1996 – Frank Torre, the brother of New York Yankees manager Joe Torre, receives a heart transplant after months of waiting. Frank was the recipient of a World Series ring as a member of the Milwaukee Braves when they beat the Yankees in 1957, and his brother Joe will make him a gift of a World Series ring that’s 39 years newer after Game 6 of the 1996 Series.

After the Yankees lose the first two games of the Fall Classic at the Stadium, David Cone limits the Braves to four hits and one run in six innings en route to New York’s 5-2 win. The contest will be the first of 14 consecutive World Series victories as the Bronx Bombers start their run of four titles in five years.

1996 – In the World Series, New York Yankees pitcher David Cone holds the Braves and Bernie Williams drives in three runs in a 5 – 2 win in Game 3 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

After being awarded one of the two expansion franchises for Triple-A by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, Durham officially becomes the home of the Devil Rays’ top farm club beginning in 1998. Tampa Bay and Capitol Broadcasting Co., Inc. jointly own the new North Carolina franchise, but the team will continue to be called the Bulls.

1996 – For the third year in a row, a Dodgers member is named Rookie of the Year. Raúl Mondesi, like last year’s pick, Mike Piazza, is a unanimous choice. The fleet Dominican outfielder hit .306 with 16 home runs and 16 assists.

The Devil Rays name Jamie Reed as the club’s head trainer. The 37 year-old Annapolis, Md native, formerly the assistant trainer for the Orioles, is the first on-field major league hire for the new expansion team.

1996 – Powered by three home runs in the 3rd inning and eight strong innings from Andy Pettitte, the Yankees win their 34th American League pennant with a 6 – 4 victory over Baltimore. The Yankees take the ALCS, 4 games to 1, and will go to the World Series for the first time since 1981.