1995 – A number of Major League Baseball teams open their season, reduced to 144 games because of the strike. Coors Field, the National League’s first new baseball-only park in 23 years, opens in dramatic fashion in Denver, Colorado, as Dante Bichette of the Rockies hits a three-run home run to defeat the visiting Mets in 14 innings, 11 – 9, tying the National League record for most innings played in a season opener.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1995 – A number of Major League Baseball teams open their season, reduced to 144 games because of the strike. Coors Field, the National League’s first new baseball-only park in 23 years, opens in dramatic fashion in Denver, Colorado, as Dante Bichette of the Rockies hits a three-run home run to defeat the visiting Mets in 14 innings, 11 – 9, tying the National League record for most innings played in a season opener.

Pittsburgh Pirates release Tim Wakefield, who posted an 8-1 record in 1993 and was named the National League rookie pitcher of the year

Pittsburgh Pirates release Tim Wakefield, who posted an 8-1 record in 1993 and was named the National League rookie pitcher of the year

ByThis Day in Baseball

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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The Braves obtain OF Marquis Grissom from the Expos in exchange for outfielders Roberto Kelly and Tony Tarasco and P Esteban Yan.