Strike Over – Dodgers and Marlins play ball
On April 25, 1995, baseball returns after a 234-day strike. The Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers play the first game since the strike began in 1994.
Pittsburgh Pirates release Tim Wakefield, who posted an 8-1 record in 1993 and was named the National League rookie pitcher of the year
The Pittsburgh Pirates release Tim Wakefield, who posted an 8-1 record in 1993 and was named the National League rookie pitcher of the year. The knuckleballer started the 1994 opener, but spent most of the season with the Buffalo Bisons of the International League, going 5-15, and was shelled in his only start this spring. Wakefield will be picked up by the Boston Red Sox and will revive his career there.
Jeff Reardon announces his retirement
Relief pitcher Jeff Reardon announces his retirement. His 367 career saves rank him second on the all-time list.
The 1955 Flag Belongs in Brooklyn
Peter O’Malley donates the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 1955 World Championship banner to the borough in which it was won, saying, “The flag belongs in Brooklyn.”
1959 American League Rookie of the Year Bob Allison dies at the age of 60
On April 9, 1995, former major leaguer Bob Allison dies at the age of 60. The 1959 American League Rookie of the Year played 13 years for the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins, hitting 256 home runs. He reached the 100-RBI mark in 1961 and ’62.
Free agents signed include outfielder Larry Walker and pitcher Bill Swift by the Rockies, and pitcher Orel Hershiser by the Indians. In other transactions, the Red Sox trade third baseman Scott Cooper, pitcher Cory Bailey, and a player to be named to the Cardinals, in exchange for outfielder Mark Whiten and pitcher Rheal Cormier.
Free agents signed include outfielder Larry Walker and pitcher Bill Swift by the Rockies, and pitcher Orel Hershiser by the Indians. In other transactions, the Red Sox trade third baseman Scott Cooper, pitcher Cory Bailey, and a player to be named to the Cardinals, in exchange for outfielder Mark Whiten and pitcher Rheal Cormier.
The Blue Jays acquire David Cone (16-5) from the Royals in exchange for infielders Chris Stynes and Anthony Medrano‚ and P David Sinnes.
The Blue Jays acquire David Cone (16-5) from the Royals in exchange for infielders Chris Stynes and Anthony Medrano‚ and P David Sinnes.
The Braves obtain OF Marquis Grissom from the Expos in exchange for outfielders Roberto Kelly and Tony Tarasco and P Esteban Yan.
The Braves obtain OF Marquis Grissom from the Expos in exchange for outfielders Roberto Kelly and Tony Tarasco and P Esteban Yan.
New York Yankees acquire relief ace John Wetteland from the Montreal Expos
On April 5, 1995, the New York Yankees acquire relief ace John Wetteland from the Montreal Expos for minor league outfielder Fernando Seguignol, a player to be named later, and cash. Wetteland will help the Yankees to the World Championship in 1996.
The longest strike in major league history comes to an end.
1995 – The longest strike in major league history comes to an end. Having the first 23 days of this major league season canceled and 252 games of the last season lost, the owners accept the players’ March 31st unconditional offer to return to work. The players’ decision to return to work is made after a US District Court issued an injunction restoring terms and conditions of the expired agreement. Teams will play 144-game schedules. The strike had begun on August 12, 1994.
