Closer John Smoltz records his 40th save in the 114th game of the Braves’ schedule, making it the earliest point in a season a relief pitcher has reached that mark. Lee Smith of the Cardinals accomplished the feat in his 117th game in 1993, and White Sox closer Bobby Thigpen turned the trick in 118 games en route to setting the major league record with 57 saves in 1990.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Closer John Smoltz records his 40th save in the 114th game of the Braves’ schedule, making it the earliest point in a season a relief pitcher has reached that mark. Lee Smith of the Cardinals accomplished the feat in his 117th game in 1993, and White Sox closer Bobby Thigpen turned the trick in 118 games en route to setting the major league record with 57 saves in 1990.

2002 – Atlanta defeats Arizona‚ 4 – 1‚ as Braves relief pitcher John Smoltz reaches 40 saves in a season faster than any pitcher in history.

ByThis Day in Baseball

2002 – Atlanta defeats Arizona‚ 4 – 1‚ as Braves relief pitcher John Smoltz reaches 40 saves in a season faster than any pitcher in history.

In a historic move, major league baseball players end their long-held opposition to mandatory drug testing by agreeing to be tested for illegal steroids beginning in 2003.

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In a historic move, major league baseball players end their long-held opposition to mandatory drug testing by agreeing to be tested for illegal steroids beginning in 2003.

After piloting the club to a 45-45 record as the interim skipper, Clint Hurdle is given a two-year contract extension by the Rockies. The club’s former hitting coach replaced Buddy Bell, who was fired April 26th.

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After piloting the club to a 45-45 record as the interim skipper, Clint Hurdle is given a two-year contract extension by the Rockies. The club’s former hitting coach replaced Buddy Bell, who was fired April 26th.

The Athletics down the Red Sox, 9 – 1, but SS Miguel Tejada’s 24-game hitting streak comes to an end. The streak began the day after the All-Star break, July 11th, and is the second-longest in the majors this year behind Luis Castillo’s.

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The Athletics down the Red Sox, 9 – 1, but SS Miguel Tejada’s 24-game hitting streak comes to an end. The streak began the day after the All-Star break, July 11th, and is the second-longest in the majors this year behind Luis Castillo’s.

The Blue Jays nearly blow a 13 – 2 lead, but hold on to defeat the Mariners, 14 – 12. P Mark Hendrickson makes his major league debut for Toronto. Hendrickson also played pro basketball, thus becoming the 10th major leaguer to have also played in the NBA.

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The Blue Jays nearly blow a 13 – 2 lead, but hold on to defeat the Mariners, 14 – 12. P Mark Hendrickson makes his major league debut for Toronto. Hendrickson also played pro basketball, thus becoming the 10th major leaguer to have also played in the NBA.

In the 13th inning, Tom Nevers, a first baseman for Chattanooga, takes the mound and pitches five innings. He gets the victory as the Lookouts beat the Huntsville Stars, 8 – 7, in 18 innings. He also goes 3 for 8 with a homer and two RBIs at the plate.

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In the 13th inning, Tom Nevers, a first baseman for Chattanooga, takes the mound and pitches five innings. He gets the victory as the Lookouts beat the Huntsville Stars, 8 – 7, in 18 innings. He also goes 3 for 8 with a homer and two RBIs at the plate.

In a make-up game against the Angels, the Tigers host ‘Silent Night’. The fans hear no electronic, video, and commercial enhancements during Detroit’s 6-3 loss to Anaheim at Comerica Park.

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In a make-up game against the Angels, the Tigers host ‘Silent Night’. The fans hear no electronic, video, and commercial enhancements during Detroit’s 6-3 loss to Anaheim at Comerica Park.

The Athletics defeat Detroit, 4 – 0, as Cory Lidle, Ricardo Rincon, Chad Bradford, and Billy Koch combine on the one-hit shutout. Tiger OF Wendell Magee’s single is the only Detroit safety.

ByBaseball

The Athletics defeat Detroit, 4 – 0, as Cory Lidle, Ricardo Rincon, Chad Bradford, and Billy Koch combine on the one-hit shutout. Tiger OF Wendell Magee’s single is the only Detroit safety.