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1977 – Ballboy Scotty Tarvin gloves Larry Bowa’s double down the right field line. Umpires allow Bowa to take third during the 7-4 Phillies win at the Dome. Bowa later scores. Greg Luzinski tags Bo McLaughlin for a titanic shot into the upper reserved seats to help Philadelphia. 

ByTom

1977 – Ballboy Scotty Tarvin gloves Larry Bowa’s double down the right field line. Umpires allow Bowa to take third during the 7-4 Phillies win at the Dome. Bowa later scores. Greg Luzinski tags Bo McLaughlin for a titanic shot into the upper reserved seats to help Philadelphia. 

Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner decides to take the managerial reigns of his team
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Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner decides to take the managerial reigns of his team

ByThis Day in Baseball

On May 11, 1977, Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner decides to take the managerial reigns of his team, which has lost 16 straight games. The Braves lose their 17th in a row in Turner’s debut, as coach Vern Benson makes most of the strategic decisions. The Pittsburgh Pirates Won 2-1 at Three Rivers Stadium. It…

Fans at Yankee Stadium throw dozens of newly created “Reggie” bars onto the field

Fans at Yankee Stadium throw dozens of newly created “Reggie” bars onto the field

ByThis Day in Baseball

On May 5, 1977, fans at Yankee Stadium throw dozens of newly created “Reggie” bars onto the field, halting play momentarily. Fans had been given free samples of the candy bars, which are named after New York Yankees star Reggie Jackson. It all started with a remark that Reggie Jackson made while he was still…

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Houston bombs the Rangers in a 16-6 exhibition win in Oklahoma City.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1977 – Houston bombs the Rangers in a 16-6 exhibition win in Oklahoma City. Willie Crawford drives in five runs but the moment nobody forgets is when Bob Watson doubles into a double play. Texas catcher Bill Fahey tags out both Enos Cabell and Jose Cruz at the plate. 

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1977 – An exhibition game with the Texas Rangers in Tulsa, OK, is halted when a part of the stand collapses, injuring 17 people. Players helped carry victims to aid, some making stretchers out of wooden planks. 

ByTom

1977 – An exhibition game with the Texas Rangers in Tulsa, OK, is halted when a part of the stand collapses, injuring 17 people. Players helped carry victims to aid, some making stretchers out of wooden planks. 

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1977 – Astros obtain outfielder Willie Crawford and infielder Rob Sperring from San Francisco for infielder Rob Andrews. After the season, outfielder Art Gardner is sent to the Giants to complete the deal. 

ByTom

1977 – Astros obtain outfielder Willie Crawford and infielder Rob Sperring from San Francisco for infielder Rob Andrews. After the season, outfielder Art Gardner is sent to the Giants to complete the deal. 

Infielder Rico Petrocelli is released by the Boston Red Sox after a 13-season career for his only major league club
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Infielder Rico Petrocelli is released by the Boston Red Sox after a 13-season career for his only major league club

ByThis Day in Baseball

Infielder Rico Petrocelli is released by the Boston Red Sox after a 13-season career for his only major league club. Petrocelli retires with 210 home runs and two All-Star appearances.

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Houston trades catcher Alfred Henry “Skip” Jutze to Seattle for a minor leaguer and cash. After being brought to Houston with high expectations in 1973, Jutze finds himself unable to hold the job and is quietly dispatched to an expansion team in the other league. He ends with a .215 career average. 

ByTom

Houston trades catcher Alfred Henry “Skip” Jutze to Seattle for a minor leaguer and cash. After being brought to Houston with high expectations in 1973, Jutze finds himself unable to hold the job and is quietly dispatched to an expansion team in the other league. He ends with a .215 career average. 

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David Matranga is born in Orange, CA. The injury call-up is 1-for-5 in his big league career but he is only the second Astro to homer in his first major league at bat. 

ByTom

David Matranga is born in Orange, CA. The injury call-up is 1-for-5 in his big league career but he is only the second Astro to homer in his first major league at bat. 

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Pitcher Larry Dierker and infielder Jerry DaVanon are traded to St.Louis for catcher Joe Ferguson

ByTom

1976 – Pitcher Larry Dierker and infielder Jerry DaVanon are traded to St.Louis for catcher Joe Ferguson. For Dierker, it’s the beginning of the end of a stellar career. For Ferguson, it means another chance to be a starting catcher instead of an oufielder. He argues with manager Bill Virdon about blocking the plate but hits .243 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in 1-1/2 seasons before being traded again.