The Commissioner’s office announces MLB will continue the practice that began after the September 11 attacks of singing ‘God Bless America’ during the seventh-inning stretch in each team’s first homestand. Also, an American flag patch will be worn on the jackets of 28 major league teams this season and as well as distinctive logos for Opening Day, Memorial Day weekend, and the Fourth of July, with Canadian versions designed for the Blue Jays and Expos.

ByTom

The Commissioner’s office announces MLB will continue the practice that began after the September 11 attacks of singing ‘God Bless America’ during the seventh-inning stretch in each team’s first homestand. Also, an American flag patch will be worn on the jackets of 28 major league teams this season and as well as distinctive logos for Opening Day, Memorial Day weekend, and the Fourth of July, with Canadian versions designed for the Blue Jays and Expos.

Red Sox skipper Joe Kerrigan becomes the fourth manager to be fired during spring training. The team’s former pitching coach, who guided the club to a 17-26 record after taking over for Jimy Williams last August, had signed a multi-year contract to be Boston’s field boss with then-GM Dan Duquette, but was not favored by the new ownership that took control last month.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Red Sox skipper Joe Kerrigan becomes the fourth manager to be fired during spring training. The team’s former pitching coach, who guided the club to a 17-26 record after taking over for Jimy Williams last August, had signed a multi-year contract to be Boston’s field boss with then-GM Dan Duquette, but was not favored by the new ownership that took control last month.

2002 – Major League Baseball announces it has rehired five umpires who had resigned during the 1999 season as part of the ill-fated strategy concocted by Richie Phillips and the Major League Umpires Association. They are Gary Darling, Bill Hohn, Larry Poncino, Larry Vanover and Joe West. Four other umpires, Drew Coble, Greg Kosc, Terry Tata, and Frank Pulli, are allowed to retire.

ByTom

2002 – Major League Baseball announces it has rehired five umpires who had resigned during the 1999 season as part of the ill-fated strategy concocted by Richie Phillips and the Major League Umpires Association. They are Gary Darling, Bill Hohn, Larry Poncino, Larry Vanover and Joe West. Four other umpires, Drew Coble, Greg Kosc, Terry Tata, and Frank Pulli, are allowed to retire.

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Astros announce they have purchased back the naming rights of their ballpark from Enron for $2.1 million dollars

ByTom

2002 – Astros announce they have purchased back the naming rights of their ballpark from Enron for $2.1 million dollars. The 30-year deal signed in 1999 winds up in bankruptcy court after Enron collapses in scandal during the fall of 2001. Tentatively, the park is named Astros Field while a new sponsor is sought. 

The Houston Astros buy back the stadium naming rights to Enron Field from bankrupt Enron for $2.1 million. The stadium will be known as “Astros Field” until the rights are resold.

ByTom

The Houston Astros buy back the stadium naming rights to Enron Field from bankrupt Enron for $2.1 million. The stadium will be known as “Astros Field” until the rights are resold.

84-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell announces this season will be his last as Detroit Tigers radio play-by-play announcer. The winner of the 1981 Ford C. Frick Award for baseball broadcasting excellence has worked for the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants and Baltimore Orioles before moving to Detroit during his 62-year career behind a microphone.

ByTom

84-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell announces this season will be his last as Detroit Tigers radio play-by-play announcer. The winner of the 1981 Ford C. Frick Award for baseball broadcasting excellence has worked for the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants and Baltimore Orioles before moving to Detroit during his 62-year career behind a microphone.

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Matt Williams breaks a bone in his left leg during a morning workout. Arizona does not issue a timetable for the return of the 36-year-old veteran.

ByTom

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Matt Williams breaks a bone in his left leg during a morning workout. Arizona does not issue a timetable for the return of the 36-year-old veteran.

2002 – 37-year-old Jose Canseco signs a minor league contract with the lame-duck Montreal Expos. The 17-year veteran, who was the 1986 American League Rookie of the Year and its 1988 MVP, is 38 homers shy of the coveted 500 mark. He will be released before the end of spring training, however.

ByThis Day in Baseball

2002 – 37-year-old Jose Canseco signs a minor league contract with the lame-duck Montreal Expos. The 17-year veteran, who was the 1986 American League Rookie of the Year and its 1988 MVP, is 38 homers shy of the coveted 500 mark. He will be released before the end of spring training, however.