The Milwaukee Brewers, after a disappointing 0-4 start on the road, get into the winner’s circle in front of US President George W. Bush, as they beat the Cincinnati Reds 5 – 4, in the first game played at Miller Park. Cincinnati’s Sean Casey hits the park’s first home run, but Richie Sexson’s home run in the 8th inning breaks a 4 – 4 deadlock, giving Milwaukee the victory.
On April 4, 2001, Hideo Nomo of the Boston Red Sox pitches the second no-hitter of his career – a 3-0 whitewash of the Baltimore Orioles. In making his Red Sox’ debut, Nomo becomes only the fourth pitcher in major league history to hurl no-hitters in both leagues, joining Jim Bunning, Nolan Ryan, and Cy Young in exclusive company.
For the first time since June 7, 1995, the Indians do not have a sellout crowd at Jacobs Field. The streak of 455 games of consecutive full houses, a major league record, will be broken by the Boston Red Sox in 2008.
2001 – Craig Biggio returns from knee surgery in style with the first five-hit game of his career during an 11-3 Opening Day win against Milwaukee, scoring three times. Daryle Ward and Chris Truby belt homers.
For the first time in major league history, a Japanese position player participates in a regular season game. Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, hitless in his first three at-bats, singles in the 7th inning to ignite a two-run rally, and bunts for another single in the 8th in his debut at Safeco Field. He will go on the be both the American League Rookie of the Year and MVP this year.
On Opening Day, New York Yankees fireballer Roger Clemens becomes the all-time American League career strikeout leader, passing Walter Johnson. Kansas City Royalsinfielder Joe Randa is his 3,509th victim. Clemens now takes over the seventh spot in major league history from Johnson.
San Francisco Giants starter Livan Hernandez beats the San Diego Padres, 3 – 2, with relief help from Robb Nen, who strikes outs the three batters he faces. Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn collects his 3,110th hit, tying him with Dave Winfield on the all-time list. With his start today, Gwynn becomes the fifth player in National League history to spend 20+ years while playing his entire career with one team. The others are: Cap Anson (1871-1897 Cubs), Mel Ott (1926-1947 Giants), Stan Musial (1941-1944, 1946-1963 Cardinals), and Willie Stargell (1962-1982 Pirates).
In the first major league game ever played in Puerto Rico, the Blue Jays defeat the Rangers, 8-1, in the major league season opener. In his debut with Texas, $252 million shortstop Alex Rodriguez gets the season’s first hit and scores the first run, but also makes a throwing error on his first chance.
2001 – After 31 years in Three Rivers Stadium, the Pittsburgh Pirates move into their new $262 million home at PNC Park, losing to the New York Mets, 4 – 3, in an exhibition game. The 38,000 seat stadium is nestled at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers with a spectacular view of the city.
The New York Mets’ #3 prospect, Brian Cole, aged 22, is killed when the SUV he is driving home to Mississippi from spring training flips over. Cole, who stole 69 bases the previous year, was voted the organization’s player of the year in 2000.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!