In New York’s Opening Day 4-2 victory over Chicago, Reggie Jackson hits a three-run homer in the first inning, his fourth consecutive round-tripper at Yankee Stadium, after going deep three times in last year’s Fall Classic finale. The game is delayed as the crowd celebrates by showering the field with Reggie! Bars, a chocolate and peanut candy bar with a picture of the slugger swinging a bat, that was given to every fan entering the game.

ByTom

In New York’s Opening Day 4-2 victory over Chicago, Reggie Jackson hits a three-run homer in the first inning, his fourth consecutive round-tripper at Yankee Stadium, after going deep three times in last year’s Fall Classic finale. The game is delayed as the crowd celebrates by showering the field with Reggie! Bars, a chocolate and peanut candy bar with a picture of the slugger swinging a bat, that was given to every fan entering the game.

Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle

On Opening Day, Roger Maris returns to Yankee Stadium for the first time since being traded to the Cardinals in 1966. The prodigal son, who has shunned many previous invitations, returns to help Mickey Mantle hoist the club’s World Champion flag due to the promise of team owner George Steinbrenner to install sod and lights for the baseball field at his children’s school in Gainesville, Florida.

ByTom

On Opening Day, Roger Maris returns to Yankee Stadium for the first time since being traded to the Cardinals in 1966. The prodigal son, who has shunned many previous invitations, returns to help Mickey Mantle hoist the club’s World Champion flag due to the promise of team owner George Steinbrenner to install sod and lights for the baseball field at his children’s school in Gainesville, Florida.

The Milwaukee Brewers complete a stunning season-opening, three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles by scores of 11 – 3, 16 – 3, and 13 – 5. Sixto Lezcano, Gorman Thomas, and Cecil Cooper provided the Brewers with a grand slam in each game to set a major league record.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Milwaukee Brewers complete a stunning season-opening, three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles by scores of 11 – 3, 16 – 3, and 13 – 5. Sixto Lezcano, Gorman Thomas, and Cecil Cooper provided the Brewers with a grand slam in each game to set a major league record.

CharlieFinley

U.S. Court of Appeals upholds an earlier court decision in support of Commissioner Bowie Kuhn’s voiding of attempted player sales by Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley in June 1976. Finley’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court will be rejected on October 2nd.

ByTom

1978 – The U.S. Court of Appeals upholds an earlier court decision in support of Commissioner Bowie Kuhn’s voiding of attempted player sales by Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley in June 1976. Finley’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court will be rejected on October 2nd.

On opening day the Astros pull off the first triple play begun with a strikeout
|

On opening day the Astros pull off the first triple play begun with a strikeout

ByThis Day in Baseball

1978 – The traditional Opening Day in Cincinnati is an 11-9 loss to the Reds. Terry Puhl begins the season with a leadoff homer against Tom Seaver and is later joined by Cesar Cedeno and Joe Ferguson in the longball department. Ferguson also starts a triple play when he catches strike three from Joe Sambito, throws out George Foster stealing second then watches Joe Morgan get caught in a rundown between third and home. 

The Expos reveal their new mascot named Souki, an odd looking character wearing an Expos uniform below a giant baseball head that has antennae. The Mr. Met-like figure, whose rights sells for fifty dollars, will be released after one season, after proving to be unpopular with the fans due to his strange looks and quirky behavior.

ByBaseball

The Expos reveal their new mascot named Souki, an odd looking character wearing an Expos uniform below a giant baseball head that has antennae. The Mr. Met-like figure, whose rights sells for fifty dollars, will be released after one season, after proving to be unpopular with the fans due to his strange looks and quirky behavior.

Boston Red Sox acquire pitcher Dennis Eckersley and catcher Fred Kendall from the Cleveland Indians

Boston Red Sox acquire pitcher Dennis Eckersley and catcher Fred Kendall from the Cleveland Indians

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 30, 1978 —  The Boston Red Sox acquire pitcher Dennis Eckersley and catcher Fred Kendall from the Cleveland Indians for pitchers Rick Wise and Mike Paxton, catcher Bo Diaz and infielder Ted Cox. Eckersley will win 20 games this year. Eckersley, will also finish 4th and 7th respectively in the Cy Young race…

Oakland A’s release veteran first baseman Dick Allen ending his 15-year career

Oakland A’s release veteran first baseman Dick Allen ending his 15-year career

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 28, 1978, The Oakland A’s release veteran first baseman Dick Allen, ending his 15-year career. The Wampum, Pennsylvania native finishes his stormy relationship with major league baseball with 351 HRs, 1,192 RBIs, and a .292 batting average. The highlight of Allen’s career occurred in 1972, when he earned the MVP Award with the…

1978 – Oakland Athletics owner Charley Finley cancels the deal that would have sent the team to Denver, Colorado, under the sponsorship of oil magnate Marvin Davis. Objecting to some of the details, Finley decides to call off negotiations.

ByTom

1978 – Oakland Athletics owner Charley Finley cancels the deal that would have sent the team to Denver, Colorado, under the sponsorship of oil magnate Marvin Davis. Objecting to some of the details, Finley decides to call off negotiations.

Red Sox rookie pitcher Bobby Sprowl was shot in the right arm while sleeping in his Winter Haven hotel room
|

Red Sox rookie pitcher Bobby Sprowl was shot in the right arm while sleeping in his Winter Haven hotel room

ByThis Day in Baseball

March 25, 1978: Red Sox rookie pitcher Bobby Sprowl was shot in the right arm while sleeping in his Winter Haven hotel room; the shot came through the wall from the adjacent room and kicked off a bad season for Sprowl who was shelled by the Yankees during the “Boston Massacre” on September 10 he…