Don Zimmer replaces Preston Gomez as manager
Don Zimmer replaces Preston Gomez as manager
Texas Rangers play first home game
On April 21, 1972, the Texas Rangers play the first home game in franchise history. Veteran slugger Frank Howard hits the first home run at Arlington Stadium, as the Rangers post a 7-6 win over California. The Rangers, formerly the Washington Senators, had moved to Texas after the 1971 season.
Sparky Lyle becomes the first reliever to come into a game with a signature entrance song when the Yankee Stadium
Sparky Lyle becomes the first reliever to come into a game with a signature entrance song when the Yankee Stadium PA system plays Pomp and Circumstance as the closer approaches the mound. Although the southpaw secures the last out of the team’s 3-2�victory over�Milwaukee,�the�New York�relief pitcher feels�the song, selected by PR man Marty Appel to signify the end of the game much as the Edward Elgar’s march signals the end of an�academic accomplishment, adds more pressure to his closer role and asks the public relations department to put the tradition on hold.
1972 – After the infamous eight-player trade that sent Joe Morgan to Cincinnati, Houston wins the first head-to-head matchup with the Reds, 8-4. Tommy Helms, part of the deal, homers off Don Gullett to spark the attack.
1972 – After the infamous eight-player trade that sent Joe Morgan to Cincinnati, Houston wins the first head-to-head matchup with the Reds, 8-4. Tommy Helms, part of the deal, homers off Don Gullett to spark the attack.
Burt Hooton fires no hitter in 4th start
On April 16, 1972, Chicago Cubs rookie Burt Hooton walks seven batters but still manages to hurl a 4-0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. Hooton accomplishes the feat in just his fourth major league game.
Jackson sports mustache – first player since 1913
On April 15, 1972, Reggie Jackson of the Oakland A’s becomes the first major leaguer to sport a mustache since Wally Schang of the Philadelphia Athletics in 1914. Jackson starts a trend with the A’s, as owner Charlie Finley eventually encourages all of his players to grow mustaches. By the end of the season, the World Champion A’s will become known as the “Mustache Gang.”
April 1972 The First Strike in Baseball
On April 6, 1972, the first general strike in the history of the major leagues officially begins with the cancellation of Opening Day games in both leagues. The strike will be settled seven days later when the players and owners come to agreement on pension fund payments. The two sides agree not to make up the 86 missed games.
Rusty Staub acquired by New York Mets
On April 5, 1972, the New York Mets acquire outfielder Rusty Staub from the Montreal Expos for a package of three players: Ken Singleton, Tim Foli, and Mike Jorgensen. Staub will help the Mets to the National League pennant in 1973.
Gil Hodges suffers heart attack and passes away
On April 2, 1972, New York Mets manager Gil Hodges collapses just minutes after completing a round of golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, and dies of a heart attack. The popular Hodges dies just two days before his 48th birthday. Hodges had guided the Mets to their “miraculous” World Series championship in 1969.
American League approves the sale of the Cleveland Indians by Vernon Stouffer
On March 22, 1972 — The American League approves the sale of the Cleveland Indians by Vernon Stouffer. A group headed up by businessman Nick Mileti purchases the team for an estimated $9.7 million. Mileti also owns the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association and the Cleveland Crusaders of the World Hockey Association. Stouffer turned down an earlier offer from local business tycoon George…
