Pittsburgh’s Andy Van Slyke becomes the first OF in nearly 18 years to record an unassisted double play, in the Pirates’ 5 – 3 win over the Astros. Van Slyke races in from center field to catch a fly ball, then continues in to double up Ken Caminiti, who was running from second base on the play.

Commissioner Fay Vincent orders realignment of the National League for the 1993 season, forcing the Cubs and Cardinals into the Western Division. The two teams will oppose the move, and the NL will split into three divisions in 1994.

The Cardinals-Padres game at Jack Murphy Stadium is held up for four minutes when a wild skunk wanders onto the field. The Cardinals eventually win the game by a score of 4 – 0 on Mark Clark’s 4-hitter.

In Atlanta’s 4 – 2 win over the Cubs, Braves SS Jeff Blauser hits a two-run home run in the 1st inning to start the scoring. It is the 1,776th big league homer hit on the holiday. Brian Hunter adds a solo shot to back Charlie Leibrandt (7-3).

Montreal OF Larry Walker throws out Padres SS Tony Fernandez at first base on a one-hopper to right in the 1st inning of the Expos’ 3 – 2 win over San Diego. Fred McGriff has a solo home run off starter Chris Nabholz, with John Wetteland picking up his first win of the year.

On July 3, 1992 Cleveland sends washout speedster Alex Cole (.206 with nine stolen bases) to the Pirates for Tony Mitchell and John Carter. For Cole, it is his fourth team in three years. He’ll vacate Pittsburgh for the Rockies after the season. Source Baseball Reference July 3

On July 3, 1992 Dodgers P Pedro Astacio makes an impressive major league debut with a three-hit, 2 – 0 shutout of the Phillies in the second game of a doubleheader. Astacio fans 10 Phils while walking 4. The Dodgers also take the opener, 5 – 1, with Bob Ojeda topping Curt Schilling. Source Baseball Reference July 3