When Rafael Furcal, Mark DeRosa, and Gary Sheffield all go deep off the Reds’ Jeff Austin in the bottom of the first inning, the Braves become only the second team in big league history to begin a game with three consecutive home runs. In San Diego’s home opener in 1987, the Padres wasted no time making up a two-run first inning deficit as each of the first three batters, Marvell Wynn, Tony Gwynn, and John Kruk, all went yard in the bottom of the first inning off Giant starter Roger Mason.

ByThis Day in Baseball

When Rafael Furcal, Mark DeRosa, and Gary Sheffield all go deep off the Reds’ Jeff Austin in the bottom of the first inning, the Braves become only the second team in big league history to begin a game with three consecutive home runs. In San Diego’s home opener in 1987, the Padres wasted no time making up a two-run first inning deficit as each of the first three batters, Marvell Wynn, Tony Gwynn, and John Kruk, all went yard in the bottom of the first inning off Giant starter Roger Mason.

The Red Sox play before a sellout crowd at Fenway Park. They will continue to do so for almost a decade, breaking the record for consecutive sellouts (held by the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field) on September 8, 2008. The streak will not end until April of 2013.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Red Sox play before a sellout crowd at Fenway Park. They will continue to do so for almost a decade, breaking the record for consecutive sellouts (held by the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field) on September 8, 2008. The streak will not end until April of 2013.

With a 5-2 victory over the Indians at Cleveland’s Jacobs Field, the Royals set a franchise record for victories at the start of the season, winning their ninth consecutive game since Opening Day. In 1977, Kansas City won 16 straight from August 31 through September 15 for overall team’s mark for consecutive wins.

ByThis Day in Baseball

With a 5-2 victory over the Indians at Cleveland’s Jacobs Field, the Royals set a franchise record for victories at the start of the season, winning their ninth consecutive game since Opening Day. In 1977, Kansas City won 16 straight from August 31 through September 15 for overall team’s mark for consecutive wins.

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Brad Ausmus slugs a grand slam homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the 12th to carry the Astros over St. Louis

ByThis Day in Baseball

2003 – Brad Ausmus slugs a grand slam homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the 12th to carry the Astros over St. Louis, 6-5. Ausmus also guns down three runners, including Fernando Vina at third base for the game’s final out. Brad Lidge gets his first major league save. 

Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hits his 500th career home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Sullivan 

Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hits his 500th career home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Sullivan 

ByThis Day in Baseball

2003 – At Great American Ball Park, Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hits his 500th career home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Sullivan in the 7th inning, becoming only the 18th player in major league history to hit 500 or more home runs, as well as the first Hispanic player to do so. Despite Sosa’s highlight, Cincinnati edges the Cubs, 10 – 9.

Alex Rodriguez becomes the youngest player in major league history to hit 300 home runs

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At the age of 27 years, 249 days of age, Alex Rodriguez becomes the youngest player in major league history to hit 300 home runs. The Ranger shortstop’s fifth inning three-run blast off Anaheim’s Ramon Ortiz in the Rangers’ 11-5 loss at Edison Field surpasses the mark established in 1935 by Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx, who had accomplished the feat when being 79 days older than A-Rod.

Houston veterans are stunned to learn that 11 year Astro pitcher Shane Reynolds was released

ByThis Day in Baseball

2003 – Houston veterans are stunned to learn that pitcher Shane Reynolds, who had been with the team since 1992, has been released. Coming off back surgery and having a shaky spring, the Astros pull the plug on an incentive-laden deal that could have been worth as much as $5 million dollars to Reynolds. Penciled in as the third starter, Reynolds comments that he thought he was just sharpening up for the season and didn’t need to compete for a job. He soon finds a new home pitching for Atlanta, posting an 11-9 record. 

Commissioner Bud Selig decides to ban the use of ephedra
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Commissioner Bud Selig decides to ban the use of ephedra

ByThis Day in Baseball

2003 – In the wake of Steve Bechler’s death, Commissioner Bud Selig decides to ban the use of ephedra in the minor leagues. Players on the current 40-man major league rosters, which would have included the 23-year old Oriole pitcher who died on February 23rd, are not prohibited to use the supplement because, as union members, they are already covered by the drug-testing rules of the new collective bargaining agreement, which bans only drugs of abuse and certain illegal steroids.

Orioles 23-year-old pitching prospect Steve Bechler dies of multi-organ failure after a spring training workout

Orioles 23-year-old pitching prospect Steve Bechler dies of multi-organ failure after a spring training workout

ByThis Day in Baseball

His body temperature having soared to 108 degrees, Orioles 23-year-old pitching prospect Steve Bechler dies of multi-organ failure after a spring training workout yesterday. Early speculation is the expectant father’s death may have been caused by ephedrine, a dietary supplement linked to heat stroke and heart attacks.

Avoiding arbitration, the Braves and 36-year-old righty Greg Maddux (16-6, 2.62) agree to the largest one-year contract in major league history. The $14.75 million deal for the four-time Cy Young Award winner eclipses the $12 million given to David Cone by the Yankees in 2000.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Avoiding arbitration, the Braves and 36-year-old righty Greg Maddux (16-6, 2.62) agree to the largest one-year contract in major league history. The $14.75 million deal for the four-time Cy Young Award winner eclipses the $12 million given to David Cone by the Yankees in 2000.