Former Blue Jay catcher (1981-86) and the team’s present TV color analyst, Buck Martinez, is hired as the Toronto manager, replacing recently-fired Jim Fregosi. The 51 year-old ESPN commentator joins Astros’ Larry Dierker and Diamondbacks’ Bob Brenly as first-time major league skippers hired from the broadcast booth.

ByTom

Former Blue Jay catcher (1981-86) and the team’s present TV color analyst, Buck Martinez, is hired as the Toronto manager, replacing recently-fired Jim Fregosi. The 51 year-old ESPN commentator joins Astros’ Larry Dierker and Diamondbacks’ Bob Brenly as first-time major league skippers hired from the broadcast booth.

The Phillies hire Larry Bowa to manage the team, replacing the recently released Terry Francona

The Phillies hire Larry Bowa to manage the team, replacing the recently released Terry Francona

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Phillies hire Larry Bowa to manage the team, replacing the recently released Terry Francona. The former Phillies’ shortstop, who had piloted the Padres in 1987-88, will compile a 337-308 (.522) record during his four seasons in the Philadelphia dugout.

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As the Braves come to bat in the bottom of the 9th inning trailing the Reds, 4 – 2, a power spike causes most of the lights to go out at Turner Field causing a 12-minute delay. As the Atlanta crowd waits for play to resume it is treated to a rendition of the song, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”. Earning his 1,600th victory, manager Bobby Cox passes former Los Angeles Dodgers skipper, Tommy Lasorda, on the career list for most managerial victories and puts him 14th on the all-time list.

ByThis Day in Baseball

As the Braves come to bat in the bottom of the 9th inning trailing the Reds, 4 – 2, a power spike causes most of the lights to go out at Turner Field causing a 12-minute delay. As the Atlanta crowd waits for play to resume it is treated to a rendition of the song, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”. Earning his 1,600th victory, manager Bobby Cox passes former Los Angeles Dodgers skipper, Tommy Lasorda, on the career list for most managerial victories and puts him 14th on the all-time list.

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Former player Art Howe is named as manager of the Astros.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1988 – Former player Art Howe is named as manager of the Astros. He’s the third Astro skipper in a row to make Houston their first big league managerial spot. Howe indicates he’ll be able to lead in spite of players on the roster who were his teammates in days gone by. 

In an unprecedented move, Davey Johnson resigns the same day he is named American League Manager of the Year

In an unprecedented move, Davey Johnson resigns the same day he is named American League Manager of the Year

ByThis Day in Baseball

1997 – In an unprecedented move, Davey Johnson resigns the same day he is named American League Manager of the Year. Despite the fact that Johnson ended the Baltimore Orioles’ 13-year playoff drought in 1996 and led the Orioles to the league’s best record in 1997, a dispute over $10,500 in fines to second baseman Roberto Alomar ends Johnson’s reign in Baltimore. Johnson directed the fines to be paid to a charity. Orioles owner Peter Angelos is upset with the way the matter is handled and Johnson resigns.

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Many considered Drayton McLane a fool for hiring broadcaster Larry Dierker as his manager, replacing Terry Collins. Dierker had never managed on any level. Dierker’s debut comes on April Fool’s Day, getting the last laugh on the Atlanta Braves, the defending league champs. Pat Listach drives in Brad Ausmus with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. Shane Reynolds and Billy Wagner make it stand up for a 2-1 victory. 

ByTom

1997 – Many considered Drayton McLane a fool for hiring broadcaster Larry Dierker as his manager, replacing Terry Collins. Dierker had never managed on any level. Dierker’s debut comes on April Fool’s Day, getting the last laugh on the Atlanta Braves, the defending league champs. Pat Listach drives in Brad Ausmus with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. Shane Reynolds and Billy Wagner make it stand up for a 2-1 victory. 

New manager Larry Dierker finds out he doesn’t get the final say on his own roster

ByThis Day in Baseball

1997 – New manager Larry Dierker finds out he doesn’t get the final say on his own roster. Dierker wants to keep righthander Donne Wall on the pitching staff but Wall is sent to the minors in favor of Chris Holt. Wall returns when Sid Fernandez goes on the disabled list after only one start, yet pitches just eight games while Holt and Ramon Garcia fill the void in the Astros rotation. 

Alex Rodriguez borrows a bat from Ken Griffey and belts a 3-run homer to lead the Mariners to a 5 – 1 win

ByThis Day in Baseball

1996 – After Baltimore manager Davey Johnson has his bat removed in the 5th inning‚ Seattle SS Alex Rodriguez borrows a bat from Ken Griffey and belts a 3-run homer to lead the Mariners to a 5 – 1 win over the O’s. A-Rod’s 34th home run pins the loss on David Wells.