Mets phenom pitcher Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden avoids suspension for substance abuse by agreeing to enter a drug rehab facility. The talented 22 year-old right-hander will make his first start on June 5 and will win 15 games for the team despite missing the first two months of the season.
1985 – Today’s issue of Sports Illustrated contains a fictitious article about a New York Mets pitching prospect named Sidd Finch, whose fastball has been timed at 168 miles per hour. Author George Plimpton offers bogus quotes from real-life members of the Mets, as well as several staged photos, and fools readers nationwide.
On April 1, 1982, the New York Mets trade popular center fielder and teen idol Lee Mazzilli to the Texas Rangers for minor league pitchers Ron Darling and Walt Terrell. Darling will emerge as an important member of the Mets’ starting rotation and a key contributor to their 1986 World Championship…
1981 – Astros deal pitcher Ken Forsch to the Angels for shortstop Dickie Thon. The versatile righthander compiled a 78-81 record for Houston, with 50 saves, nine shutouts, a 3.18 ERA and one memorable no-hitter.
On April 1, 1977 The syndicated tv show, This Week in Baseball, premieres. TWIB becomes a mainstay for millions of baseball fans for the next 32 years (1977-1998, 2000-2011).
After being released by the Padres, Bobby Tolan (.255, 5, 48), signs as a free agent with the Phillies. The outfielder-first baseman, who plays only 15 games for Philadelphia, will ink a deal with the Pirates in June.
1972 – Houston Astros at the Astrodome. Cesar Cedeno- Jim Wynn-lee May-Bob Watson-Doug Rader
On April 1, 1970, an ownership group headed up by automobile dealer Allen “Bud” Selig buys the Seattle Pilots for $10.8 million. Selig will move the Pilots to Milwaukee and rename the team the “Brewers.” The Pilots had lost $1 million during their lone season in Seattle.
On April 1, 1969, the Seattle Pilots trade little-known minor league outfielder Lou Piniella to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Steve Whitaker and pitcher John Gelnar. Piniella will hit .282 with 11 home runs and 68 RBIs-good enough to win American League Rookie of the Year honors…
1968 – Pitcher Bo Belinsky is sold to the Chicago White Sox. Having already left spring training to get engaged to former Playmate of the Year Jo Collins, Belinsky refuses a minor-league assignment in Oklahoma City preferring Honolulu where the Sox have their AAA affiliate.
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