Major League Season RecapMajor League Baseball Season Recap 1999

Seasons

Major League Season Recap 1999

World Series – New York Yankees AL over Atlanta Braves NL 4 games to 0

World Series MVP – Marino Rivera
Babe Ruth Award – Marino Rivera

Championship Series
ALCS New York Yankees over Boston Red Sox 4 games to 1 ALCS MVP – Orlando Hernandez
NLCS Atlanta Braves over New York Mets 4 games to 2 NLCS MVP – 

Divisional Series
ALDS1
Boston Red Sox over Cleveland Indians 3 games to 2

ALDS2
New York Yankees over Texas Rangers 3 games to 0

NLDS1
Atlanta Braves over Houston Astros 3 games to 1

NLDS2
New York Mets over Arizona Diamondbacks 3 games to 1

WILD CARD GAMES
AWC over to
NWC over to

Awards –

Cy Young Award National League Randy Johnson
Cy Young Award American League Pedro Martinez

MVP Awards –
NL Chipper Jones
AL Ivan Rodriguez

NL Rookie of The Year – 
AL Rookie of The Year – Carlos Beltran

Roberto Clemente Award – Tony Gwynn

All-Star Game – July 13th – A.L. over N.L. , played at Fenway Park (AL)
AL Starter P. Martinez+ NL Starter C. Schilling MVP P. Martinez+

1999,The New York Yankees continued their dynasty, losing only one playoff game en route to their second straight World Championship. Texas catcher Ivan Rodriguez edged out Boston pitcher Pedro Martinez and Indian hitters Roberto Alomar and Manny Ramirez for the AL MVP award, with only 26 points separating first through fourth place. Martinez did, however, take home the Cy Young Award. Atlanta 3B Chipper Jones was a nearly unanimous choice for NL MVP after hitting .319 with 45 homers and 110 RBI. Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson won the first of four consecutive Cy Young awards in his first full season in the National League \n\nMilestones and Moments from 1999:\nNolan Ryan, George Brett, and Robin Yount were all elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Orlando Cepeda was added to the Hall by the Veterans Committee…Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs got their 3,000th hits on consecutive days in August.

 

In their first year of eligibility, George Brett, Nolan Ryan and Robin Yount are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America

In their first year of eligibility, George Brett, Nolan Ryan and Robin Yount are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America

Yogi Berra 1983

Yogi Berra receives an apology from Yankees owner George Steinbrenner

Nolan Ryan is the first passenger to board the Nolan Ryan Express

Nolan Ryan is the first passenger to board the Nolan Ryan Express

Surgery makes the news as the New York Mets prize rookie outfielder Jay Payton undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. Also, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Paul Quantrill has surgery to repair a fractured right thigh and a metal rod is inserted in his leg. He was injured in a snowmobile accident at his home in Port Hope, ON.

1999 – The Milwaukee Brewers sign free agent outfielder Rich Becker to a contract.

Mark McGwire 70th home run ball is sold at an auction for $2.7 million

Mark McGwire 70th home run ball is sold at an auction for $2.7 million

The Astros swap catcher Brad Ausmus and pitcher C.J. Nitkowski to Detroit for five players including catcher Paul Bako and pitcher Brian Powell. Ironically, both players Houston traded away would return to the Astros organization. 

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds sign free agent first baseman Hal Morris, and the Detroit Tigers obtain catcher Brad Ausmus and pitcher C.J. Nitkowski from the Houston Astros in exchange for catcher Paul Bako and four prospects.

1999 – Two free agent relief pitchers are signed, Heathcliff Slocumb by the Baltimore Orioles, and Mike Mohler by the St. Louis Cardinals.

1999 – A fiberglass panel falls from the roof of Stade Olympique in Montréal, QC, home of the Expos, during the setup for an auto show. Five people are injured.

1999 – Houston signs four players to minor league deals but all will see action with the Astros. Pitchers Brian Williams and Jeff McCurry come to terms along with outfielders Alex Diaz and Ryan Thompson. Williams, in his second tour as an Astro, plays the biggest role going 2-1 in 50 games out of the bullpen. For McCurry, it was a nice 29th birthday present, having been born in Tokyo, Japan on this day in 1970. 

Tim Raines Oakland

Free agent outfielder Tim Raines is signed by the Oakland Athletics 

New York Mets games this season will be broadcast by WPIX, Channel 11, after being aired on WOR, Channel 9, since the club's inception in 1962.

New York Mets games this season will be broadcast by WPIX, Channel 11, after being aired on WOR, Channel 9, since the club’s inception in 1962.

1999 – Free agent pitcher Jim Abbott is signed by the Milwaukee Brewers, and the St. Louis Cardinals sign second baseman Carlos Baerga.

1999 – Fighting shoulder injuries, five-time All-Star pitcher Jimmy Key retires from baseball. The 37-year-old lefthander appeared in the postseason with all the teams he played for, which included the Blue Jays, Orioles and Yankees.

Mike Lowell Yankees

The New York Yankees trade highly-touted third base prospect Mike Lowell 

Greg Vaughn is first player traded after hitting 50 homeruns in a season

Greg Vaughn is first player traded after hitting 50 homeruns in a season

1999 – After 16 years of doing local telecasts, the New York Mets do not ask Tim McCarver to return to the broadcast booth. Tom Seaver will replace the highly-regarded broadcaster and will assume other duties within the organization.

Billy Wagner signs a three-year $10-million dollar deal, avoiding arbitration. Wagner is coming off a season where he fans 14.55 batters per nine innings, setting a major league mark for pitchers tossing 50 or more innings. 

Major League Baseball will honor each league's best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron

Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron

dennis martinez

Dennis Martinez announces his retirement

Boston Red Sox outfielder Midre Cummings has his arbitration case heard by Elizabeth Neumeier

San Diego Padres sign 37-year-old country music singer Garth Brooks 

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds announce that they are dropping their long-standing policy of no facial hair for players. The change is the result of a talk between owner Marge Schott and newly-acquired OF Greg Vaughn.

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their "Celebrate the Century" program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

The Yankees put an end to trade rumors by acquiring Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitchers David Wells and Graeme Lloyd and IF Homer Bush.

Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker announces that outfielder Moises Alou has suffered a knee injury while working out in the Dominican Republic. While initial reports are optimistic, Alou is lost for the entire season. Alou claims he hurt the knee while running on a treadmill but management expresses some skepticism. 

Pittsburgh Pirates scout Howie Haak dies at the age of 87 of complications from a stroke

Architects for the new downtown ballpark propose to Astros owner Drayton McLane a train engine to be placed upon the left field wall. Builders announce the new field is almost halfway complete. 

Frank Robinson is hired by Major League Baseball to handle on-field disciplinary matters. Previously, such matters were handled by the individual league offices.

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquire second baseman Tony Womack from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for two players.

1999 – Diamondbacks pitcher Kenny Robinson is killed in a car crash. Teammate John Rosengren is arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the alcohol-related accident. Robinson pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals from 1995 through 1997.

In the episode “Big Shots” of the television show Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano’s character, the fictional Newsday sports writer Ray Barone is kicked out of an event honoring the Mets’ 1969 World Series championship team. The Hall of Fame security guards lose their patience when the title character, who insists on using his journalist’s credentials to avoid the wait, refuses to get in line with the fans waiting to meet their heroes, including Tug McGraw and Art Shamsky.

Players Orlando Cepeda and Smokey Joe Williams, manager Frank Selee, and umpire Nestor Chylak are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.

1999 – Houston Astros outfielder Moises Alou undergoes surgery to repair ligaments in his left knee. He will be out for 5 to 6 months. Alou was injured when he fell while trying to adjust the speed of his treadmill while in the Dominican Republic.

1999 – In a historic agreement, it is announced that the Baltimore Orioles will travel to Cuba for a March 28th exhibition game against the Cuban national team in Havana. The Cuban team will travel to the United States for a return contest later this season. It is the first time in 40 years that a team from the USA will play a professional game in Cuba.

New York Yankees great Joe DiMaggio dies after a much-publicized battle with lung cancer

New York Yankees great Joe DiMaggio dies after a much-publicized battle with lung cancer

1999 – The Boston Red Sox sign free agent pitcher Ramón Martinez to a contract, uniting him with his younger brother, Pedro.

The Yankees name Don Zimmer to be the club’s interim manager while Joe Torre receives treatments for prostate cancer. The team’s bench coach compiled an 885-858 (.508) record during his managerial stints with San Diego, Boston, Texas, and Chicago.

National League Rookie of the Year Kerry Wood suffers a ligament tear in his right elbow

National League Rookie of the Year Kerry Wood suffers a ligament tear in his right elbow

1999 – The Toronto Blue Jays fire manager Tim Johnson and replace him with Jim Fregosi. Johnson had been under fire since admitting he had lied when he said he had seen combat duty in the Vietnam War.

1999 – The career of New York Mets pitcher Paul Wilson is derailed again when he suffers a partially torn ligament in his pitching elbow while warming up before a three-inning stint in a minor league game. An MRI will show a partial tear of a ligament in his elbow, and on March 30th he will undergo Tommy John surgery which will sideline him for the year.

1999 – In the 2nd inning of a Chicago White Sox/San Diego Padres game, country singer Garth Brooks earns his only hit of the spring; he had been hitless in his previous 10 at bats. Brooks’s pinch-hit single comes off Mike Sirotka. Sox first baseman Frank Thomas gives Brooks the ball and a bear hug as congratulations. Chicago goes on to win, 11 – 8.

1999 – The St. Louis Cardinals announce that starter Matt Morris, expected to be the ace of their pitching staff, will miss the entire season because of a torn ligament in his right elbow.

Anaheim Angels pitcher Jason Dickson undergoes surgery to repair torn tissue in his right shoulder. He will miss the entire season.

The New York Mets sign free agent pitcher Orel Hershiser to a contract.

1999 – Roger Clemens tosses six innings of no-hit ball but the Astros storm back to topple the New York Yankees, 7-5. Clemens had been the subject of intense trade talks during the off-season as the Astros tried to swing a swap with the Toronto Blue Jays to bring the multiple Cy Young Award winner home to Texas. Ultimately, Clemens was sent to New York. 

1999 – The Baltimore Orioles make the first visit to Cuba by major leaguers since 1959, and defeat a team of Cuban amateurs by a score of 3 – 2 in 11 innings. Pitcher Jose Contreras hurls eight innings of two-hit, 10-strikeout ball in relief for the Cubans, while catcher Charles Johnson hits a two-run home run and DH Harold Baines drives in the winning run for the Orioles. The two teams will play a rematch at Camden Yards in Baltimore on May 3rd.

1999 – Commissioner Bud Selig confirms that discussions are underway which could lead to advertising space being sold on the sleeves of players uniforms. Nothing will come of these, fortunately.

Opening Day starts in Mexico, making it the first time baseball’s first pitch comes outside the U.S. or Canada when the Rockies defeat the National League’s defending champs Padres, 8-2. Darryl Kile goes 6.2 innings to get the win in the Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey contest.

early wynn cleveland

Hall of Famer and 300 game winner Early Wynn dies at the age of 79 from complications caused by a stroke

The Braves defeat the Phillies, 11 – 3‚ behind Greg Maddux. Maddux hits a homer and two-run single in Atlanta’s 8-run 4th inning‚ becoming the first pitcher since Todd Stottlemyre in 1996 to get 2 hits in the same inning.

The U.S. government garnishes Denny McLain’s pension in order to reimburse the pension fund from which he was convicted of laundering money. McLain was recently divorced and under the terms of the settlement‚ all of his assets went to his wife‚ including his pension‚ while McLain got all of the debts. But a federal judge overrules that and orders that all of McLain’s pension benefits be used to reimburse his victims.

1999 – The Astros begin their final campaign in the Astrodome by defeating the Cubs, 4-2. Shane Reynolds is the Opening Day winner. Carl Everett and Richard Hidalgo bash solo home runs. 

 Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Kris Benson beats the Cubs in his first major league start. He is just the second #1 draft pick to win his first start; David Clyde was the other, in 1973.

1999 – On the Astrodome’s final anniversary, Tim Bogar drives home Richard Hidalgo with the winning run as Houston nips Milwaukee, 3-2. Starter Sean Bergman adds a solo homer but Scott Elarton takes the win in relief. 

Craig Biggio scores his 1000th career run against Milwaukee in a 5-2 victory

Texas Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez drives in nine runs in the Rangers’ 15 – 6 victory at Seattle. Rodriguez hits a three-run home run in the 1st inning, a two-run single in the 2nd, and his first career grand slam in the 3rd as Texas takes a 13 – 0 lead.

ken griffey strikesout vs mike morgan

Mike Morgan Spans 19 years between wins

Jose Canseco hits 400 home run 

Jose Canseco hits 400 home run 

John Franco strikes out the side in the 9th inning of the New York Mets’ 4 – 1 win over the Florida Marlins, becoming the second relief pitcher in major league history to reach 400 career saves.

Jim Leyland wins 1,000 game

Marge Schott agrees to sell her controlling interest in the Reds

The Nolan Ryan Museum opens in Alvin, TX

The Nolan Ryan Museum opens in Alvin, TX

LA surpasses the 100 million mark in attendance at Dodger Stadium

Jeff Bagwell bashes three home runs at Wrigley Field and drives in six to drop the Cubs, 10-3. Bagwell passes Jim Wynn’s mark for the most homers in franchise history. 

Tampa Bay defeats Baltimore, 1 – 0, as pitchers Tony Saunders, Jim Mecir and Roberto Hernández combine on a one-hitter. Mike Bordick’s single with two outs in the 8th inning off Mecir is the only Baltimore hit.

Fernando Tatis of the St. Louis Cardinals becomes the first player in major league history to hit two grand slams in one inning

Fernando Tatis of the St. Louis Cardinals becomes the first player in major league history to hit two grand slams in one inning

Joe DiMaggio monument unveiled in Yankee Stadium

1999 – Larry Walker of the Colorado Rockies hits three home runs and collects eight RBI to lead the Rockies to a 9 – 7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

At the Kingdome, the Mariners set a team scoring record, beating the Tigers, 22-6. Half the M’s runs score in the 11-run fifth inning, which includes a grand slam hit by center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr.

1999 – About 3,000 fans wearing T-shirts that said, “$hare the wealth” protest baseball economics at the Yankees-Royals game at Kauffman Stadium. The protesters turn their backs when the Yankees bat, then walk out during the 4th inning. The Yankees began the season with baseball’s top payroll at $85.05 million, and the Royals were 25th at $23.8 million.

1999 – Texas Rangers designated hitter Rafael Palmeiro has three hits, including his 2,000th, and Juan Gonzalez belts his third home run in three games as Texas wins over the Cleveland Indians, 8 – 6.

5/2/1999: Jose Canseco hit what appeared to be his eleventh homer of the season but the ball landed on the second catwalk above left field at Tropicana Field and was ruled a double.

Nike’s ‘Chicks Dig the Long Ball’ commercial, starring Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, airs for the first time

For the first time, Cuba faces major league competition in the United States, and its national team defeats the struggling Baltimore Orioles, 12 – 6.

Creighton Gubanich of the Boston Red Sox hits a grand slam for his first major league hit in a 12 – 11, 10-inning loss to Oakland at McAfee Coliseum. Gubanich becomes the fourth major leaguer to accomplish the feat and the first since Seattle’s Orlando Mercado did it on September 19, 1982.

In the second game of a home-and-home series, the Cuban national team, facing major league competition in the United States for the first time, defeats the struggling Orioles at Camden Yards, 12-6. In March, Baltimore, after being greeted by Fidel Castro, prevailed at Havana’s Estadio Latinoamericano, edging Cuba in 11 innings, 3-2.

In a 12-11, 10-inning loss to the A’s, Red Sox rookie Creighton Gubanich becomes only the fourth player to blast a grand slam for his first major league hit. The reserve catcher joins Bill Duggleby (1898 – Phillies), Bobby Bonds (1968 – Giants), and Orlando Mercado (1982 -Mariners) in accomplishing the feat.

After 6,136 at bats without a bases-loaded homer, Mark Grace hits his first career grand slam in the Cubs’ 12-11 victory over Colorado at Wrigley Field. The Chicago first baseman’s accomplishment now leaves Reds’ shortstop Barry Larkin as the active player with the longest drought with the bases juiced, a span of 5,817 at-bats.

At Wrigley Field, the Colorado Rockies become the first team in 35 years and only the third in the 20th century to score in every inning in a 13 – 6 win over the Chicago Cubs. The last time a team scored in all nine innings was also at Chicago, when the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cubs on September 13, 1964.

Bruce Avens hits first Marlin pinch hit grandslam

First match up in MLB of 2 Japanese starters

Carlos Lee becomes the first White Sox player in the 98-year history of the franchise to homer in his first major league at-bat. The 22 year-old rookie’s historic round-tripper comes off Tom Candiotti in a 7-1 victory over Oakland at Comiskey Park.

In the biggest comeback in Jacobs Field history, the Indians score 18 runs in the final three innings to overcome a 9-1 deficit to beat the Devil Rays, 20-11. Tampa Bay’s first baseman Fred McGriff sets a major league record by homering in his 34th park.

The Rockies tie a National League record established by the 1894 Pirates and 1949 Giants when they extend their scoring streak to 14 consecutive innings, three shy of the major league mark of 17 set by the 1903 Red Sox. Before Larry Walker hit a two-out solo homer in the first inning of today’s 8-1 loss to Philadelphia at Coors Field, the team had crossed the plate in every inning in their previous game, after tallying in the last four frames the game before.

Mo Vaughn returns to Boston – Pedro steals the show

The Mariners defeat the Yankees, 14 – 5, as 3B John Mabry gets five hits.

The Yankees defeat the Mariners, 6 – 1. Relief pitcher Mike Stanton makes his first major league start for New York, ending his record streak of 552 consecutive relief appearances prior to his first start. The previous record of 443 was set by Gary Lavelle of the San Francisco Giants.

After starting with a single, Marshall McDougall hits six consecutive home runs and drives in 16 runs in a 26 – 2 rout of Maryland. The Florida State junior second baseman, who will briefly play in the majors with the Texas Rangers, breaks existing NCAA records for runs batted in and homers in a single game. His mark breaks the home run record set by Henry Rochelle of Campbell University, who hit five homers in a game in 1985. The RBI mark was held by Jim LaFountain of Louisville who drove in 14 against Western Kentucky University in 1976.

The Pirates defeat the Cardinals, 12 – 9, as SS Pat Meares gets five hits, including a double. Brant Brown adds a three-run inside-the-park homer.

After 552 relief appearances, Mike Stanton starts a major league game, breaking Gary Lavelle’s record for most appearances prior to starting a game. The southpaw shuts out Seattle for four innings, giving up two hits, in New York’s 6-1 victory at Yankee Stadium.

Pete Rose, banned from all aspects of the game by Commissioner Giamatti in 1989, appears as a special instructor for the newly created Sacramento Steelheads. The team plays in the Western Baseball League which is independent, and therefore not governed by Major League Baseball.

In a 12 – 4 rout of the Mariners, Boston shortstop Nomar Garciaparra hits two grand slams as well as a two-run homer, becoming the first American League player to drive in 10 runs in a game since 1975. Garciaparra clouts a bases-loaded homer in the 1st, a 2-run shot in the 3rd, and another grand slam in the 8th. Nomar is the first Bosox member since Jim Tabor, in 1939, to slam two slams in a game, and just the 9th in major league history. Robin Ventura last did it, in 1995.

For the first time in the 20th century, two starting pitchers in major league baseball share the same name as the Colorado Rockies’ lefthander Bobby M. Jones faces righthander Bobby J. Jones and the New York Mets at Coors Field. B.M. defeats B.J. and the Mets, 8 – 5.

Houston ties a club record for runs scored during a 19-8 demolition of the Pirates at the Astrodome

Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez strikes out 15 batters for the second consecutive game in a 9 – 2 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

The Angels shut out the Yankees, 1 – 0, behind the combined three-hit pitching of Chuck Finley and Troy Percival. Finley strikes out 11 Yankees in his eight innings of work, including four in the 3rd inning, to become the 33rd pitcher in history to strike out four in a single frame.

The Mexico City Tigers crack three grand slams in a 16 – 5 rout. Luis Garcia hits two of them and Julio Franco adds one.

Rangers P Esteban Loaiza breaks his hand when a car door slams on it. He’s out indefinitely.

When SS Alex Arias of the Philadelphia Phillies snags Mike Piazza’s line drive in the 6th inning, he starts the Phillies’ 30th franchise triple play and their 10th against a team from New York City. It is just the second triple play turned in Veterans Stadium. Arias has participated in two triple plays for the Phils; he initiated one last season against the San Francisco Giants. The Mets still win, 9 – 7.

Marcel Joost becomes the first Hoofdklasse player to get 1,000 career hits. It will be 12 years before another player, Dirk van ‘t Klooster, also reaches that level.

Mark Sweeney must wonder what you have to do as Cincinnati sends him to the minors and calls up pitcher Brett Tomko. Sweeney is hitting .357 with an .857 slugging percentage and a .471 OBP.

The Orioles outslug the Rangers, 16 – 5, pounding out 24 hits in the process. All nine Baltimore starters have two or more hits, with Mike Bordick leading the way with four. Albert Belle hits a pair of homers and knocks home five runs.

Edgar Martinez hits three home runs, tying a major league record with five homers in two games, to give the Seattle Mariners a 10 – 1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Martinez homered twice in the opener of the series.

Luis Gonzalez of the Arizona Diamondbacks extends his hitting streak to 30 games with a two-run, 1st-inning home run in a 7 – 3 victory over the San Francisco Giants. Gonzalez, whose streak matches the longest this decade, becomes the 37th player in major league history to reach the 30 mark.

The Boston Red Sox defeat the New York Yankees, 6 – 3, in the return of Yankees manager Joe Torre after being treated for prostate cancer. Don Zimmer had managed the team in the interim.

Mark Grace hits a three-run home run in the 11th inning to give the Chicago Cubs a 4 – 1 victory over the Florida Marlins. Alex Gonzalez has all three of Florida’s hits.

After missing the team’s first 36 games, Joe Torre returns to the Yankee dugout, two months after undergoing successful surgery for prostate cancer. Prior to the 6-3 loss to the Red Sox, the 58 year-old skipper receives a two-minute standing ovation from the Fenway Park crowd when the scoreboard welcomes him back.

Robin Ventura becomes the first major leaguer to hit grand slams in both games of a doubleheader, leading the New York Mets to a sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers, 11 – 10 and 10 – 1. On September 4, 1995, Ventura also hit two grand slams in a single game while playing for the Chicago White Sox.

1999 – Billy Wagner surrenders two homers but hangs on for a 4-3, ten-inning victory in Los Angeles. A double by Derek Bell and a sacrifice fly by Ken Caminiti in the tenth salvage the win after light-hitting Tripp Cromer took Wagner deep with two down in the bottom of the ninth. 

In a long-rumored move, the Twins finally trade Rick Aguilera, along with minor league P Scott Downs, to the Cubs for minor league pitchers Jason Ryan and Kyle Lohse. The next day, Cubs reliever Rod Beckundergoes arthroscopic surgery on his elbow.

Mo Vaughn’s single in the 8th snaps a tie and rescues Steve Sparks’ wild knuckler as the Angels beat the Devil Rays, 8 – 6. In the 3rd inning, Sparks hits Paul Sorrento to load the bases, then plunks the next two batters with a knuckler. He is the 4th pitcher to hit three batters in a row, joining Houston’s C.J. Nitkowski in 1998, Chicago’s Wilbur Wood in 1977 and Pittsburgh’s Dock Ellis in 1974. He also plunks Jose Canseco in the 1st inning to tie the major league mark for hit batsmen. Sparks only allows five hits, but walks 6 in addition to hitting 4.

The Yankees defeat the White Sox, 10 – 2, in the first game of a doubleheader. Roger Clemens gets the win for New York, giving him an American League-record 19 consecutive victories over the course of two seasons; he will extend the streak by one before losing. This win was delayed by a stint on the disabled list and a rainout. The White Sox come back to take the second game, 2 – 1.

Mark McGwire

McGwire hits 483 foot Blast at Dodger Stadium -Vin Scully on the call

Down 4 – 1 going into the 8th inning‚ the Milwaukee Brewers score 5 runs in the 8th and 7 runs in the 9th to defeat the Expos‚ 13 – 4.

The Red Sox defeat the Blue Jays‚ 10 – 8‚ as Tom Gordon extends his major league record to 50 consecutive saves in 50 chances.

Tampa Bay rookie P Ryan Rupe holds the Angels to one hit in 9 innings‚ but leaves the game in a scoreless tie. Anaheim scores 4 runs in the 10th off Roberto Hernández to win the game, 4 – 0. Chuck Finley hurls 9 scoreless frames for Anaheim as Troy Percival gets the win in relief.

The Orioles defeat the Rangers‚ 15 – 6‚ scoring 10 runs in the 1st inning. Baltimore OF Brady Anderson is hit by a pitch twice in the 1st to set an American League record, and tie the major league record. Anderson joins Willard Schmidt (1959) and Frank Thomas (1961) as the only batters hit by a pitch twice in one inning.

Kansas City 1B Jeff King announces his retirement‚ suggesting that his heart is no longer in the game.

The Mets rally for 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to defeat the Phillies and Curt Schilling‚ 5 – 4.

Toronto scores 10 runs in the 7th inning and goes on to outlast Detroit‚ 12 – 6.

The Brewers light up Tom Glavine for 9 runs‚ the first time in his career the Atlanta ace has allowed that many. Milwaukee wins‚ 10 – 9.

The Diamondbacks tie a 68 year-old major league record when their catcher, Damian Miller, starts three double plays. Arizona’s 3-2 victory over San Diego at Bank One Ballpark also features two 100-mph pitches thrown by southpaw Randy Johnson.

1999 – Carl Everett singles home Bill Spiers with the winning run for a 2-1, twelve-inning victory over the Rockies. Everett had also doubled home Jeff Bagwell in the eighth for the only other Houston run. Scott Elarton wins in relief as he, Mike Hampton and Billy Wagner limit Colorado to five hits. 

The Padres score 8 runs in the 3rd inning on the way to a 12 – 3 win over the Brewers.

Arizona’s Byung-Hyun Kim, 20-year-old Korean‚ makes his major league debut against the Mets. Relieving in the 9th‚ he strikes out Mike Piazza to end the game and preserve the 8 – 7 win.

After consulting a dugout TV monitor, Frank Pulli becomes the first umpire to use instant replay to make a call, changing Cliff Floyd’s fifth inning home run to a ground-rule double in the Marlins’ 5-2 loss to the Cardinals. After the Pro Player Stadium contest, the National League officials make it clear the use of technology should not have been used to reverse the call.

In the first-year player’s draft, the Devil Rays select North Carolina prep star Josh Hamilton as the team’s top pick. Tampa Bay’s selection marks the first time since 1993, when Alex Rodriguez was chosen by the Mariners, that a high school player has been picked first overall.

Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr. sparks a controversy after allegedly making derogatory comments regarding Hispanics to the general manager of television station KTMD. McLane denies the story‚ saying remarks he made were taken out of context.

In a battle of East Division leaders‚ the Red Sox defeat the Braves‚ 5 – 1‚ behind the three-hit pitching of Pedro Martinez. The Boston righthander fans 16 batters in notching his 11th victory of the year.

Randy Johnson (7-2) wins his third start in a row‚ beating Texas‚ 11 – 3. Johnson allows 3 hits and strikes out 11 in 8 innings.

The Kansas City-Cincinnati game at Kauffman Stadium is postponed when an electrical outage knocks out the lights on the third base side. Workers attempt to fix the situation‚ but a switch gear explodes‚ causing a small fire.

Derek Jeter’s streak of reaching base safely ends at 54 straight games when the Mets keep him off the basepaths in their 7-2 win over the Yankees in the Bronx. The defeat also marks the end of Roger Clemens’ streak of 20 consecutive victories, an American League record.

Eddie Stanky

Eddie Stanky dies from a heart attack at the age of 82

In a Chicago interleague match, the hot Cubs pound the White Sox, 13 – 7, as Sammy Sosa and Jose Hernandez each hit three-run home runs and collect five RBI. The Cubs sweep their South Side rivals completing their third consecutive three-game sweep, something the Cubs have not done since 1918.

The Atlanta Braves defeat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 9 – 5, as pitcher John Smoltz records his 2,000th strikeout. Smoltz becomes the 53rd major league pitcher – and third Brave – to reach that level.

1999 – Jose Lima runs his record to 10-2 with a complete-game victory over the White Sox, 8-2. Every Astro in the lineup gets at least one of Houston’s 17 hits except, of course, for Lima who never bats. Daryle Ward is the Designated Hitter, which is used in American League parks. 

After being ejected in the 12th inning by plate umpire Randy Marsh for arguing a catcher’s interference call, Bobby Valentine returns to the dugout with a fake mustache and glasses. The National League will suspend the Mets’ manager for two games and fine him for using the disguise.

1999 – Jeff Bagwell slams three home runs and drives in six as the Astros pound the Chicago White Sox, 13-4, at Comiskey Park. Carl Everett and Tim Bogar also go deep. Bagwell has 20 homers in just 58 games. He is the first Astro to launch three homers in a game thrice. 

San Diego defeats Oakland‚ 2 – 1‚ as P Trevor Hoffman records his 200th career save. Hoffman‚ who strikes out the side in order in the 9th‚ becomes the 25th pitcher in history to reach the mark.

It sounds like football. At Denver‚ the Rockies and Mariners combine for 10 homers in a 16 – 11 Rockies win.

Oakland defeats the Dodgers‚ 12 – 6‚ as SS Miguel Tejada strokes 3 home runs and drives home 5 runs. He becomes just the 10th player to have a 3-homer game while playing shortstop throughout.

The Orioles defeat the Braves‚ 6 – 2‚ as Albert Belle’s streak of 392 consecutive games – the longest such active streak – is ended. Belle is benched by Baltimore manager Ray Millerfor failing to run out a ground ball.

At County Stadium, Milwaukee retires Paul Molitor’s uniform number 4. During the ceremony, the 21-year major league veteran, who also played with the Blue Jays and the Twins, announces that if he goes into the Hall of Fame, he will do so as a Brewer, a promise he will fulfill in 2004.

Houston Astros manager Larry Dierker is taken to the hospital after suffering a grand mal seizure during the 8th inning of a game against the San Diego Padres. The contest is suspended with the Astros leading, 4 – 1. Dierker will undergo surgery on the 15th to remove two masses of tangled blood vessels in his brain that caused the seizure. Coach Matt Galante will take over as interim manager in Dierker’s absence. Dierker later tells general manager Gerry Hunsicker he doesn’t remember anything after the 2nd inning. After four weeks of recovery, the skipper will return, leading the team to a third consecutive National League Central Division title.

The Baltimore Orioles set a franchise record for runs scored, defeating the Atlanta Braves, 22 – 1, in interleague play. Cal Ripken, Jr. goes 6 for 6 for Baltimore, including two home runs, five runs and six RBI. His six hits in a nine-inning game tie the American League record and also set a franchise mark. Will Clark is 4 for 4 with five RBI. Mike Mussina earns the win as he allows one run on five hits in seven innings. He also joins in with two hits and three RBI. John Smoltz is the loser as he allows seven runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings. The team, as the St. Louis Browns, had set the previous mark on August 18, 1951, in a 20 – 9 rout over the Detroit Tigers.

Omar Olivares ties a major league record by hitting four Diamondbacks. The Angels’ hurler becomes the 19th pitcher to hit four batters in a game, but the second Anaheim moundsman in three weeks to tie the dubious mark, matching teammate Steve Sparks who also plunked four hitters on May 22.

Baltimore first baseman Will Clark gets his 2,000th career hit, a 10th-inning single in the team’s 6-5 walk-off victory over the Royals at Camden Yards. The 35 year-old ‘Thrill’ will end his 15-year big league career next season with a .303 batting average, collecting 2,176 hits with the Giants, Rangers, Orioles, and Cardinals.

Ted ‘Double Duty’ Radcliffe becomes the oldest player to ever appear in a professional baseball game. At the of age 96 in a Northern League game, the former Negro League takes the mound for the Schaumburg Flyers and throws one pitch to Fargo-Moorhead DH Matt Faulken, before leaving the game to a standing ovation at Alexian Field.

1999 – The Mariners trade OF Matt Mieske to the Astros for P Kevin Hodges.

A rusty Troy Percival, who hasn’t pitched in a week, establishes a franchise record with his 127th save for the Angels when he finishes the team’s 4-2 victory in New York. The right-handed closer’s less than stellar outing, allowing four batters to reach base and giving up a run, surpasses the team mark established by Bryan Harvey in 1992.

1999 – Carl Everett launches two homers and drives in six as Houston bombs the Expos, 11-3. His grand slam off Ugueth Urbina comes after Everett was hit in his previous at bat by Dan Smith. Everett had gone deep on Smith earlier. Tim Bogar also homers. 

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Tony Fernandez becomes the Dominican-born career hits leader with his 2,178th hit to move ahead of Julio Franco. Fernandez’s hit plates the winning run with two outs in the 9th in Toronto’s 2 – 1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Franco, deemed washed-up by the baseball world and out of the majors at this time, will reclaim the record several years later.

At Denver, the Cubs overcome an 8-run deficit to trip the Rockies, 13 – 12.

Cincinnati defeats Arizona, 8 – 7, as 2B Pokey Reese goes 5 for 6, including a double and triple.

In Atlanta’s 2 – 1 loss to Montreal, Brian Jordan is hit on the right wrist by a pitch from Mike Thurman, and his batting will be hampered for the remainder of the season.

Although he has been dead for fifty-one years, Hack Wilson is awarded another RBI, increasing his major league RBI record to 191. The commissioner’s office revises the total after baseball’s historian Jerome Holtzman discovered the Cubs outfielder did not get credit for driving in Kiki Cuyler with a third-inning single in a game played in July of 1930.

The Angels defeat the Mariners, 12 – 7, as 2B Randy Velarde and DH Mo Vaughn both go 5 for 6. Velarde homers and drives home four runs, while Vaughn homers twice and brings home 6.

The Reds defeat the Astros, 3 – 0, as Ron Villone and Danny Graves combine to toss a one-hitter. A single by C Tony Eusebio is Houston’s only safety.

St. Louis rookie Jose Jimenez twirls a 1-0 no-hitter over the Arizona Diamondbacks

St. Louis rookie Jose Jimenez twirls a 1-0 no-hitter over the Arizona Diamondbacks

Ivan Rodriguez and Juan Gonzalez each hit two homers and drive home five runs to lead Texas to a 14 – 4 win over Seattle.

The Dodgers lose two Cuban prospects – Juan Carlos Diaz and Josue Perez – to free agency when Major League Baseball decides they were signed in violation of its rules.

The Devil Rays beat Toronto, 11 – 4 and stop their streak of allowing seven or more runs. They tie the American League record (the 1930 White Sox and 1938 Browns) by allowing 7+ runs in nine consecutive home games.

In Baltimore’s 9 – 8 loss to the Yankees, the O’s Jesse Orosco makes his 1,051th relief appearance to break Kent Tekulve’s major league record. He is succeeded by Mike Timlin, who takes the loss when he serves up a 9th inning home run to Shane Spencer. Harold Baines has a pair of homers for the O’s, while Tino Martinez has four hits for New York.

Kansas City scores 10 runs in the 8th inning to defeat the Indians, 11 – 7. The Royals total eight hits in the game and their only home run is a two-out solo shot by Johnny Damon in the big frame.

Boston scores 11 runs in the 1st inning on the way to a 17 – 1 victory over the White Sox. Pedro Martinez (14-2) goes five innings with John Wasdin pitching the last 4. Brian Daubach and Nomar Garciaparra homer in the 1st with Nomar adding another in the 3rd. Mike Stanley and Jason Varitek also homer in the game for Boston.

Pat Meares on the disabled list recovering from surgery on his left hand, participates in a sausage race at Milwaukee's County Stadium

Pat Meares on the disabled list recovering from surgery on his left hand, participates in a sausage race at Milwaukee’s County Stadium

At Candlestick Park, Todd Hundley’s second homer of the day, a ninth inning three-run shot to deep right field off Giants’ closer Robb Nen, sparks the Dodgers’ 7-6 comeback win. Ellis Burks had put San Francisco ahead in the bottom of the eighth, 6-4, with a three-run homer off Alan Mills.

In front of 56,530 fans, the 1,765th and last major league game is played at the Kingdome with the Mariners beating the Rangers, 5 – 2. Ken Griffey, Jr. fittingly clouts the last homer. Griffey hit 198 of his 377 homers at the Dome. HE also makes an astounding over-the-fence catch to rob Juan Gonzalez of a three-run round-tripper. The Mariners will open their new home – Safeco Field – on July 15th.

Hack Wilson ups his RBI total for the 1930 season to 191. 69 years after the season, an RBI is added to his batting record by the commissioner’s office, which also gives Babe Ruth six additional walks, raising his career-record total to 2,062. “There is no doubt that Hack Wilson’s RBI total should be 191,” commissioner Bud Selig says. “I am sensitive to the historical significance that accompanies the correction of such a prestigious record, especially after so many years have passed, but it is important to get it right.” The missing RBI comes from the second game of a doubleheader between Wilson’s Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds on July 28, 1930in which Charlie Grimm was wrongly credited with two RBIs and Wilson with none. Ruth’s walk total is now 2,062. Ted Williams is second, trailing by 43, and Rickey Henderson of the New York Mets is third, 134 behind Ruth.

The Giants defeat the Rockies, 10 – 1, as OF Ellis Burks drives home seven runs against his old teammates on a double and two home runs.

Texas defeats Anaheim, 5 – 0, as John Burkett, Jeff Zimmerman and John Wetteland combine on a one-hitter. A double by Matt Walbeck off Burkett is the Angels’ only hit.

The Pirates score eight runs in the 4th inning on their way to a 9 – 1 victory over Philadelphia.

President Bill Clinton shows up in time to see Sammy Sosa blast his National League-leading 30th homer as the Cubs edge the Brewers, 5 – 4. Sosa has nine homers in his last 13 hits.

The Athletics defeat the Mariners, 14 – 5. Seattle P Damaso Marte makes his major league debut in the 8th inning, and surrenders a home run to DH John Jaha on his first big league pitch.

Cincinnati defeats Arizona, 2 – 0, as Ron Villone and Scott Williamson combine on a one-hitter. The Diamondbacks’ only hit is a single by OF Tony Womack. Randy Johnson strikes out 17 in a magnificent but losing effort; in his last start he struck out 14 in losing to a no-hitter by Jose Jimenez.

Texas defeats Anaheim, 18 – 4, as both DH Rafael Palmeiro and 3B Todd Zeile get four hits and drive home four runs.

The Blue Jays defeat the Orioles, 10 – 9, in 10 innings, as Willie Greene ties an American League record by hitting a pinch home run in two consecutive at bats. His previous pinch home run came against the Royals on June 20th. Greene’s homer in the bottom of the 9th ties the score at 7 – 7. The Orioles score two in the top half of the 10th, but the Blue Jays come back with three runs in their half of the inning to win.

The Brewers defeat the Cubs, 19 – 12, as SS Jose Valentin hits 2-run home runs from each side of the plate. 2B Ronnie Belliard and C Dave Nilsson each get four hits for Milwaukee, while Belliard drives home five runs. The Brewers light up Steve Trachsel for 10 runs in 3 2/3 innings pitched, hanging his National League-high 11th loss on him. The Brew Crew collects 21 hits for the second time in three nights. There are eight homers in the game, including a pair by the Cubs’ Mickey Morandini. Not homering after four straight games in which he went deep is Sammy Sosa, who singles twice.

Tom Glavine wins his 13th straight game over the Expos, 4 – 1, a streak that stretches back to 1994. He takes no chances with the Braves bullpen, which has blown two leads in the last two games, pitching a complete game. Curiously, before his winning streak, Glavine was 3-13 against the Expos.

In Toronto’s 8 – 6 win over Baltimore, Blue Jays P John Frascatore ties a major league mark with his third win in three consecutive appearances in three days.

Hey Mom! Texas righty pitcher Jeff Zimmerman defeats his brother Jordan Zimmerman, a lefty for Seattle, 7 – 6.

Houston defeats Cincinnati, 7 – 5, ending the Reds’ 10-game winning streak. Cincinnati’s streak consisted of an unprecedented 10 straight victories over division-leading clubs.

Umpire Tom Hallion is suspended for three games for his actions during an argument with Colorado catcher Jeff Reed and coach Milt May on June 26th. The dispute began when Rockies pitcher Mike DeJean complained to third base umpire Terry Tata about a check-swing call while walking to his dugout, and home plate ump Hallion told him to get in the dugout. Hallion bumped Reed and May during the ensuing dispute. Officials cannot recall another suspension of an umpire for an on-field dispute. In 1990, National League president Bill White was prepared to suspend umpire Joe West for slamming Philadelphia pitcher Dennis Cook to the field, but commissioner Fay Vincent intervened and no discipline was imposed.

Phil Nevin and Carlos Baerga hit back-to-back pinch-hit home runs in the 9th inning, as San Diego defeats Colorado, 15 – 3.

In the Cards’ 9 – 5 loss to the Diamondbacks, Mark McGwire belts a pair of homers, his 56th multi-homer game, which moves him into 4th place on this list ahead of Jimmie Foxx.

The Rockies defeat the Padres, 12 – 10, in the first game of a doubleheader, ending San Diego’s 14-game winning streak. The win also stops Colorado’s 9-game losing streak. The Rockies also take the second game, 8 – 6.

Before the game against San Francisco, Dodgers players gather in their bullpen and burn the white caps the club adopted in spring training along with other equipment. It doesn’t work as Los Angeles loses, 9 – 1, for their 6th straight loss.

The Phillies defeat the Cubs, 21 – 8, scoring eight runs in the 1st inning and seven more with two outs in the 4th. 2B Marlon Anderson gets five hits for Philadelphia, including a home run off 3B Gary Gaetti, who is forced into mound duty for Chicago.

Milwaukee defeats Pittsburgh, 9 – 4, as 3B Jeff Cirillo strokes five hits, including a double and home run, and drives home three runs.

The Royals defeat the Indians, 10 – 9, as C Mike Sweeney ties an American League record by recording an RBI in his 13th straight game. Taffy Wright of the White Sox set the mark in 1941. The major league standard is 17 games, set by Oscar Grimes of the Chicago Cubs in 1922. OF Jermaine Dye brings home six of Kansas City’s runs with four hits, including a pair of homers.

The Pirates lose to the Brewers, 4 – 3, losing C Jason Kendall to a severely dislocated ankle in the process. Trying to break up Steve Woodard’s perfect game, Kendall drags a bunt in the 5th inning and hits the first base bag awkwardly, ripping the ankle bone from the joint. He will be out for the rest of the season.

The Blue Jays defeat the Devil Rays, 6 – 3, despite Jose Canseco’s 30th home run of the season. Canseco becomes the first player in history to reach the 30 mark with four different teams, having previously done so with Oakland, Texas, and Toronto. Pat Hentgen wins his 100th career game and Shawn Green reaches the 100 homer mark with a pair of long balls.

1999 – Surprising everyone by batting lefthanded against lefty Steve Avery, switch-hitter Carl Everett blasts a two-run homer to spark a 5-3 win in Cincinnati that pulls Houston into a tie for the division lead . Derek Bell also goes deep. 

The Cardinals defeat the Diamondbacks, 1 – 0, as Jose Jimenez hurls a two-hitter to defeat Randy Johnson. Jimenez no-hit the Diamondbacks in his last appearance against them. Johnson loses his third game in a row, during which Arizona has not scored a run and only made three hits. He strikes out 12 Cardinals to tie Dwight Gooden’s National League mark of 43 strikeouts over three starts. He also reaches 200 strikeouts for the year and ends St. Louis rookie Joe McEwing’s 25-game hitting streak, the 5th longest ever for a rookie.

1999 – The White Sox lose to the Royals, 8 – 7. Chicago OF Chris Singleton hits for the cycle, becoming the first rookie to do so since Oddibe McDowell in 1985 and just the 16th since 1900. Singleton goes 5 for 6 and drives home four of Chicago’s runs.

The Rockies tie a 1903 major league record by scoring in 15 consecutive innings. Phillies ace Curt Schilling ends the streak.

The Royals lose to the Astros, 6 – 5, despite five hits, including a double, by 3B Joe Randa.

The uniform Lou Gehrig wore when he made his famous “luckiest man on earth” speech on July 4, 1939 is sold for $451,541 at auction. Leland’s spokesman Marty Appel says the flannel pinstripe uniform worn by the Hall of Fame first baseman was purchased by a south Florida man who did not want his name made public. The winning bid was made over the phone. Yesterday Carlton Fisk’s home run ball that won Game 6 of the 1975 World Series for the Boston Red Sox sold for $113,273.

The Diamondbacks acquire P Matt Mantei from the Marlins in exchange for pitchers Vladimir Nunez and Brad Penny and a player to be named later.

For his 4th loss in a row, the Diamondbacks fail to score for Randy Johnson, this time falling, 2 – 0, to Tim Hudson and the Oakland A’s.

The Tigers defeat the Brewers, 9 – 3, before 25,374 fans in Detroit. This enables the club to top the one million mark in attendance for the 35th consecutive season for the longest streak in American League history. The Dodgers hold the record of 55 consecutive years.

Matt Franco’s two-out pinch-hit single off Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the 9th drives home two runs and gives the Mets a 9 – 8 win over the Yankees in a thrilling interleague battle. By doing so, the Mets end the Yankees’ streak of 124 consecutive victories when leading after eight innings.

At Leland’s ‘Hero’s Auction’ of sports memorabilia held in New York, the ball batted by Carlton Fisk in the 12th inning, which hit the Fenway foul pole ending one of the most dramatic games in World Series history, is sold for $113,273. George Foster, the Reds’ left fielder, who retrieved and kept the 1975 historic home run ball, decided to sell the souvenir after realizing its potential value after Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball sold for almost $3 million.

The Cardinals score all their runs in the 1st inning and go on to defeat the Giants, 5 – 4, in a game in San Francisco. Prior to the contest, the Giants retire Orlando Cepeda’s uniform No.30, making him the 9th Giant player so honored.

In the Twins’ 11 – 7 loss to the Indians, Chuck Knoblauch completes his 10th multi-hit game in a row – the longest such streak in the majors since 1978. Manny Ramirez and Albert Belledrive in nine runs between them for the Tribe, and Jack McDowell picks up the win.

After 14 straight road losses – a club record – the Phils finally win, beating the Expos, 3 – 2, behind Curt Schilling.

The Diamondbacks defeat the A’s, 7 – 4, as Jay Bell hits a grand slam which wins Gylene Hoyle $1 million. She is the fan who wins the prize for picking the player who would hit a grand slam and the inning in which it would be done.

The first MLB Futures Game provides a stage for future major-league All-Star Alfonso Soriano to shine when the Yankees farmhand goes 2 for 3, hitting two of the game’s three home runs in the World’s 7-0 victory over the USA at Fenway Park. The former Hiroshima Carp infielder, who now plays shortstop for the Columbus Clippers, is named the contest’s MVP.

At Fenway Park Pedro Martinez strikes out five of the six batters he faces to win MVP honors Ted Williams delays that start as he throws the first pitch

At Fenway Park Pedro Martinez strikes out five of the six batters he faces to win MVP honors Ted Williams delays that start as he throws the first pitch

In Milwaukee, three people die when a 480-foot crane, nicknamed Big Blue, collapses while lifting a section of Miller Park’s retractable roof. The roof of the Brewers’ new home was expected to be completed in November. Milwaukee will cancel tomorrow’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

In an ill-conceived move, umpires union chief Richie Phillips announces that 57 umpires will resign on September 2. Among other things, the umps reportedly are upset at the 3-day suspension Tom Hallion received for bumping Rockies C Jeff Reed on July 2.

The Rangers tie the major league record with walks by three consecutive pinch hitters (Rusty Greer, Rafael Palmeiro and Lee Stevens) in the bottom of the 9th against the Diamondbacks. The Rangers win, 3 – 2.

The Athletics defeat the Giants, 11 – 9, in a game in which San Francisco OF Barry Bonds sets an all-time major league record by receiving his 294th intentional walk. Henry Aaron held the previous mark. It is possible someone such as Babe Ruth drew more intentional walks in the years before the statistic was tracked.

For the first time in franchise history, the Mariners play a home game outdoors. Under an open retractable roof, Seattle’s debut at the $517.6 million Safeco Field becomes forgettable as closer Jose Mesa squanders a 9th-inning lead by walking four batters, resulting in a 3 – 2 defeat to the Padres. A crowd of 44,607 is on hand.

The Brewers postpone their game as a gesture of respect for the three workers who died when a huge crane collapsed lifting a portion of the roof for the team’s new stadium, Miller Park, yesterday. The crane broke in half as it lifted the 400-ton load, damaging the partially-completed stadium.

At the Oakland Coliseum in the fifth inning of an 11-9 win over San Francisco, A’s hurler Brad Rigby puts Barry Bonds on first base with a free pass, giving the Giants left fielder the major league record for intentional walks with 294. Hank Aaron set the previous mark.

For the first time in the franchise history, the Mariners play a home game outdoors. Under an open retractable roof, Seattle’s debut at the $517.6 million Safeco Field becomes forgettable as closer Jose Mesa squanders a ninth-inning lead by walking four batters, resulting in a 3-2 defeat to the Padres.

The Brewers postpone their game against Kansas City as a gesture of respect for the three workers who died when a massive crane collapsed lifting a portion of the roof for the team’s new stadium, Miller Park. The crane broke in half lifting a 400-ton load, damaging the partially completed stadium.

The first time Enter Sandman is played as an entrance song for Mariano Rivera, the Yankee closer blows the save, giving up four ninth-ining runs in the team’s 10-7 loss to Atlanta. The ownership, after seeing the San Diego fans’ enthusiastic reaction to Padres closer Trevor Hoffman was getting during the World Series with AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells, comes up with the iconic Metallica heavy metal rock song for the quiet Panamanian, who is devout Christian.

The Brewers defeat the Royals, 11 – 3, as 1B Mark Loretta strokes five hits, including a double and home run, brings home four runs, and scores three himself.

New York Yankees ace David Cone pitches the 14th perfect game of the modern era and the 16th overall in major league history

Rookie Olmedo Saenz hits a 2-run homer, Jimmy Haynes continues his strong pitching and Billy Taylor bounces back from taking a batted ball off his head a few days earlier as the hot Oakland Athletics defeat the Colorado Rockies, 3 – 2. A’s vet Tim Raines is 0 for 1 before leaving the game for the hospital because of dizziness. He first felt a pain two days ago and tests will show he has Lupus. Raines will sit out a year and make a remarkable comeback in 2001 with the Expos.

1999 – The White Sox defeat the Brewers, 10 – 8, in 12 innings. The 18-hit Chicago attack is led by rookie OF Chris Singleton’s five safeties, including a 12th-inning home run. It is the rookie’s second five-hit game in less than two weeks.

In a 7-6 interleague victory over Cincinnati, Jeff Weaver becomes the first Tigers pitcher to hit a double in 27 years. The last Detroit hurler to accomplish the feat was Chuck Seelbach. who banged a two-bagger off Lloyd Allen of the Angels on August 20, 1972.

1999 – The Reds defeat the Cardinals, 1 – 0, behind the one-hit pitching of Ron Villone (8 innings) and Scott Williamson (1 inning). OF J.D. Drew’s double is the only hit for St. Louis.

The Padres defeat the Giants, 8 – 7. OF Barry Bonds fans four times for the Giants, while San Francisco P Jerry Spradlin strikes out four Padres in the 7th inning. Spradlin becomes the first pitcher in S.F. history to perform the feat, which has been turned 32 previous times.

Indians manager Mike Hargrove accidentally hands in an incorrect lineup card, forcing Cleveland to forfeit the designated hitter and bat starting pitcher Charles Nagy in the 7th spot in the batting order

Indians manager Mike Hargrove accidentally hands in an incorrect lineup card, forcing Cleveland to forfeit the designated hitter and bat starting pitcher Charles Nagy in the 7th spot in the batting order

The Rockies sweep a doubleheader from the Dodgers, winning the first game, 4 – 1, and the second, 12 – 11. In the nightcap, Dodger SS Mark Grudzielanek collects five hits and scores four runs.

The Mets obtain P Kenny Rogers from the Athletics for OF Terrence Long and P Leoner Vasquez.

The Pirates obtain C Joe Oliver and C Humberto Cota from the Devil Rays for OF Jose Guillen and P Jeff Sparks. Guillen, who drove in 154 runs in his first two seasons, has been sub-par this year after arriving at spring training a month late due to visa problems. Pittsburgh is desperate for catching help following the injury of Jason Kendall earlier this month.

The Giants obtain P Livan Hernandez from the Marlins in exchange for minor league Ps Jason Grilli and Nate Bump.

The Red Sox blast seven home runs, one shy of the club record, in an 11-4 rout of Detroit at Tiger Stadium. Boston right fielder Trot Nixon contributes to the offensive onslaught with three home runs and five RBIs.

Indians get a Chili Reception as Yankees rout them 21-1, (Chili Davis goes 5-6)

The Orioles defeat the Angels, 8 – 7, behind three home runs and six RBI from slugger Albert Belle.

The Tigers defeat the Red Sox, 9 – 1, as 1B Tony Clark homers from both sides of the plate for the second time this season.

The Hall of Fame adds an unprecedented number of first-time eligible candidates when George Brett, Nolan Ryan, and Robin Yount enter Cooperstown. In addition, the Veterans Committee’s selections Orlando Cepeda, Nestor Chylak, Frank Selee, and ‘Smokey’ Joe Williams are also inducted, joining the trio of first-timers elected by the BBWAA.

The Diamondbacks bring up Mexican star Erubiel Durazo, 25, to replace slumping 1B Travis Lee. Durazo, whose contract was purchased from the Monterrey Sultans last December after he hit .350, tore up the minors (AAEl Paso Diablos, .403, 14 home run in 64 games; AAA Tucson Sidewinders, .407, 10 home run, 30 G). He’ll do the same in the National League hitting .329, with 11 homers, in 52 games.

Major League umpires file suit in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, PA for the right to withdraw their mass resignations. So far, 14 of the 56 umps who “resigned” have withdrawn their resignations. Resignations from nine of the American League umps are accepted by the league.

The Angels’ 11-game losing streak ends as they defeat the Devil Rays, 10 – 5.

The Pirates defeat the Mets, 5 – 1, in the first of Major League Baseball’s “Turn Ahead the Clock Nights.” Each team wears futuristic uniforms, with the home town squad becoming the “Mercury” Mets for the night. The futuristic theme is carried out throughout the evening, with the scoreboard flashing computerized photos of the players as each comes to the plate. Rickey Henderson, for example, is given three eyes and pointy ears, and plays “left quadrant.” Al Martin hits the first of his two home runs in the 1st “sector,” and rookie Kris Benson goes the distance for the win.

1999 – The Blue Jays obtain 1B David Segui from the Mariners in exchange for P Tom Davey and Steve Sinclair. Segui’s refusal of the Mariners’ three-year, $17 million offer prompted the trade. Segui will settle for a one-year arbitrated contract with the Jays.

The Athletics obtain P Omar Olivares and IF Randy Velarde from the Angels in exchange for P Elvin Nina and OFs Jeff DaVanon and Nathan Haynes.

Thirteen National League umpires lose their jobs as the resignations they tendered on July 14th are accepted.

1999 – The Yankees defeat the Red Sox, 13 – 3, as 2B Chuck Knoblauch raps out five hits, including a double and home run, and drives home four runs.

Paul Byrd of the Phillies plunks Braves catcher Eddie Perez on the back, precipitating a bench-clearing brawl between the two already unfriendly ball clubs. As the battle rages on, the two instigators are discovered praying together when the pitcher's prayer for forgiveness is overheard by the angry batter.

Paul Byrd of the Phillies plunks Braves catcher Eddie Perez on the back, precipitating a bench-clearing brawl between the two already unfriendly ball clubs. As the battle rages on, the two instigators are discovered praying together when the pitcher’s prayer for forgiveness is overheard by the angry batter.

The Yankees bring back C Jim Leyritz from the Padres for highly-touted pitching prospect Geraldo Padua. Padua is 25-4 in three seasons in Class A, including a run of 20 straight wins. Mysteriously, he will lose 14 straight in the minors in 2000 and earn a release from the Altoona Curve (AA) in May, 2001, after serving up three straight homers.

The Mets obtain closer Billy Taylor from the Brewers for pitchers Jason Isringhausen and Greg McMichael.

The Athletics nab sought-after ace Kevin Appier from the Royals for pitchers Brad Rigby, Blake Stein and Jeff D’Amico.

1999 – The Cardinals trade veteran IF-OF Shawon Dunston to the Mets for IF Craig Paquette.

1999 – Jeff Bagwell and rookie Lance Berkman swat two home runs apiece as the Astros club the Padres, 8-5. Berkman has three hits and steals a base. Derek Bell accounts for the other two runs with a double. Doug Henry gets the win in relief. 

The Rangers score 8 runs in the 3rd inning and go on to defeat the Royals, 12 – 5. The Texas attack is led by C Ivan Rodriguez, who strokes five hits, including a home run, and drives in four runs.

Commissioner Bud Selig announces that Darryl Strawberry’s reinstatement has been moved up from August 11th to August 4th.

Barry Bonds tangles with Ricky Bottalico

Barry Bonds tangles with Ricky Bottalico

The Major League Umpires Association files unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board to block the American League and National League from using minor league replacements in the wake of the union’s mass resignation strategy.

The Mariners send veteran Butch Huskey to the Boston Red Sox for AAA pitcher Robert Ramsay.

Prior to a game with the Royals, with his team in the midst of a slump, Angels’ batting coach Rod Carew suggests the club use a single bat through the starting lineup as a way of loosening up the players. When leadoff hitter Orlando Palmeiro strikes out in bottom half of the first inning, he drops the bat for the next hitter to use. Umpire Tim Tschida sees this as an act of defiance and ejects Palmeiro from the game. Anaheim manager Terry Collins eventually convinces Tschida that Palmeiro wasn’t trying to show him up, and the umpire changes his decision and allows him to stay in the game. The Angels go on to defeat the Royals, 4 – 3.

In an effort to break out of a team slump which has resulted in 15 losses in 19 decisions, all nine Angel batters use Jim Edmonds’ bat the first time through the order. The center fielder’s lumber yields dramatic results when the Halos go 4-for-8 with one walk in the first inning, including Bengie Molina’s first career hit, an RBI double, in LA’s 4-3 win over Kansas City at Edison Field.

mark mcgwire St. Louis

Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals becomes the 16th major leaguer to join the 500-home run club

1999 – Shane Reynolds blanks the Dodgers on five hits, 7-0. A six-run seventh snaps a scoreless tie with Matt Mieske’s two-run pinch-hit double the key blow. Russ Johnson homers and doubles in a three-hit performance. 

tony gwynn 3000 hit

Tony Gwynn collects his 3,000th hit

Indians OF Jacob Cruz, filling in for the hobbled Kenny Lofton, tears ligaments in his right thumb and is out for the season. Tampa Bay beats the Tribe, 4 – 2.

1999 – Carl Everett comes off the disabled list with a 4-for-5 performance, a homer and five RBIs to lead the Astros over the Cubs, 6-1, in the opener of a twinbill at Wrigley Field. Jose Lima wins his 15th of the season. Everett sits out the nightcap which Houston loses, 6-0, to rookie Andy Lorraine. 

Wade Boggs of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays becomes the first major leaguer to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit

Wade Boggs of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays becomes the first major leaguer to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit

The Braves’ infielders look inept when they let an infield pop-up drop between them in the 9th inning of a 15 – 4 victory over the Giants. But SS Ozzie Guillen turns the miscue into an unusual foul ball. The towering pop by J.T. Snow falls on the pitcher’s mound when second baseman Bret Boone calls off the other infielders, then can’t reach the ball. Guillen lets it bounce toward the third-base line. As soon as it is in foul territory, he grabs the ball, turning it into a foul. Snow then flies out.

The Royals honor George Brett’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame with an on-field ceremony prior to the game against Minnesota. The former third baseman played his entire 21-year career in Kansas City, compiling a .305 lifetime batting average.

1999 – Russ Johnson drives in six and Carl Everett blasts two solo home runs as Houston rips Chicago, 10-4. Johnson has four hits. Scott Elarton pitches seven solid innings for the victory. 

1999 – The Diamondbacks defeat the Phillies‚ 7 – 4‚ despite 5 hits‚ including a double‚ by OF Bobby Abreu. Arizona P Armando Reynoso wins his 7th consecutive decision. He has not lost in 17 starts‚ dating back to April 27th.

The Blue Jays defeat the Rangers, 19 – 4, setting a team record by recording 25 hits. OF Jacob Brumfield and 2B Homer Bush get four hits apiece for Toronto while four other players record three safeties each. P Doug Davis enters the game in the 6th inning for Texas, making his major league debut. In 2 1/3 innings of work, he allows 11 hits, including three home runs, while surrendering 10 earned runs. He’ll return to the minors tomorrow.

Umpires Union chief Richie Phillips announces that he is considering seeking an injunction from the National Labor Relations Board to stop Major League Baseball from firing on September 2nd 22 umpires who recently submitted their resignations as part of negotiations ploy.

The Blue Jays obtain OF Brian McRae from the Rockies for a player to be named later.

For the first time in major league history, five grand slams are hit in a single day. Cardinal Fernando Tatis, Expo Jose Vidro, Marlin Mike Lowell, Yankee Bernie Williams, and Mariner Jay Buhner all connect to set the record. (Lowell, Williams, and Buhner all played for the Columbus Clippers – thanks to Steve Basford for this interesting aside.)

Major league umpires drop the federal lawsuit which they filed on July 26th.

The Red Sox defeat the Royals, 9 - 6, as Boston P Tim Wakefield ties a major league record by striking out four batters in the 9th inning. Kansas City C Chad Kreuter gets two hits in the game, his first breaking a streak of 38 consecutive at bats without a hit. It is the longest hitless streak in the majors since Dann Howitt of Oakland and Seattle went 0 for 43 in 1992.

The Red Sox defeat the Royals, 9 – 6, as Boston P Tim Wakefield ties a major league record by striking out four batters in the 9th inning. Kansas City C Chad Kreuter gets two hits in the game, his first breaking a streak of 38 consecutive at bats without a hit. It is the longest hitless streak in the majors since Dann Howitt of Oakland and Seattle went 0 for 43 in 1992.

The Orioles defeat the Devil Rays, 17 – 1. All nine Baltimore starters score at least one run and reach base at least twice. SS Mike Bordick leads the attack with four hits, including two doubles, and five RBI.

1999 – Manager Phil Garner is fired by the Brewers and replaced by batting coach Jim Lefebvre. Garner has had 7 straight losing seasons in Milwaukee.

1999 – In the first game of a doubleheader, the Expos defeat the Rockies, 14 – 13, after the score is tied at one apiece after four innings. Each team scores five runs in the 5th, then Montreal scores six and Colorado five in the 6th. The Expos finally win the game by scoring a run in the 10th inning. Montreal also takes the second game by an 8 – 6 count.

Boston defeats Seattle, 13 – 2, as rookie DH Brian Daubach goes 5 for 5, including a home run, and drives home six runs. He’ll drive in another five tomorrow.

The Rockies and Expos combine to hit 10 home runs in Colorado’s 11 – 8 victory. Four players – Montreal’s Geoff Blum and Colorado’s Edgard Clemente, Todd Helton and Dante Bichette – each hit a pair, while Jose Vidroand Rondell White also connect. It is only the third time in major league history that four players have each hit two home runs in the same game.

Oakland scores eight runs in the 1st inning on its way to a 13 – 5 win over Toronto.

Ivan Rodriguez becomes the first catcher in major league history to compile 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in the same season

Ivan Rodriguez becomes the first catcher in major league history to compile 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in the same season

Harold “Pee Wee” Reese dies from lung cancer at the age of 81

Harold “Pee Wee” Reese dies from lung cancer at the age of 81

The Angels defeat the Tigers, 10 – 2, as Chuck Finley becomes the first pitcher in history to strike out four batters in an inning twice in his career. Finley previously fanned four Yankees in Anaheim’s game with the New Yorkers on May 12th. Both instances occurred in the 1st inning.

The Mets defeat the Giants, 12 – 5, behind Kenny Rogers’ complete game victory. It is the first complete game of the year for the Mets, who have gone 139 consecutive games without a complete game. They fall one short of the major-league record of 140 set by the Angels earlier this season.

The Indians obtain 2B Carlos Baerga from the Padres in exchange for a player to be named later.

The Reds’ Juan Guzman has to leave his start in Pittsburgh after seven innings because his shoes are too small. After he was traded to the Reds, he arrived with only his size 10 1/2 orange and black Orioles shoes. Puma sent him a size 9 1/2 in red which he wears today until blisters develop. The Reds still win, 9 – 2.

Alex Rodriguez homers for the 5th straight game to pace the Mariners to a 7 – 5 win over Toronto. He’ll go homerless tomorrow.

Sic transit gloria. The Cards send Jose Jimenez to AAA Memphis less than two months after his no-hitter against Arizona. He joins Bobo Holloman as the only pitcher to go to the minors in the same year in which he pitched a no-hitter.

The Expos defeat the Giants, 2 – 1, as Montreal P Steve Kline ties a major league mark by fanning four batters in the 7th inning.

Jesse Orosco sets a major league mark pitching in his 1,072nd game, passing Dennis Eckersley on the all-time career appearance list. The 43 year-old Baltimore reliever, who will finish his 24-year career appearing in 1252 major league contests, retires the only batter he faces on a fly ball to center field in the Orioles’ 8-3 victory over Minnesota at Camden Yards.

Tampa Bay defeats Detroit, 4 – 0, as Wilson Alvarez (6 innings) and Albie Lopez (3 innings) combine on a one-hitter. OF Gabe Kapler’s triple is the only Tiger hit.

The A’s obtain OF Rich Becker from the Brewers in exchange for a player to be named.

1B Dale Sveum hits home runs from both sides of plate to power Pittsburgh to a 12 – 6 win over Cincinnati.

1999 – Cincinnati defeats Pittsburgh, 1 – 0, as P Pete Harnisch hurls a one-hitter. Harnisch fans 12 in his eight innings of work, allowing only a 7th-inning single to SS Mike Benjamin, and Scott Williamson pitches the hitless 9th.

Colorado GM Bob Gebhard announces his resignation.

Houston defeats Florida, 6 – 4, in 16 innings, despite blowing a 4 – 0 lead, striking out 17 times, and stranding 20 runners. Astros 1B Jeff Bagwell walks six times to tie a major league mark held by Jimmie Foxx and Andre Thornton.

The Giants defeat the Brewers, 10 – 3, as Ramon Martinez, Barry Bonds, and Ellis Burks hit homers.

1999 – Diamondbacks P Todd Stottlemyre makes his first start since tearing the rotator cuff in his right arm on May 17th. Stottlemyre, who eschewed surgery in favor of a strengthening program, gives up seven hits to the Pirates in 4 2/3 innings, including a pair of homers by Brian Giles. He will go 2-1 the rest of the year.

1999 – Ken Caminiti slams his second homer of the night to end a 6-4, 16-inning marathon against the Marlins. Jeff Bagwell draws six bases on balls, two intentionally, as part of an NL-record 17 free passes from Florida. The Astros return the favor by striking out 21 times. 

In their current 4-game series against the Giants, the Dodgers start pitchers from four different countries – none of them Americans, something they have done before, but this time, the Dodgers have three continents covered. In yesterday’s 6 – 5 win it was Eric Gagné of Canada; In today’s 9 – 4 win it is Jeff Williams of Australia; In tomorrow’s 5 – 4 loss, it will be Ismael Valdes of Mexico; and the next day it will be Chan Ho Park from South Korea, in a 5 – 3 win.

Orioles outfielder Brady Anderson becomes only the third player in major league history to lead off both games of a doubleheader with a home run. It doesn’t help as the White Sox sweep the twin bill.

Joining Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., and Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa becomes the fourth player to hit 50 home runs in consecutive seasons. The Cubs right fielder, who hit 66 dingers last season, blasts his major league leading 50th and 51st home runs in an 8-6 victory over the Rockies at Wrigley Field.

1999 – Astros leave no runners on base in a 5-4 victory over Florida. Jeff Bagwell’s solo shot in the ninth wins it after Bill Spiers, Glen Barker and Carl Everett went deep for the other four runs. Doug Henry wins in relief of Jose Lima. 

At Shea Stadium, the Mets and Cardinals split a doubleheader, with New York winning the opener, 8 – 7, and St. Louis taking the nightcap, 7 – 5. Mark McGwire hits two home runs in the first game, his 49th and 50th of the season. Number 49 breaks a light bulb in the scoreboard, 502 feet away. This gives him a major league record 50 or more home runs for four straight seasons.

The Diamondbacks defeat the Pirates, 7 – 5. Luis Gonzalez, Matt Williams, and Erubiel Durazo hit consecutive home runs for Arizona in the 1st inning.

The Giants defeat the Brewers, 7 – 3. LF Barry Bonds, 2B Jeff Kent, and RF Ellis Burks hit consecutive home runs for San Francisco in the 1st inning. It is the second time the Giants have performed the feat in three days.

The Padres defeat the Phillies, 7 – 6. Philadelphia 3B Scott Rolen strikes out five times in the game.

The Yankees score six runs in the 1st inning on their way to a 21 – 3 victory over the Rangers. 3B Scott Brosius (6) and C Joe Girardi (7) – the 8th and 9th batters in the New York lineup – drive in 13 of the Yankee runs. Derek Jeter scores his 100th run of the year, the first Yank to string together four straight seasons of 100+ runs since Mickey Mantle did it in nine straight seasons (1953-1961).

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announces that Pete Rose will be invited to the World Series if he is elected to the All-Century Team. Rose has been banned from baseball since 1989.

Joining Babe Ruth and Mark McGwire, Mariner outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. becomes the third player in major league history to hit 200 homers in a four-season span. Junior’s 39th helps Seattle beat the Indians, 4-1.

The Cards lose to the Brewers despite Mark McGwire’s 508th career homer. He has hit 493 of these while playing 1B, equaling Lou Gehrig’s mark for the position.

The Red Sox acquire P Kent Mercker from the Cards in exchange for C David Benham and P Mike Matthews.

The Phillies defeat the Padres, 18 – 2, as CF Rob Ducey gets five of Philadelphia’s 22 hits.

Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. joins Babe Ruth, Ralph Kiner, Duke Snider, Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, and Mark McGwire as the only players to hit 40 homers in four consecutive seasons.

Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. joins Babe Ruth, Ralph Kiner, Duke Snider, Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, and Mark McGwire as the only players to hit 40 homers in four consecutive seasons.

The Phillies follow yesterday’s scoring feast with another, defeating the Padres, 15 – 1. Rico Brogna goes 4 for 5, with two doubles and two homers, and drives home seven runs for Philadelphia. The Pads finally turn to infielder Ed Giovanola who pitches 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Giovanola last pitched in Little League.

The Royals defeat the Orioles, 8 – 6, as Kansas City P Jeff Montgomery becomes the 10th hurler to notch 300 saves. In doing so, he becomes the first to record all of them with the same team.

The Indians defeat the Athletics, 12 – 4. Manny Ramirez hits a double and three home runs for the Tribe.

The Cubs put Kevin Tapani on the disabled list for the rest of the season. In the first year of a 2-year contract, Tapani is 0-9 in his last 10 starts. They don’t need him today as they edge the Giants, 11 – 10, behind Sammy Sosa’s 53rd home run.

Arizona defeats Florida, 12 – 2, as Randy Johnson wins his 14th game. Johnson fans nine Marlin batters in becoming the fastest pitcher to reach 300 strikeouts in a season.

Achieving the mark in his 29th start, Diamondback southpaw Randy Johnson reaches the 300-strikeout milestone in record time. The ‘Big Unit’ whiffs nine in seven innings in a 12-2 victory over the Marlins.

Vladimir Guerrero extended his hit streak to 31 games

Vladimir Guerrero extended his hit streak to 31 games

Vladimir Guerrero's 31-game hitting streak ends the longest in the majors in 12 years

Vladimir Guerrero’s 31-game hitting streak ends the longest in the majors in 12 years

The Indians take out some insurance, picking up DH Harold Baines from the Orioles for P Juan Aracena and a player to be named.

The Padres edge the Brewers, 8 – 7, despite five hits, including a double, by 3B Jeff Cirillo.

Major league umpires are warned by the league presidents that they will be fired if they strike next week. There has been talk of a strike over baseball’s refusal to allow 22 umpires to withdraw their resignations, which are effective on September 2nd.

Desperate for lefty pitching, the Rangers acquire Jeff Fassero from the Mariners for a player to be named later. Fassero, his mechanics shaky after off-season surgery, will win his first start, September 6, against Chicago.

1999 – The Red Sox defeat the Angels, 7 – 6. With Tim Wakefield and Steve Sparks as the starting pitchers, the game is believed to be the 27th matchup of knuckleballers in major league history.

1999 – Albert Belle clubs four doubles, tying a major league record, to lead the Orioles to an 11 – 4 win at Detroit. It’s the Birds’ last game at Tiger Stadium.

Tony Eusebio’s home run in the top of the 13th inning is the difference in the Astros’ 11-9 victory over the Braves in Atlanta. The Houston catcher’s homer breaks the skid of eleven consecutive losses, which is a team record.

In an article in the New York Times, former major league OF Billy Bean reveals his fears as a gay man in the world of major league baseball. Former Dodger Glenn Burke, who died of AIDS in 1995, is the only other ex-player to have acknowledged his homosexuality.

Barry Bonds clubs a pair of homers, including a 2-run no-out game-winner in the 10th, to give the Giants a 6 – 4 win over the Phillies. The win goes to Rich Rodriguez, who has won seven straight since last losing on June 13, 1997. The 2nd-place Giants have now won 10 of 12.

The Mets roll over the Astros, 17 – 1, as 2B Edgardo Alfonzo goes 6 for 6, a club record, with a double, three homers, five RBI, and six runs scored. The six runs scored ties the modern major league mark. Alfonzo is the only the 5th player ever to hit three home runs while going 6 for 6.

Edgardo Alfonzo of the New York Mets becomes only the fifth player in major league history to hit three home runs while going 6-for-6 in a game

In three pennant insurance moves, the Astros obtain veteran Stan Javier from the Giants for P Joe Messman; the Diamondbacks get IF-OF Lenny Harris from the Rockies in exchange for IF Belvani Martinez; and the Indians pick up the once highly-touted Tyler Houston from the Cubs for P Richard Negrette. Houston will prove valuable at 3B.

Down 12 – 4, the Indians rally for 10 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to defeat the Angels, 14 – 12. 1B Richie Sexson gets four hits and drives home five runs for the Tribe. This is the third time this season that the Indians have rallied from an 8-run deficit to win, a major league record.

The Tigers break a 6 – 6 tie by scoring eight runs in the 7th inning to defeat the Rangers, 14 – 6.

The Red Sox obtain beefy closer Rod Beck from the Cubs for P Mark Guthrie and a player to be named.

Sammy Sosa hits his 56th homer‚ off Sterling Hitchcock‚ to give the Cubs a 1 – 0 win over San Diego. Steve Trachsel is the winner with 7 shutout innings. Glenallen Hill’s single is the only other Cub hit.

Mark McGwire powers his 52nd homer in the Cards’ 9 – 3 win over Florida. It is his 590th career dinger and his 494th as a first basemen‚ surpassing Lou Gehrig.

Albert Belle’s 30th home run of the year helps the Orioles beat Tampa Bay‚ 3 – 1. Belle has now hit 30 homers in 8 straight seasons.

Atlanta gets a 3-run home run from Brian Hunter and a 2-run homer from Bret Boone to edge the Reds‚ 8 – 7. Bret’s brother Aaron homers for the Reds‚ as does Sean Casey as the Reds lose for the 8th time in 9 meetings with Atlanta. Their victory 2 days before ended the Braves 10-game win streak.

Due to the union chief Richie Phillips’ ill-advised ploy to use mass resignations to force the owners into a new collective bargaining agreement, twenty-two of baseball’s regular 68 umpires find themselves unemployed. In a deal mediated by U.S. District Judge J. Curtis Joyner, the Umpires Association agrees to a deal, costing those members their jobs, but allows for an arbitration proceeding that could permit some of the displaced umps back into the game at some point.

Well drilling in Toronto. Starter David Wells of the Blue Jays is opposed by Bob Wells of the Minnesota Twins who strikes out Jays rookie Vernon Wells. Toronto wins, 6 – 1.

Cal Ripken, Jr. becomes the 29th major leaguer to hit 400 career home runs

Cal Ripken, Jr. becomes the 29th major leaguer to hit 400 career home runs

The Rangers beat the White Sox, 10 – 4, and now have five players with 20+ home run for the first time in team history. Rusty Greer, who now has 18, will later become the 6th.

The U.S. District Court upholds the resignations of that 22 Major League umpires made in their union’s abortive negotiations on July 14, 1999.

In Baltimore’s 11 – 6 win over Tampa Bay, Cal Ripken, Jr. clubs his 400th career homer, off Rolando Arrojo. He’s the 20th player to hit 400 homers.

Terry Collins resigns as Angels manager and Joe Maddon is named interim for the remainder of the season. The Angels were 51-82 under Collins this year, with a 220-237 record since he took over in 1977. Maddon also served as interim manager towards the end of the 1996 season, with an 8-14 record.

1999 – Ken Caminiti smashes two homers, a single and a sacrifice fly to plate six runs as the Astros dump the Expos, 8-1. Mike Hampton works seven strong innings for his 18th win. 

The Reds set a National League record with nine homers as they rout the Phillies, 22 – 3. Eddie Taubensee (2), Greg Vaughn, Jeffrey Hammonds, Aaron Boone, Dmitri Young, Pokey Reese, Brian Johnson and Mark Lewisall go yard for Cincinnati.

The Red Sox defeat the Mariners, 4 – 0, as Pedro Martinez wins his 20th game, striking out 15 batters in eight innings of work.

The Reds, by hitting five home runs in a 9-7 victory over the Phillies, establish a major league record, homering 14 times in two games. Yesterday, Cincinnati set a National League record by hitting nine homers in their 22-3 rout of the Phillies.

In the 6000th regular season game in franchise history, the Mets score all their runs in the fifth inning to beat Colorado at Shea Stadium, 6-2. The victory brings New York’s overall record to 2826-3166 (.472) with 8 ties, but the team falls just one game shy of breaking even in their last 1000 games.

1999 – Sammy Sosa hits his 58th homer but his Cubs lose to the Reds‚ 6 – 3.

Mike Lieberthal’s streak of 100 games without an error ends when he makes two against the Astros. Houston beats the Phils, 8 – 6.

The Diamondbacks defeat the Brewers, 11 – 9, in a game which sees the two teams tie a major league record by using a total of 15 pitchers. Arizona uses eight hurlers, while seven take the hill for Milwaukee.

Colorado manager Jim Leyland confirms rumors that he will retire at the end of the season.

Two native Canadian pitchers oppose each other as starters for the first time in 26 years. Florida Marlin pitcher Ryan Dempster from British Columbia faces off against Dodger Eric Gagné who hails from Quebec. The two roomed together while competing on Canada’s national baseball team. The battle is a draw with neither pitcher getting the decision, but the Marlins win, 2 – 1.

The Cubs and Reds split a pair with Chicago taking game 1, 2 - 1 and the Reds coming back, 10 - 3. When the Cubs Brian McNichol pitches in game 2, he is the 25th pitcher the Cubs have used this season.

The Cubs and Reds split a pair with Chicago taking game 1, 2 – 1 and the Reds coming back, 10 – 3. When the Cubs Brian McNichol pitches in game 2, he is the 25th pitcher the Cubs have used this season.

Arizona defeats Milwaukee, 9 – 1, as OF Steve Finley strokes three home runs and drives home six runs.

The Astros score nine runs in the 6th inning on their way to a 10 – 2 victory over the Phillies.

In Baltimore’s 6 – 5 win over the Twins, Albert Belle drives in his 100th run, the 9th season in a row he’s had 100+ RBIs. On the minus side, Cal Ripken, Jr. grounds into his 324th double play to top Carl Yastrzemski for the all-time lead.

The Padres defeat the Expos, 10 – 3, in a game in which they are nearly allowed four outs in the 7th inning. When San Diego’s Reggie Sanders strikes out for the 3rd out, the umpires don’t notice and the players do not leave the field. Phil Nevin comes to the plate and runs the count to 2-1 against Expos P Ted Lilly before someone in the Montreal dugout points out the problem to home plate umpire Jerry Layne.

In the Cubs’ 5 – 3 loss to the Reds, Sammy Sosa hits his 59th homer. Sosa has more homers than the Cubs have wins: 56. They’ve lost 31 of their last 39 games.

Hall of Famer Jim “Catfish” Hunter dies from ALS at the age of 53

Hall of Famer Jim “Catfish” Hunter dies from ALS at the age of 53

The Indians score 12 runs in the 4th inning – one short of the American League record for the inning – on their way to a 14 – 6 win over the White Sox.

The Rockies call up John Cangelosi from the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, where he has played the past month. The veteran needs 12 days of major league service to reach his 10-year pension.

Pedro Martinez hurls an impressive one-hitter for his 21st victory of the year strikes out 17 batters

Pedro Martinez hurls an impressive one-hitter for his 21st victory of the year strikes out 17 batters

Umpires opposed to union chief Richie Phillips announce plans to form a new union and seek certification to represent all umpires.

1999 – Ricky Gutierrez rips four hits and drives home the tying run in the bottom of the ninth before Carl Everett sends the crowd away happy with a two-run homer in the 13th for a 6-4 triumph over the Cubs, Houston’s eighth straight win. It’s Carl’s second homer of the night. Billy Wagner, the seventh Astro pitcher, gets the win. 

SimLeague Baseball

Minnesota left-hander Eric Milton no-hits the Angels, 7-0

Facing just one batter, Doug Jones records his 300th career save when he gets the final out in the A’s 5-4 victory over Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field. The 42 year-old right-handed reliever, the 11th closer to reach the milestone, will retire at the end of next season with 303 saves.

The Athletics defeat the Devil Rays, 5 – 4, as Doug Jones records the 300th save of his career.

Jose Lima defeats the Cubs, 5-3, to become Houston’s first 20-game winner in ten years. Tony Eusebio supports his pitcher with two hits, including a home run. 

1999 – Before a crowd of 50,027, the Red Sox finish their 3-game series at Yankee Stadium with a 4 – 1 win for a sweep. It is the first 3-game sweep at Yankee Stadium for the Red Sox since 1986.

Mike Hampton joins Jose Lima as the team’s first 20-20 pair of aces.

The Yankees rally with a pair of grand slams, just the 3rd time in club history, to beat the Blue Jays, 10 – 6. Bernie Williams ties the game with a slam in the 8th inning, and Paul O’Neillwins it in the 9th with another slam.

The Royals lose a doubleheader to the Angels, 8 – 6 in the opener and 6 – 5 in the nightcap. In the second game, Kansas City OF Mark Quinn makes a memorable major league debut. After making an out in his first trip to the plate, Quinn doubles in his next at bat, then hits homers his last two times up. He becomes just the 3rd player in history to hit two home runs in his first big league game. Bob Nieman (on this day in 1951) and Bert Campaneris (in 1964) are the only others to accomplish the feat.

The Expos defeat the Dodgers, 3 – 0, behind Javier Vazquez’ one-hitter. Vazquez allows just a leadoff single to Mark Grudzielanek in the 4th inning, and a walk to Gary Sheffield in the same frame, while fanning 10.

Astros pound the Phillies, 12-2, to set a team-record twelve-game winning streak

The Phillies defeat the Astros, 8 – 6, as OF Doug Glanville gets five hits, including a double and home run, for the victors. The loss snaps the Astros’ 12-game win streak, a club record.

Baseball approves the sale of the Cincinnati Reds to Carl Lindner for $67 million, ending Marge Schott’s 15-year reign as owner.

Baseball owners vote to merge the administrative operations of the American and National leagues. National League President Leonard Coleman, concluding his job has become irrelevant, announces his resignation effective after the World Series. He will become a senior adviser to Commissioner Bud Selig.

The owners unanimously approved a resolution to redraft the Major League Agreement, allowing the American League and National League to merge in all aspects except on the field, where the leagues and divisions will remain the same.

1999 – In a 7 – 1 Kansas City win over Anaheim, Carlos Beltran collects his 100th RBI. He’s the first rookie since Mark McGwire, in 1987, to reach that level.

Doug Glanville collects five hits, including a double and a home run, in the Phillies’ 8-6 victory at the Astrodome, that ends Houston’s win streak at 12, a franchise record. The 29 year-old center fielder will enjoy another five-hit performance next season against Cincinnati.

In a 9 – 3 win over Oakland, Kansas City’s prize rookie, Carlos Beltran, passes the 100 RBI and 100 runs scored mark, the first rookie to do so since Fred Lynn in 1975.

Seattle general manager Woody Woodward announces his retirement.

An incident that will help speed the firing of Orioles gemeral manager Frank Wren occurs today. Cal Ripken Jr. is delayed in traffic and calls the team’s traveling secretary to assure him that he’d be arriving at the airport within the next 10 minutes. At Wren’s order, however, the plane takes off without Cal, who arrives at the gate a few minutes later and has to make his own travel arrangements. When Wren is fired after the season, Orioles management blames him for operating in “such an unreasonable, authoritarian manner”. The O’s defeat the Twins, 8 – 3, as Jesse Orosco preserves Mike Mussina’s 15th win. For Orosco, it is major-league record 1,072 appearance. He had been tied with Dennis Eckersley.

The Cardinals score nine runs in the 4th inning on their way to an 11 – 8 win over the Astros. Mark McGwire hits home run #56 on the season, and the 513th of his career. Big Mac passes Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews on the all-time list.

The Rockies pound out 20 hits on their way to an 18 – 10 victory over the Dodgers. OF Dante Bichette drives home seven runs for Colorado on a pair of home runs.

The Rangers defeat the Devil Rays, 6 – 1. Tampa Bay P Jim Morris makes his major league debut by fanning Royce Clayton in the 8th inning. At 36, he becomes the oldest rookie pitcher since Diomedes Olivo (age 40) with Pittsburgh in 1960. Morris was a high school baseball coach and science teacher just four months ago when he tried out at the urging of his players. His life story will be turned into a movie.

Slammin' Sammy Sosa becomes the first player in major league history to hit 60 homers in a season twice when hits a sixth-inning solo shot off right-hander Jason Bere in the Cubs' 7-4 loss to the Brewers at Wrigley Field. The 30 year-old Dominican outfielder hit 66 home runs in last season's historic home run race with Mark McGwire.

Slammin’ Sammy Sosa becomes the first player in major league history to hit 60 homers in a season twice when hits a sixth-inning solo shot off right-hander Jason Bere in the Cubs’ 7-4 loss to the Brewers at Wrigley Field. The 30 year-old Dominican outfielder hit 66 home runs in last season’s historic home run race with Mark McGwire.

1999 – Jeff Bagwell slugs a two-run bomb off Rick Croushore to nip the Cardinals, 4-3. Chris Holt holds St. Louis in check except for Mark McGwire, who drills his 57th and 58th homers of the season. Billy Wagner earns his 37th save, breaking the club record set by Doug Jones in 1992. 

1999 – The Red Sox defeat the Blue Jays, 3 – 0, as Pedro Martinez fans 12 for his 22nd win. He joins Randy Johnson as the only pitchers to strike out at least 300 in both leagues, and breaks Roger Clemens’ club mark of 291 strikeouts.

With a crowd of 27,549 fans, the Yankees break the New York City season attendance record with a total of 3,072,009. The Mets had previously held the record when 3,047,724 turned the turnstiles in 1988.

By drawing 27,549 fans, the Yankees break the New York City season attendance record with a total of 3,072,009. The Mets had previously held the record when 3,047,724 turned the turnstiles in 1988.

In a 12-4 Orioles victory over the A’s at Camden Yards, Albert Belle becomes only the third player in baseball history to hit four doubles in one game twice during his career, and the first one to do so in one season. Along with the Baltimore designated hitter, Gavvy Cravath and Bill Werber are the two other major leaguers to accomplish the feat.

The Rangers beat the Athletics, 12 – 4, as Texas OF Juan Gonzalez strokes three home runs. Gonzalez adds a single and drives home five runs for the Rangers.

The Indians swamp the Blue Jays, 18 – 4. OF Manny Ramirez drives home 8 runs, on a single and two homers, for Cleveland.

The Astros defeat the Brewers, 9 – 4. Astros OF Bill Spiers is attacked by a fan in the 6th inning of the contest. His teammates leave the bench and bullpen to aid Spiers, who suffers a welt under his left eye and a bloody nose. He remains in the game, however. His assailant is charged with two counts of assault after being taken into custody.

For the first time in fifty years, a major leaguer drives in 159 runs when Manny Ramirez gets two RBIs in the Indians’ 9-6 victory over the Blue Jays at the SkyDome. The Cleveland right fielder, who will finish the season with 165 ribbies, matches Ted Williams’ and Vern Stephens’ output with the Red Sox in 1949.

1999 – Its payback time as the Rangers score eight runs in the 2nd inning on their way to beating the Athletics, 10 – 4.

1999 – The Cardinals lose to the Reds, 7 – 5, despite Mark McGwire’s 60th home run of the season. McGwire joins Sammy Sosa as the only players in history to reach the 60-homer mark twice. “Big Mac” will end the season with 147 RBIs on 145 hits, the only player in major league history (with 100 hits in a season) to have more ribbies than hits. Jay Buhner, in 1995, came closest with 121 RBIs and 123 hits.

Tigers play their last game at Tiger stadium

1999 – In the second game of doubleheader with Milwaukee, the first three batters for Pittsburgh are Adrian Brown (CF), Emil Brown (LF), and Brant Brown (1B). It’s brown ‘n serve as far as the Brewers go, downing the Bucs, 5 – 2.

Doug Glanville becomes the first Phillie player to collect 200 hits in a season since Pete Rose accomplished the feat twenty years ago. The center fielder reaches the milestone with a fourth inning three-run home run off Micah Bowie in Philadelphia’s 5-0 victory over Chicago at Veterans Stadium.

1999 – Daryle Ward blasts a two-run homer and Mike Hampton picks up his 21st win in a 4-1 triumph over Cincinnati. Billy Wagner turns a liner into a double play for the final outs. . It moves Houston back into a tie with the Reds for the division lead with three games to play. 

For the 23rd time this season, Diamondback fireballer Randy Johnson strikes out at least 10 batters to tie Nolan Ryan’s 1973 major league record for the most double-digit strikeout games in a season. The tall left-hander whiffs 11 Padres in seven innings in a 5 – 3 victory to bring his season-ending total to 364, which ranks fourth all-time.

Mets shortstop Rey Ordonez plays in his 96th consecutive game without committing an error, breaking Cal Ripken’s major league record for errorless games at that position. The flashy infielder will finish the season extending the record to 100 games.

The largest regular-season crowd in Candlestick Park history, 61,389 fans, watches the Dodgers beat the home team, 9-4 in the last baseball game to ever be played at the ‘Point’. Giant greats help mark the occasion with Juan Marichal tossing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game and Willie Mays throwing out the ballpark’s final pitch after the game.

For the twenty-third time this season, Diamondback fireballer Randy Johnson K’s at least 10 batters to tie Nolan Ryan’s 1973 major league record for the most double-digit strikeout games in a season. The tall left-hander whiffs 11 Padres in seven innings in a 5-3 victory to bring his season ending total to 364, which ranks fourth all-time.

Rick Reed strikes out 12 batters without issuing a walk, hurling a complete game three-hitter in the Mets’ 7-0 victory over Pittsburgh at Shea Stadium. The win puts New York into a tie for the NL Wild Card with the Reds with one game left in the season.

Mariano Rivera, although he gives up two hits, pitches a scoreless ninth inning, earning his 45th save of the season when the Yankees beat Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field, 3-2. The New York closer records more saves (45) than hits allowed (43) during his sixty-six appearances on the mound this season.

Vladimir Guerrero, in Montreal’s 13-3 rout of Philadelphia at Veterans Stadium, hits two home runs, and his brother Wilton hits one round-tripper, making it the second time in their careers the siblings have gone deep in the same game. The Expos teammates also accomplished the feat last season in Cincinnati.

1999 – Jose Lima wins his 21st game as he and Billy Wagner team to blank the Dodgers, 3-0. The victory, combined with a Cincinnati loss in Milwaukee, clinches a tie for the N.L. Central title. Craig Biggio homers off Chan Ho Park  then Bill Spiers adds a pinch two-run single to provide the winning margin. Wagner gets his 39th save, a team record at the time. 

 The Astros play their last regular-season game at the Astrodome and finish in style.

Mark McGwire

Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals hits his 65th home run, moving past Ted Williams and Willie McCovey

Al Leiter No Hitter

Rey Ordonez extends the major league record to 100 errorless games at shortstop and The New York Mets become the National League’s wild card team

The Houston Astros defeat the Atlanta Braves, 6 – 1, in the opener of their National League Division Series. Shane Reynolds gets the win for Houston, as 3B Ken Caminiti notches three hits, including a three-run home run.

The New York Mets defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 8 – 4, to take Game 1 of their NLDS. Edgardo Alfonzo hits two home runs for New York, including a game-winning grand slam with two outs in the 9th inning. Randy Johnson takes the loss for Arizona, his sixth consecutive defeat in postseason play.

The New York Yankees whitewash the Texas Rangers, 8 – 0, in Game 1 of their ALDS. Orlando Hernandez pitches a two-hitter for New York, while Bernie Williams hits a single, double and home run and collects six RBI.

Astros get the jump on Atlanta in Game One of the N.L.D.S. with a 6-1 victory. Tony Eusebio gives Houston an early lead with an RBI single off Greg Maddux. The Braves tie it but Daryle Ward takes Maddux deep for a 2-1 edge. Ken Caminiti’s three-run bomb in the ninth ices the game . Shane Reynolds gets the win. 

1999 – Astros lose a heartbreaking 12-inning affair to the Braves, 5-3, at the Dome. Brian Jordan is the star of Game Three, driving in all five Atlanta runs with a three-run homer and the game-winning double. Bill Spiers ties it up late  before Walt Weiss makes the most memorable play, stabbing a smash by Tony Eusebio with the bases loaded in the bottom of the tenth and throwing out Ken Caminiti at the plate to prevent an Astros win. 

1999 – Todd Pratt hits a 10th-inning home run off Matt Mantei to give the New York Mets a 4 – 3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 4 of the NLDS. The victory clinches the series for New York.

1999 – In the last major league game held at the Astrodome, the Astros run out of gas in a 7-5 loss to the Braves, ending the N.L.D.S. by dropping three of four . Houston falls behind, 7-0, before making a late charge. Tony Eusebio and Ken Caminiti belt home runs to make the game close  but the Astros come up short. 

1The Boston Red Sox set an all-time postseason record by scoring 23 runs in defeating the Cleveland Indians, 23 - 7

1The Boston Red Sox set an all-time postseason record by scoring 23 runs in defeating the Cleveland Indians, 23 – 7

An ailing Pedro Martinez no hits Indians forSix innings to win ALDS

An ailing Pedro Martinez no hits Indians forSix innings to win ALDS

1999 – Atlanta defeats the Mets, 4 – 2, in the opening game of the NLCS. Greg Maddux gets the win for Atlanta, as catcher Eddie Perez hits a home run.

The Atlanta Braves take a two-game lead over the Mets in the NLCS with a 4 – 3 victory. The Braves score all four of their runs in the 6th inning on a pair of home runs by Brian Jordan and Eddie Perez off Mets starter Kenny Rogers. Kevin Millwood gets the win for Atlanta, with John Smoltz making his first relief appearance ever to get the save.

The Yankees defeat the Boston Red Sox in the opener of the American League Championship Series, 4 – 3, in 10 innings. Boston blows a 3 – 0 lead, as Bernie Williams hits a home run off reliever Rod Beck.

The Boston Red Sox roll over the Yankees, 13 - 1, behind the strong pitching of Pedro Martinez. Nomar Garciaparra gets four hits for Boston, while John Valentin get five RBI. Garciaparra, Valentin and Brian Daubach all hit home runs for the Sox. The Yankees now lead the ALCS, 2 games to 1

The Boston Red Sox roll over the Yankees, 13 – 1, behind the strong pitching of Pedro Martinez. Nomar Garciaparra gets four hits for Boston, while John Valentin get five RBI. Garciaparra, Valentin and Brian Daubach all hit home runs for the Sox. The Yankees now lead the ALCS, 2 games to 1

The New York Mets trip the Atlanta Braves, 3 – 2, to stay alive in the NLCS. John Olerud has all three New York runs with a solo home run in the 6th inning, and a two-run single off John Rocker in the 8th. Brian Jordan and Ryan Klesko hit back-to-back homers in the 8th for the Braves’ two runs. Rick Reed, the Mets starter, shuts out Atlanta over the first seven innings on a single hit.

Robin Ventura hits a walk off “Grand Slam Single”

The Yankees win their record 36th pennant when the team beats the Red Sox, 6-1, in Game 5 of the ALCS. Orlando Hernandez blanks Boston into the eighth inning with Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada providing the offense punch with two-run round-trippers, respectively in the first and ninth frames of the Fenway Park contest.

The Braves stroll into a World Series berth with their 10-9 walk-off victory against the Mets at Turner Field in Game 6 of the NLCS. Atlanta has their ticket punched to the Fall Classic when Kenny Rogers issues a base on balls to Andruw Jones with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 11th inning to force in Gerald Williams with winning run.

Boston eye doctor Carmen Puliafito offers free surgery for Major League umpires during the postseason after umpires blow three calls against the Red Sox during the ALCS. Puliafito, who chairs the ophthalmology department at the Tufts University School of Medicine, suspects some umpires are secretly nearsighted. “That’s the only explanation I have for these three horrible calls.”

The Colorado Rockies hire Buddy Bell as their new manager.

1999 – Off-seasons can be hazardous to your health. Ken Caminiti finds this out falling out of a deer stand while hunting near Laredo. He fractures three vertebrae and will spend the next two months healing his aching back.

Chad Curtis leads off the tenth inning with his second home run of the game, giving the Yankees a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory over the Braves, and a commanding 3-0 lead in the World Series. The outfielder becomes the 11th player to end a Fall Classic game with a round-tripper when he goes deep off Atlanta reliever Mike Remlinger.

Roger Clemens pitches the New York Yankees to their second straight World Series sweep

Atlanta Braves coach Don Baylor is hired as the Chicago Cubs’ manager.

The Cleveland Indians hire hitting coach Charlie Manuel as their new manager.

In a ten-player megatrade, the Texas Rangers send outfielder Juan Gonzalez, pitcher Danny Patterson and catcher Gregg Zaun to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Ps Justin Thompson, Alan Webb and Francisco Cordero, OF Gabe Kapler, C Bill Haselman, and IF Frank Catalanotto.

Ken Griffey Jr., who wants to be nearer his family in Orlando, asks the Mariners to move him to a team that is closer to Florida

Ken Griffey Jr., who wants to be nearer his family in Orlando, asks the Mariners to move him to a team that is closer to Florida

In a nine-player deal, the Rangers trade superstar Juan Gonzalez along with pitcher Danny Patterson and catcher Greg Zaun to the Tigers for pitchers Justin Thompson, Alan Webb, and Francisco Cordero, outfielder Gabe Kapler, catcher Bill ​Haselman, and infielder Frank Catalanotto.

The Milwaukee Brewers hire Davey Lopes as their new manager.

Larry Dolan agrees to buy the Cleveland Indians from Richard Jacobs for $320 million. The sale is subject to approval by major league owners. If approved, the deal will be a record for a baseball franchise. The O’Malley family sold the Dodgers to the FOX division of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation for $311 million in 1998.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson wins the National League Cy Young Award, his fifth overall and fourth in a row

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson wins the National League Cy Young Award, his fifth overall and fourth in a row

Cincinnati Reds reliever Scott Williamson is named Rookie of the Year in the National League

The Dodgers trade disgruntled outfielder Raúl Mondesi and pitcher Pedro Borbón, Jr. to Toronto for OF Shawn Green and IF Jorge Núñez. Green said he wanted to play in a metropolitan city with a large Jewish population, but apparently the California native didn’t include Toronto in that category.

The U.S. House of Representatives passes a resolution calling for Shoeless Joe Jackson to be honored. The resolution stops short of calling for his induction into the Hall of Fame. "It is worthy for this body to take a few minutes to stand up for fairness and right an old wrong," said Rep. Jim DeMint, the author of the resolution who represents Jackson's hometown of Greenville, SC. Jackson was eligible for the Hall of Fame until 1991 but was never voted in either by the Baseball Writers Association of America or the Veterans Committee. In 1991, the Hall's board adopted a resolution prohibiting players on the permanently banned list. The resolution will now go to the US Senate.

The U.S. House of Representatives passes a resolution calling for Shoeless Joe Jackson to be honored. The resolution stops short of calling for his induction into the Hall of Fame. “It is worthy for this body to take a few minutes to stand up for fairness and right an old wrong,” said Rep. Jim DeMint, the author of the resolution who represents Jackson’s hometown of Greenville, SC. Jackson was eligible for the Hall of Fame until 1991 but was never voted in either by the Baseball Writers Association of America or the Veterans Committee. In 1991, the Hall’s board adopted a resolution prohibiting players on the permanently banned list. The resolution will now go to the US Senate.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran is named the American League Rookie of the Year

Kansas City Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran is named the American League Rookie of the Year

1999 – Jack McKeon of the Cincinnati Reds is named the National League Manager of the Year.

Jimy Williams of the Boston Red Sox is named the American League Manager of the Year.

Toronto trades pitchers Pat Hentgen and Paul Spoljaric to the Cardinals in exchange for P Lance Painter, C Alberto Castillo and P Matt DeWitt.

Randy Johnson of the Seattle Mariners pitches the first no-hitter in the history of the franchise

Randy Johnson wins the N.L. Cy Young Award despite five fewer wins than runner-up Mike Hampton 

Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez is named the unanimous winner of the American League Cy Young Award. He led AL pitchers in wins (23), strikeouts (313) and ERA (2.07). Martinez also won the award in the National League in 1997, just the third pitcher to do so in both leagues.

The St. Louis Cardinals obtain pitchers Darryl Kile, Dave Veres and Luther Hackman from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for infielder Brent Butler and pitchers Jose Jimenez, Manny Aybar and Rick Croushore.

1999 – Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who hit .319 with 45 home runs and 110 RBI, wins the National League MVP Award. Jones becomes the fifth Braves player to be so honored, joining Johnny Evers (1914), Bob Elliott (1947), Hank Aaron (1957) Dale Murphy (1982 and 1983) and Terry Pendleton (1991).

The Anaheim Angels hire Mike Scioscia as their new manager.

In a trade of relievers, Colorado sends Curt Leskanic to Milwaukee for Mike Myers.

The Baltimore Orioles sign free agent pitcher Mike Trombley to a three-year contract.

Jeff Bagwell finishes second in the voting for N.L. Most Valuable Player but Atlanta’s Chipper Jones is the runaway winner. Bagwell receives one first-place vote. 

pudge ivan rodriguez

Texas Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez wins the American League MVP Award.

1999 – Free agent pitcher Russ Springer is signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks to a two-year contract.

1999 – Arbitrator Alan Symonette rejects the owners’ attempt to dismiss the umpires’ grievance, giving the 22 umps booted as a result of last season’s disastrous mass resignation strategy a chance to get their jobs back. Symonette will hear the grievance beginning December 13th.

Braves minor leaguer Roger Blanco is killed by robbers in Catia La Mar, Venezuela.

Members of the Major League Umpires Association vote 57-35 to form a new union, with one vote voided because the umpire signed his ballot. The National Labor Relations Board will certify the election results in seven days, if there are no objections. But, Jerry Crawford, the president of the old union, says objections are likely to be filed.

Pete Rose launches a new web site, allowing fans to add their names to a petition to vote for his reinstatement. He was banned from the game for gambling in August 1989.

1999 – The Philadelphia Phillies sign free agent relief pitcher Mike Jackson to a contract.

1999 – Major League Baseball and ESPN agree to settle their lawsuit by signing a new six-year, $800 million deal. The suit involved ESPN’s decision to give NFL football games priority over late-season Sunday night baseball games on its main channel.

1999 – In a disappointment to the Mets‚ the Mariners sign free agent 1B John Olerud to a three-year contract.

The Mariners sign Mets’ free-agent first baseman John Olerud to a $20-million, three-year deal. The former Washington State University All-American will garner a Gold Glove in each of his three seasons in Seattle, and he will play a pivotal role in the team’s historic 116-46 campaign in 2001, compiling a .401 on-base percentage.

1999 – The Rockies sign free agent OF Tom Goodwin to a three-year contract.

1999 – The Orioles sign free agent DH Harold Baines to a contract.

The Mets obtain P Jesse Orosco from the Orioles in exchange for P Chuck McElroy. The 43-year-old Orosco last played for the Mets in 1987.

The Cubs sign free agent C Joe Girardi, late of the Yankees, to a three-year contract.

Babe Ruth is voted Player of the Century by an Associated Press panel. Willie Mays comes in second.

1999 – The Cubs obtain OF Damon Buford from the Red Sox in exchange for IF Manny Alexander.

The Royals obtain IF Jeff Reboulet from the Orioles for a player to be named.

The Phillies obtain P Chris Brock from the Giants in exchange for C Bobby Estalella.

The Cubs obtain P Ismael Valdes (9-14) and 2B Eric Young from the Dodgers for pitchers Terry Adams and Chad Ricketts, and a player to be named. Despite missing 40 games, Young swiped 51 bases in 1999.

The Rangers obtain OF Chad Curtis from the Yankees in exchange for minor league pitchers Sam Marsonek and Brandon Knight.

The Marlins obtain OF Brant Brown from the Pirates in exchange for OF Bruce Aven.

The Diamondbacks obtain P Brad Clontz from the Pirates for a player to be named.

The Devil Rays sign free agent OF Greg Vaughn to a 4-year contract.

Red Sox P Tom Gordon has ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow, and will miss the 2000 season. According to the Red Sox, there is only a 15% to 20% chance that he will ever pitch again, but he will beat those odds and pitch until 2009, when he is done at age 41.

In what is believed to be baseball’s first 4-team swap since 1985, the Rockies obtain 3B Jeff Cirillo, P Rolando Arrojo and Scott Karl, and IF Aaron Ledesma, the Devil Rays obtain 3B Vinny Castilla, the Brewers obtain P Jamey Wright and Jimmy Haynes and C Henry Blanco, and the Athletics obtain P Justin Miller.

1999 – Today’s transactions include Pittsburgh signing free agent OF Wil Cordero to a three-year contract worth $9 million; the Royals signing free agent C Brian Johnson to a contract; in a swap of unrelated Everetts, the Boston Red Sox obtaining OF Carl from the Astros in exchange for SS Adam and P Greg Miller, and the Royals also obtaining OF Todd Dunwoody from the Marlins in exchange for 1B Sean McNally.

1999 – Outfielder Carl Everett is traded to Boston for infielder Adam Everett and pitcher Greg Miller. In two seasons, Carl Everett blossoms from a reserve outfielder to a star. In 1999, he bats .325 with 25 homers and 108 RBIs. Adam Everett would hit .248 with 35 homers over seven seasons in Houston. 

The Indians sign free agent P Chuck Finley to a three-year contract.

The Cardinals sign free agent C Mike Matheny to a contract.

The Brewers sign free agent IF Jose Hernandez to a three-year contract.

The Orioles sign free agent C Greg Myers to a two-year contract.

The Mariners sign all-time Japanese League saves leader Kazuhiro Sasaki to a two-year contract.

The Dodgers sign free agent and former Dodger star P Orel Hershiser to a contract.

1999 – The Dodgers are fined $50,000 and banned from scouting any Dominican Republic players for one year as a penalty for having signed third baseman Adrian Beltre as a 15-year-old. Beltre is not given his free agency, according to Commissioner Bud Selig, because he participated in the scheme, and because the claim for free agency was made too late. The players association is expected to file a grievance in the matter, but the ruling will stand.

The Montreal Expos obtain P Hideki Irabu from the New York Yankees in exchange for P Jake Westbrook and two players to be named, Ps Christian Parker and Ted Lilly. Both Westbrook and Lilly will become All-Stars while Irabu will win 2 games in two seasons in Montreal before being released for disciplinary reasons.

The Boston Red Sox sign free agent P Jeff Fassero to a contract and the Baltimore Orioles sign P Buddy Groom for two years.

The Atlanta Braves obtain 2B Quilvio Veras, 1B Wally Joyner, and OF Reggie Sanders from the San Diego Padres in exchange for 1B Ryan Klesko, 2B Bret Boone, and P Jason Shiell.

P Kip Wells, drafted in the first round by the Chicago White Sox, finally signs for $1.495 million plus an invite to the White Sox spring camp.

John Rocker SI

In an interview in Si John Rocker offends everyone.

1999 – The New York Mets obtain pitcher Mike Hampton and outfielder Derek Bell from the Houston Astros in exchange for outfielder Roger Cedeño and pitchers Octavio Dotel and Kyle Kessel.

1999 – Lefthander Mike Hampton and outfielder Derek Bell are traded to the Mets for pitcher Octavio Dotel and outfielder Roger Cedeno. It’s primarily a financial move that causes the Astros to part with their 22-game winner. While Dotel would flourish, Cedeno would be gone after one season in Houston, batting .282 in 74 games. 

Episode 2 – Daily Rewind Willie Mays goes to the Hall of Fame