Former Chicago White Sox pitcher Francisco Barrios dies of heart attack in his native Mexico at the age of 28. Barrios was 14-7 for Chicago in 1977, despite recurring shoulder trouble.
A freak heavy spring snow storm brings sub-freezing temperatures across the northeast and midwest and causes the postponement of home openers for the Yankees, Tigers, White Sox, Brewers, Indians, Phillies and Pirates. With 2 games snowed out in Chicago‚ the Red Sox will return tomorrow to Winter Haven, FL.
Dick Williams replaces Frank Howard as manager of the last-place Padres. The future Hall of Fame skipper, who has won three pennants and two World Series in the last 14 years as a major league pilot, will lead San Diego to a National League pennant in 1984.
1981 – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first rookie ever to win a Cy Young Award, edging Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati Reds by a 70-67 margin for National League honors. Valenzuela was the first rookie since Herb Score in 1955 to lead his league in strikeouts with 180.
The Philadelphia Phillies announce that Pat Corrales will be the club manager next season, replacing Dallas Green, who quit to become the Chicago Cubs’ general manager.
The Cincinnati Reds trade outfielder Ken Griffey to the New York Yankees for pitcher Fred Toliver and minor leaguer Brian Ryder. Griffey was about to become a free agent.
1981 – Bill Giles, Phillies vice president for the past 11 years, heads a group that purchases the club for just over $30 million, the highest price paid to date for a major league club. Giles is the son of long-time National League president and Hall of Fame member Warren C. Giles.
1981 – The Los Angeles Dodgers come back to beat the New York Yankees, 8 – 7, in a sloppy three-hour marathon and tie the World Series, 2-2. The Yankees blow a 6 – 3 lead. On one play, Reggie Jackson loses the ball in the sun and it bounces off his shoulder for a two-base error.
1981 – At Yankee Stadium, New York shuts out the Dodgers in the World Series. Starter Tommy John and closer Goose Gossage get the credit for the four-hit, 3 – 0 victory as New York leads the Series 2-0.
1981 – In a World Series rematch of the 1977 and 1978 teams, the Yankees take Game 1 over the Dodgers, 5 – 3. Bob Watson hits a three-run home run in the 1st inning as pitcher Ron Guidry goes seven innings for the win. Goose Gossage closes down a Dodgers rally in the 8th.
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