On March 31, 1996, the Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox play the earliest Opening Day game in history. Playing at the Kingdome, the Mariners win, 3-2, on Alex Rodriguez’ RBI single in the 12th inning. Randy Johnson strikes out 12 White Sox batters in going the distance.
1996 – Kirby Puckett is taken to the Ft. Myers Hospital after he awakes with his vision affected by a career-threatening malady. He has a black dot in front of his left eye and his vision is diagnosed as 20/200. Puckett, who hit .360 in spring training, will undergo surgery on April 17th.
1996 – The Yankees christen Legends Field, their new $30 million, 31-acre complex in Tampa. The field has the exact dimensions of Yankee Stadium. On hand to see Phil Rizzuto toss out the first ball are former Yankees Whitey Ford, Catfish Hunter, Ron Guidry and Chris Chambliss, who then watch the new Yankees beat the American League Champions Cleveland Indians, 5 – 2.
Major League Baseball’s rules committee increases the size of the strike zone
Dave Winfield announces his retirement at the age of 44
1996 – Ken Griffey, Jr. becomes the highest-paid major league player by signing a four-year, $34 million contract with Seattle.
On January 16, 1996, major league baseball’s executive council approves a history-making first: inter-league play for the 1997 season. The Players’ Association will eventually give its approval, enabling geographic rivals like the Mets and Yankees, Cubs and White Sox, and Angels and Dodgers to play each other during the regular season.
The San Francisco Giants sign much-acclaimed amateur free agent Osvaldo Fernandez. The Cuban national squad’s All-Star pitcher, who defected as his club played Team USA in Tennessee, will post a disappointing 10-17 record during two seasons with the Giants.
On January 8, 1996, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America fails to elect a single player to the Hall of Fame. Phil Niekro and Don Sutton, who receive the highest number of votes, will win election to the Hall in 1997 and 1998, respectively.
On December 27, 1995, Hall of Fame umpire Al Barlick dies at the age of 80 in Springfield, Illinois. Known for his decisiveness and hustle, Barlick worked National League games from 1940 to 1972, and gained election to Cooperstown in 1989.
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