In a decision seen as one of the most influential and precedent-setting cases in the history of American jurisprudence in regards to professional sports, a federal court rules in favor of Bowie Kuhn’s decision to void the 1976 sale of A’s players by Charlie Finley. The Oakland owner sued the commissioner for illegal restraint of trade when his deals to send Joe Rudi and Rollie Fingers to the Red Sox for $2 million and Vida Blue to the Yankees for $1.5 million were invalidated “in the best interests of baseball.”

ByTom

In a decision seen as one of the most influential and precedent-setting cases in the history of American jurisprudence in regards to professional sports, a federal court rules in favor of Bowie Kuhn’s decision to void the 1976 sale of A’s players by Charlie Finley. The Oakland owner sued the commissioner for illegal restraint of trade when his deals to send Joe Rudi and Rollie Fingers to the Red Sox for $2 million and Vida Blue to the Yankees for $1.5 million were invalidated “in the best interests of baseball.”

At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the umpires walk off the field in the fourth inning to protest the Braves showing a controversial play on the ballpark’s massive instant replay screen that involves Houston’s Bob Watson scoring on a close play at the plate. Team executive Bill Lucas persuades the crew, which includes Terry Tata, Ed Sudol, Dick Stello, and Bruce Froemming, to return the field, after assuring the arbitrators the incident would not occur again.

ByTom

At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the umpires walk off the field in the fourth inning to protest the Braves showing a controversial play on the ballpark’s massive instant replay screen that involves Houston’s Bob Watson scoring on a close play at the plate. Team executive Bill Lucas persuades the crew, which includes Terry Tata, Ed Sudol, Dick Stello, and Bruce Froemming, to return the field, after assuring the arbitrators the incident would not occur again.

Regulations force Oakland Athletics pitcher Vida Blue to discard his old, discolored lucky cap because it is no longer identical in color, trim and style to those of his teammates.

ByBaseball

Regulations force Oakland Athletics pitcher Vida Blue to discard his old, discolored lucky cap because it is no longer identical in color, trim and style to those of his teammates.

1977 – At Fenway Park, the Cleveland Indians (13) and the Boston Red Sox (6) establish a major league record for the most runs scored by both teams in one inning. The 8th-inning barrage proves to be too much for Boston as Cleveland beats the home team, 19 – 9.

ByTom

1977 – At Fenway Park, the Cleveland Indians (13) and the Boston Red Sox (6) establish a major league record for the most runs scored by both teams in one inning. The 8th-inning barrage proves to be too much for Boston as Cleveland beats the home team, 19 – 9.

“I have never seen such stupid ballplaying in my life.” – RAY KROC, the Padres owner, addressing the fans on the PA system during the home opener at San Diego Stadium.During the home opener against Houston at San Diego Stadium, Ray Kroc, the Padres’ new owner, uses the ballpark’s public address system to thank the fans and berate the players for their poor play. At the start of the fast-food tycoon’s eighth-inning tirade, a streaker jumps over the railing of the stands in left field and runs haphazardly across the field.

ByTom

“I have never seen such stupid ballplaying in my life.” – RAY KROC, the Padres owner, addressing the fans on the PA system during the home opener at San Diego Stadium.During the home opener against Houston at San Diego Stadium, Ray Kroc, the Padres’ new owner, uses the ballpark’s public address system to thank the fans and berate the players for their poor play. At the start of the fast-food tycoon’s eighth-inning tirade, a streaker jumps over the railing of the stands in left field and runs haphazardly across the field.

The Seattle Mariners record their first win by defeating the California Angels, 7 – 6, at the Kingdome. Bob Stinson and Larry Milbourneeach hit run-scoring doubles in the 9th inning to seal the victory. Bill Laxton is the winning pitcher.

ByBaseball

The Seattle Mariners record their first win by defeating the California Angels, 7 – 6, at the Kingdome. Bob Stinson and Larry Milbourneeach hit run-scoring doubles in the 9th inning to seal the victory. Bill Laxton is the winning pitcher.

The Toronto Blue Jays play their first game ever

The Toronto Blue Jays play their first game ever

ByTom

At Exhibition Stadium, the Toronto Blue Jays play their first game ever with a victory against the Chicago White Sox, 9 – 5. In his first major league at-bat Toronto’s Al Woods becomes the first player to pinch-hit a home run on Opening Day and rookie Doug Ault homers twice, in the 1st and 5th innings, off Francisco Barrios. Snowflakes are seen during the game.

Despite a snowfall of 4 inches this morning‚ the Reds open against the Padres‚ winning 5 – 3. The snow‚ which stops falling at 11:30 is cleared out of the stadium a half hour before the game’s start.

ByBaseball

Despite a snowfall of 4 inches this morning‚ the Reds open against the Padres‚ winning 5 – 3. The snow‚ which stops falling at 11:30 is cleared out of the stadium a half hour before the game’s start.