2003 – One day after the Chunichi Dragons released him in return for an undisclosed payment, the Red Sox acquire Kevin Millar (.306, 16, 57) from the Marlins. The 31-year-old 1B/OF, who had originally agreed to a two-year, $6.2 million deal to play in Japan, had a change of heart after at first rejecting Boston’s waiver claim for him made in January.

ByTom

2003 – One day after the Chunichi Dragons released him in return for an undisclosed payment, the Red Sox acquire Kevin Millar (.306, 16, 57) from the Marlins. The 31-year-old 1B/OF, who had originally agreed to a two-year, $6.2 million deal to play in Japan, had a change of heart after at first rejecting Boston’s waiver claim for him made in January.

Chunichi Dragons return Kevin Millar to the Marlins for an undisclosed amount of money for relinquishing its rights

Chunichi Dragons return Kevin Millar to the Marlins for an undisclosed amount of money for relinquishing its rights

ByTom

2003 – After much speculation, the Chunichi Dragons return Kevin Millar to the Marlins for an undisclosed amount of money for relinquishing its rights. After reconsidering an offer from the Boston Red Sox, Millar had a change of heart and does not want to play for the Japanese Central League team.

The Battle Over Wrigley Field’s Rooftop Views

ByTom

2003 – Federal judge James Holderman gives the Chicago Cubs and the owners of rooftop bleachers which provide fans a view of Wrigley Field a year to settle their dispute. The team believes the seating provided above the field on the rooftops directly competes with the club for ticket sales and the surrounding neighbors, in turn, have not been sympathetic to team’s expansion plans.

Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino nominates Jackie Robinson for the Congressional Gold Medal.

ByTom

2003 – Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino announces four senators, Edward M. Kennedy, John F. Kerry, John McCain, and Tom Daschle, will file legislation nominating Jackie Robinson for the Congressional Gold Medal.

In an effort to secure funding for a major re-design of the 12-year old “New” Comiskey Park, the Chicago White Sox announces the ballpark will now be known as U.S. Cellular Field.

In an effort to secure funding for a major re-design of the 12-year old “New” Comiskey Park, the Chicago White Sox announces the ballpark will now be known as U.S. Cellular Field.

ByThis Day in Baseball

2003 – In an effort to secure funding for a major re-design of the 12-year old “New” Comiskey Park, the Chicago White Sox announces the ballpark will now be known as U.S. Cellular Field. The 23-year deal with the wireless service provider, which will pay the White Sox $68 million, changes the name used for home by the Southsiders since 1910.

In his first year of eligibility by a unanimous vote of the media covering the team, Cal Ripken Jr. joins his dad by becoming the 40th member of the Orioles Hall of Fame. The formal ceremony will take place on September 6, 2003, which marks the eighth anniversary of the night the Baltimore infielder broke Lou Gehrig’s record consecutive games streak of 2,130 games at Camden Yards.

ByTom

In his first year of eligibility by a unanimous vote of the media covering the team, Cal Ripken Jr. joins his dad by becoming the 40th member of the Orioles Hall of Fame. The formal ceremony will take place on September 6, 2003, which marks the eighth anniversary of the night the Baltimore infielder broke Lou Gehrig’s record consecutive games streak of 2,130 games at Camden Yards.

Cal Ripken, Jr. joins his father Cal Sr. by becoming the 40th member of the Orioles Hall of Fame

ByTom

2003 – Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. joins his father Cal Sr. by becoming the 40th member of the Orioles Hall of Fame. Ripken Jr. is elected in his first year of eligibility by a unanimous vote of the media covering the team. The formal ceremony will be take place on September 6th, which marks the eighth anniversary of the night he broke the 56-year-old record of 2,130 consecutive games played set by Lou Gehrig.

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2003 – Slugger Daryle Ward is traded to Los Angeles for minor league pitcher Ruddy Lugo, younger brother of infielder Julio Lugo. Ward teases fans with his home run potential but management loses patience after a five-year run where he swats 49 homers and bats .269 in 418 games. 

ByTom

2003 – Slugger Daryle Ward is traded to Los Angeles for minor league pitcher Ruddy Lugo, younger brother of infielder Julio Lugo. Ward teases fans with his home run potential but management loses patience after a five-year run where he swats 49 homers and bats .269 in 418 games.