Astro broadcaster Gene Elston comes up short for Ford C. Frick Award at the Baseball Hall of Fame

Astro broadcaster Gene Elston comes up short for Ford C. Frick Award at the Baseball Hall of Fame

2002 – Despite a petition drive seeking to honor longtime Astro broadcaster Gene Elston with the Ford C. Frick Award at the Baseball Hall of Fame, the winner is his former broadcast partner Harry Kalas. Kalas worked six seasons (1965-1970) with Elston before becoming the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and NFL Films. Kalas’ signature call while with Houston was to describe their home runs as “Astro orbits”. 

Slugger Barry Bonds avoids arbitration by agreeing to a five-year, $90 million deal with the San Francisco Giants

Slugger Barry Bonds avoids arbitration by agreeing to a five-year, $90 million deal with the San Francisco Giants

Slugger Barry Bonds avoids arbitration by agreeing to a five-year, $90 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. The contract also calls for a 10-year personal services commitment at the end of his playing days.

In the midst of the franchise’s uncertain future due to its possible contraction as a major league team, Ron Gardenhire is named to replace Tom Kelly as the Minnesota manager. The 44 year-old Twins coach, who will remain as the team’s skipper for 13 seasons, is given a two-year pact to pilot the team.

In the midst of the franchise’s uncertain future due to its possible contraction as a major league team, Ron Gardenhire is named to replace Tom Kelly as the Minnesota manager. The 44 year-old Twins coach, who will remain as the team’s skipper for 13 seasons, is given a two-year pact to pilot the team.

Major League Season RecapMajor League Baseball Season Recap 2001

Major League Season Recap 2001 World Series – Arizona Diamondbacks NL over New York Yankees AL 4 games to 3 World Series MVP – Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling Babe Ruth Award – Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling Championship Series ALCS New York Yankees over Seattle Mariners 4 games to 1 ALCS MVP – Andy Pettitte NLCS Arizona Diamondbacks over Atlanta Braves…

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Hideki Matsui signs a one-year, $4.7 million contract to play for the Yomiuri Giants, becoming the highest-paid player in Nippon Pro Baseball history

2001 – Hideki Matsui signs a one-year, $4.7 million contract to play for the Yomiuri Giants, becoming the highest-paid player in Nippon Pro Baseball history. The outfielder’s salary surpasses the $4 million mark the Orix Blue Wave gave Ichiro Suzuki for the 2000 season.

The Jean Yawkey Trust announces all the partners have unanimously voted to sell 100 percent of the Red Sox, a family-owned business since 1933

The Jean Yawkey Trust announces all the partners have unanimously voted to sell 100 percent of the Red Sox, a family-owned business since 1933

The Jean Yawkey Trust announces all the partners have unanimously voted to sell 100 percent of the Red Sox, a family-owned business since 1933, to a group of investors led by Florida Marlins owner John Henry who also has a one percent share of the Yankees and is the managing partner-in-waiting of the Sox. The price tag, rumored to be $600+ million, doubles the largest amount ever spent to buy a team.

Hideo Nomo inks a $13.75 million, two-year deal with the Dodgers

Last season’s American League strikeout leader with 220, free agent Hideo Nomo (13-10, 4.50), inks a $13.75 million, two-year deal with the Dodgers. The former Red Sox right-hander was the National League Rookie of the Year when he broke into the majors with Los Angeles in 1995.

The Indians send troubled P John Rocker to the Rangers in exchange for minor league P Dave Elder. The reliever, not known for his clubhouse diplomacy, will join recently-acquired Carl Everett, who also has had difficulties with management and teammates.

The Indians send troubled P John Rocker to the Rangers in exchange for minor league P Dave Elder. The reliever, not known for his clubhouse diplomacy, will join recently-acquired Carl Everett, who also has had difficulties with management and teammates.

Filling the void created by Mark McGwire’s unexpected retirement, the Cardinals sign first baseman Tino Martinez to a $21 million, three-year contract. After he was replaced in the Yankees lineup by Jason Giambi, the former Bronx Bomber said the Cardinals were his first choice as a free agent.

Filling the void created by Mark McGwire’s unexpected retirement, the Cardinals sign first baseman Tino Martinez to a $21 million, three-year contract. After he was replaced in the Yankees lineup by Jason Giambi, the former Bronx Bomber said the Cardinals were his first choice as a free agent.