The text of the letter signed by 40 Hall of Famers and sent to baseball commissioner Bud Selig and union head Donald Fehr urges all sides “to protect the game we all love and have given so much to, we suggest you agree to a qualified mediator that will allow you to find the common ground necessary to avoid a work stoppage” is released. The former outstanding players, who include Reggie Jackson, Willie Mays and Warren Spahn, believe another work stoppage would be a terrible mistake.

The text of the letter signed by 40 Hall of Famers and sent to baseball commissioner Bud Selig and union head Donald Fehr urges all sides “to protect the game we all love and have given so much to, we suggest you agree to a qualified mediator that will allow you to find the common ground necessary to avoid a work stoppage” is released. The former outstanding players, who include Reggie Jackson, Willie Mays and Warren Spahn, believe another work stoppage would be a terrible mistake.

After playing the annual Hall of Fame exhibition game in Cooperstown, the White Sox and Rockies announce a trade which sends veteran catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to Colorado, with right-hander class A minor-league pitcher Enemencio Pacheco going to Chicago.

After playing the annual Hall of Fame exhibition game in Cooperstown, the White Sox and Rockies announce a trade which sends veteran catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to Colorado, with right-hander class A minor-league pitcher Enemencio Pacheco going to Chicago.

The Phillies trade 27 year-old third baseman Scott Rolen along with minor league reliever Doug Nickle to the Cardinals in exchange for infielder Placido Polanco, southpaw Bud Smith, and reliever Mike Timlin. Reportedly, the former Philadelphia third sacker rejected a ten-year pact estimated to be worth $140 million, due to his feud with manager Larry Bowa.

The Phillies trade 27 year-old third baseman Scott Rolen along with minor league reliever Doug Nickle to the Cardinals in exchange for infielder Placido Polanco, southpaw Bud Smith, and reliever Mike Timlin. Reportedly, the former Philadelphia third sacker rejected a ten-year pact estimated to be worth $140 million, due to his feud with manager Larry Bowa.

The Indians send P Paul Shuey to the Dodgers. In return, the Tribe gets P Terry Mulholland and minor league pitchers Ricardo Rodriguez and Francisco Cruceta.

The Indians send P Paul Shuey to the Dodgers. In return, the Tribe gets P Terry Mulholland and minor league pitchers Ricardo Rodriguez and Francisco Cruceta.

The Giants trade two minor league pitchers, right-hander Felix Diaz and left-hander Ryan Meaux, to obtain veteran CF Kenny Lofton from the White Sox.

The Giants trade two minor league pitchers, right-hander Felix Diaz and left-hander Ryan Meaux, to obtain veteran CF Kenny Lofton from the White Sox.

The Giants trade two minor league pitchers, right-hander Felix Diaz and left-hander Ryan Meaux, to obtain veteran center fielder Kenny Lofton from the White Sox. The 35 year-old outfielder will finish the season with the second-place club, hitting .267 in 46 games before signing as a free agent with the Pirates.

The Giants trade two minor league pitchers, right-hander Felix Diaz and left-hander Ryan Meaux, to obtain veteran center fielder Kenny Lofton from the White Sox. The 35 year-old outfielder will finish the season with the second-place club, hitting .267 in 46 games before signing as a free agent with the Pirates.

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During his induction speech at the Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cooperstown, with the song ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ playing in the background and with a copy of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in his hands, Ozzie Smith compares his baseball career to Dorothy’s away trip from Kansas. Citing the recipe for his success during his 19-year career with the Cardinals and Padres, the 47 year-old tells the crowd he had the mind to dream, which the Scarecrow cherished, a heart to believe, which the Tin Man wanted, and courage to persevere, which the Lion lacked.

During his induction speech at the Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cooperstown, with the song ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ playing in the background and with a copy of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in his hands, Ozzie Smith compares his baseball career to Dorothy’s away trip from Kansas. Citing the recipe for his success during his 19-year career with the Cardinals and Padres, the 47 year-old tells the crowd he had the mind to dream, which the Scarecrow cherished, a heart to believe, which the Tin Man wanted, and courage to persevere, which the Lion lacked.

In a 7-1 loss to the Phillies at Turner Field, Gary Sheffield’s team record of reaching base ends at 52 straight games. The Braves’ right fielder surpasses Dale Murphy’s previous mark of 48 consecutive contests.

In a 7-1 loss to the Phillies at Turner Field, Gary Sheffield’s team record of reaching base ends at 52 straight games. The Braves’ right fielder surpasses Dale Murphy’s previous mark of 48 consecutive contests.