Albert Pujols joins Jose Canseco as the only other player in major league history to hit 30 home runs and drive in 100 runs during his first three seasons. The Cardinals left fielder accomplished the feat with a run-scoring double in the first inning of the team’s 3-0 victory over Florida at Busch Stadium.

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Albert Pujols joins Jose Canseco as the only other player in major league history to hit 30 home runs and drive in 100 runs during his first three seasons. The Cardinals left fielder accomplished the feat with a run-scoring double in the first inning of the team’s 3-0 victory over Florida at Busch Stadium.

Fireballer Eric Gagné ties the single-season record for consecutive saves to start a season established in 1995 by Jose Mesa of the Indians. The Dodgers closer strikes out the Reds side in the 9th inning for his 38th save this season, and 46th consecutive regular-season save overall.

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Fireballer Eric Gagné ties the single-season record for consecutive saves to start a season established in 1995 by Jose Mesa of the Indians. The Dodgers closer strikes out the Reds side in the 9th inning for his 38th save this season, and 46th consecutive regular-season save overall.

Three weeks after acquiring Armando Benitez in a trade with the crosstown Mets, the Yankees send the much-maligned reliever to the Mariners. In return, the Bronx Bombers get back 36-year-old Jeff Nelson for his second tour with the team.

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Three weeks after acquiring Armando Benitez in a trade with the crosstown Mets, the Yankees send the much-maligned reliever to the Mariners. In return, the Bronx Bombers get back 36-year-old Jeff Nelson for his second tour with the team.

Major League Baseball announces a five-year deal, which will generate more than $500 million in revenue, for apparel and headwear global licensing rights. The seven companies involved in the deal include Majestic Athletic, New Era Cap, Twins Enterprises, Nike USA, Dynasty Apparel Industries, Drew Pearson International, and VF Imagewear.

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Major League Baseball announces a five-year deal, which will generate more than $500 million in revenue, for apparel and headwear global licensing rights. The seven companies involved in the deal include Majestic Athletic, New Era Cap, Twins Enterprises, Nike USA, Dynasty Apparel Industries, Drew Pearson International, and VF Imagewear.

The Expos retire number 8 as a tribute to Gary Carter, their first and only player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame wearing a Montreal cap. During his 12-year tenure with the team, the ‘Kid’ was selected to the National League All-Star team seven times.

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The Expos retire number 8 as a tribute to Gary Carter, their first and only player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame wearing a Montreal cap. During his 12-year tenure with the team, the ‘Kid’ was selected to the National League All-Star team seven times.

Breaking his own record set a week later during last season, John Smoltz becomes the fastest pitcher to record 40 saves. The Braves’ closer throws a scoreless ninth in the team’s 7-4 victory over the Astros to establish the new mark.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Breaking his own record set a week later during last season, John Smoltz becomes the fastest pitcher to record 40 saves. The Braves’ closer throws a scoreless ninth in the team’s 7-4 victory over the Astros to establish the new mark.

On the trading deadline, the first-place Giants make the most significant move, acquiring Sidney Ponson (14-6, 3.77) from the Orioles in exchange for their former first-round draft pick Kurt Ainsworth, Damian Moss, and southpaw prospect Ryan Hannaman. The 26 year-old right-hander, who will go 3-6 down the stretch for San Francisco, will join the rotation that includes Jason Schmidt, Kirk Rueter, Jesse Foppert, Jerome Williams, and Jim Brower.

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On the trading deadline, the first-place Giants make the most significant move, acquiring Sidney Ponson (14-6, 3.77) from the Orioles in exchange for their former first-round draft pick Kurt Ainsworth, Damian Moss, and southpaw prospect Ryan Hannaman. The 26 year-old right-hander, who will go 3-6 down the stretch for San Francisco, will join the rotation that includes Jason Schmidt, Kirk Rueter, Jesse Foppert, Jerome Williams, and Jim Brower.

Battling a 5-for-36 slump, Jose Valentin hits three home runs in a 15-4 victory over the Royals. The White Sox shortstop becomes the first switch-hitter in baseball history to have three-homer games in both the American and National Leagues, having accomplished the feat with the Brewers in 1998.

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Battling a 5-for-36 slump, Jose Valentin hits three home runs in a 15-4 victory over the Royals. The White Sox shortstop becomes the first switch-hitter in baseball history to have three-homer games in both the American and National Leagues, having accomplished the feat with the Brewers in 1998.

The Cubs obtain center fielder Doug Glanville from the Rangers in exchange for cash and outfielder/first baseman prospect Jason Fransz, who will not appear in a major league game. The Chicago flychaser will play in only 28 games, hitting just .235 for his new ball club.

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The Cubs obtain center fielder Doug Glanville from the Rangers in exchange for cash and outfielder/first baseman prospect Jason Fransz, who will not appear in a major league game. The Chicago flychaser will play in only 28 games, hitting just .235 for his new ball club.