank’ will no longer be the first player named alphabetically in baseball history books when the Giants hurler makes his major-league debut against the Astros.

In an on-line poll in which nearly 8,000 fans participate, Still We Believe: The Boston Red Sox Movie is selected as the title of a documentary about the 2003 season. Other choices offered by the team and the Boston Globe web sites included This Is the Year, The Ecstasy and the Agony and Always the Bridesmaid in addition to fan’s wry suggestion of I Know What You Did Last Summer, I Wish I Didn’t Know What You Did Last Fall.

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In an on-line poll in which nearly 8,000 fans participate, Still We Believe: The Boston Red Sox Movie is selected as the title of a documentary about the 2003 season. Other choices offered by the team and the Boston Globe web sites included This Is the Year, The Ecstasy and the Agony and Always the Bridesmaid in addition to fan’s wry suggestion of I Know What You Did Last Summer, I Wish I Didn’t Know What You Did Last Fall.

The World Champion Florida Marlins open their season with a 4 – 3 win over the Montreal Expos. The game marks the first time that two World Series MVPs oppose each other on Opening Day‚ with 2003 winner Josh Beckett going for Florida and 1997 winner Livan Hernandez on the mound for Montreal. Like Beckett, Hernandez was a member of the Marlins when he was named World Series MVP.

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The World Champion Florida Marlins open their season with a 4 – 3 win over the Montreal Expos. The game marks the first time that two World Series MVPs oppose each other on Opening Day‚ with 2003 winner Josh Beckett going for Florida and 1997 winner Livan Hernandez on the mound for Montreal. Like Beckett, Hernandez was a member of the Marlins when he was named World Series MVP.

Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in baseball history to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25. The Dodger third baseman joins Cal Ripken Jr. and Lou Gehrig to have exactly 100 homers on their 25th birthday.

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Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in baseball history to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25. The Dodger third baseman joins Cal Ripken Jr. and Lou Gehrig to have exactly 100 homers on their 25th birthday.

The Mets open their season with a 7 – 2 win over the Braves. SS Kazuo Matsui, making his American baseball debut, opens the game with a home run on the first pitch from Russ Ortiz‚ becoming only the 20th player in baseball history to homer on the first major league pitch he sees. Matsui adds a pair of doubles and two walks in his debut. He is the third player in Met history to homer in his first at bat‚ joining Mike Fitzgerald and Benny Ayala.

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The Mets open their season with a 7 – 2 win over the Braves. SS Kazuo Matsui, making his American baseball debut, opens the game with a home run on the first pitch from Russ Ortiz‚ becoming only the 20th player in baseball history to homer on the first major league pitch he sees. Matsui adds a pair of doubles and two walks in his debut. He is the third player in Met history to homer in his first at bat‚ joining Mike Fitzgerald and Benny Ayala.