During an exhibition game against the Giants, Diamondback hurler Randy Johnson’s fastball hits and instantly kills a dove flying in front of home plate. The bird appears to explode as the National League Cy Young winner’s pitch sends it over catcher Rod Barajas’ head.

ByTom

During an exhibition game against the Giants, Diamondback hurler Randy Johnson’s fastball hits and instantly kills a dove flying in front of home plate. The bird appears to explode as the National League Cy Young winner’s pitch sends it over catcher Rod Barajas’ head.

Preston Wilson, the franchise’s first 30-30 player, signs a $32 million five-year contract with Florida. The 26 year-old Marlin center fielder, who is the stepson and nephew of former major leaguer Mookie Wilson, was obtained from the Mets in the Mike Piazza deal in 1998.

ByTom

Preston Wilson, the franchise’s first 30-30 player, signs a $32 million five-year contract with Florida. The 26 year-old Marlin center fielder, who is the stepson and nephew of former major leaguer Mookie Wilson, was obtained from the Mets in the Mike Piazza deal in 1998.

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2001 – Astros drop the first of a two-game exhibition series in Valencias, Venezuela to the Cleveland Indians, 7-6. The following day’s game would end in an 8-8 tie after Adam Everett’s two-run homer in the ninth produces the stalemate. 

ByTom

2001 – Astros drop the first of a two-game exhibition series in Valencias, Venezuela to the Cleveland Indians, 7-6. The following day’s game would end in an 8-8 tie after Adam Everett’s two-run homer in the ninth produces the stalemate. 

the Baltimore Orioles announce Albert Belle, “has been found to be totally disabled and unable to perform as a Major League baseball player,”

the Baltimore Orioles announce Albert Belle, “has been found to be totally disabled and unable to perform as a Major League baseball player,”

ByTom

2001 – In a press release, the Baltimore Orioles announce Albert Belle, “has been found to be totally disabled and unable to perform as a Major League baseball player,” due to a degenerative right hip. The Orioles will place the 34-year-old outfielder on the 60-day disabled list thus beginning the process which conforms to the procedure set forth by MLB in the case of a totally disabling and permanent injury to a player.

Bill Mazeroski

Former Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star second baseman Bill Mazeroski and Negro Leagues pitching great Hilton Smith are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee

ByTom

2001 – Former Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star second baseman Bill Mazeroski and Negro Leagues pitching great Hilton Smith are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee. Mazeroski, an eight-time Gold Glove Award winner, hit one of the most memorable home runs ever – a 9th-inning blast in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

2001 – In what is believed to be a first test of its kind, umpire Mike Everitt meets with the Milwaukee Brewers to test out baseball’s new strike zone.

ByTom

2001 – In what is believed to be a first test of its kind, umpire Mike Everitt meets with the Milwaukee Brewers to test out baseball’s new strike zone.

longtime baseball figure Bill Rigney dies at the age of 83 after a long bout with cancer.

ByThis Day in Baseball

test On February 20, 2001, longtime baseball figure Bill Rigney dies at the age of 83 after a long bout with cancer. After an eight-year playing career in the major leagues, Rigney went on to manage the New York and San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, and Minnesota Twins. He also worked as a scout,…

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Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones wins a record $8.2 million contract in salary arbitration. The previous record of $7.25 million was set last year by New York Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones wins a record $8.2 million contract in salary arbitration. The previous record of $7.25 million was set last year by New York Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera.

Yankee premier reliever Mariano Rivera (7-4, 2.85, 36 saves) signs a four-year approximately $40 million contract with the Bronx Bombers. The 31 year-old Panama native surpassed Dennis Eckersley’s major league record with 16 saves in postseason games.

ByTom

Yankee premier reliever Mariano Rivera (7-4, 2.85, 36 saves) signs a four-year approximately $40 million contract with the Bronx Bombers. The 31 year-old Panama native surpassed Dennis Eckersley’s major league record with 16 saves in postseason games.