2001 – In what is believed to be an historical first, 68 major league umpires participate in a pre-season session to practice calling strikes as defined by the rule book. With the help of minor league players wearing tapes nine inches above their belts, the men in blue get a good look at pitches, normally called balls, which now will considered a strike as the correct interpretation of the zone will be enforced this upcoming season.

ByTom

2001 – In what is believed to be an historical first, 68 major league umpires participate in a pre-season session to practice calling strikes as defined by the rule book. With the help of minor league players wearing tapes nine inches above their belts, the men in blue get a good look at pitches, normally called balls, which now will considered a strike as the correct interpretation of the zone will be enforced this upcoming season.

In an effort to conserve electricity during California’s energy crisis, the Angels turn off Edison International Field’s Big A and the Little A signs. The landmark beacons, that had been usually illuminated 24 hours a day, now will be turned on only for stadium events.

ByTom

In an effort to conserve electricity during California’s energy crisis, the Angels turn off Edison International Field’s Big A and the Little A signs. The landmark beacons, that had been usually illuminated 24 hours a day, now will be turned on only for stadium events.

2001 – US President George W. Bush, in an interview with the Associated Press, says he is worried about baseball’s labor contract, which expires on October 31st. Bush, once managing partner of the Texas Rangers, left the job to run for governor of Texas in 1994. He suggests, “Get rid of arbitration if possible and have, maybe, free agency occur at an earlier time, and if there’s three shortstops and two bidders the price goes down, and vice versa, it goes up.”

ByTom

2001 – US President George W. Bush, in an interview with the Associated Press, says he is worried about baseball’s labor contract, which expires on October 31st. Bush, once managing partner of the Texas Rangers, left the job to run for governor of Texas in 1994. He suggests, “Get rid of arbitration if possible and have, maybe, free agency occur at an earlier time, and if there’s three shortstops and two bidders the price goes down, and vice versa, it goes up.”

Hall of fame Dave Winfield and Kirby Puckett

Outfielders Dave Winfield and Kirby Puckett are elected to the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility

ByThis Day in Baseball

Outfielders Dave Winfield and Kirby Puckett are elected to the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. The former Minnesota Twins are the fourth pair of teammates selected by BBWAA in the same year.

Jim Deshaies, former Astro lefthander and current broadcaster, receives one vote in the Hall of Fame balloting

ByThis Day in Baseball

Jim Deshaies, former Astro lefthander and current broadcaster, receives one vote in the Hall of Fame balloting. It comes from local sportswriter John Lopez. Deshaies receives notoriety for a humorous website openly promoting his candidacy for Cooperstown. At least he would have worn an Astros cap. 

2001 – The Chicago White Sox obtain pitchers David Wells and Matt DeWitt from the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Mike Sirotka, Kevin Beirne and Mike Williams, and outfielder Brian Simmons. Sirotka, the key player obtained by the Jays, will turn out to be injured and will never pitch in the majors again.

ByTom

2001 – The Chicago White Sox obtain pitchers David Wells and Matt DeWitt from the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Mike Sirotka, Kevin Beirne and Mike Williams, and outfielder Brian Simmons. Sirotka, the key player obtained by the Jays, will turn out to be injured and will never pitch in the majors again.

2001 – Major League Baseball announces that the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays will open the season in Puerto Rico, marking the third straight year the season will begin outside the United States and Canada.

ByTom

2001 – Major League Baseball announces that the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays will open the season in Puerto Rico, marking the third straight year the season will begin outside the United States and Canada.

2001 – David Cone agrees to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. The former Cy Young Award winner could make between $4 million and $5 million with Boston, compared to a $500,000 guaranteed-offer made by the Yankees, if he makes the roster and pitches regularly during the season. He will win just 9 games in 25 starts.

ByTom

2001 – David Cone agrees to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. The former Cy Young Award winner could make between $4 million and $5 million with Boston, compared to a $500,000 guaranteed-offer made by the Yankees, if he makes the roster and pitches regularly during the season. He will win just 9 games in 25 starts.