With fans chanting “Robbie, Robbie” before the home opener against Boston, the Blue Jays honor Roberto Alomar by inducting their former All-Star second baseman into Toronto’s Level of Excellence. After the playing a video montage of his career highlights in a darkened Rogers Centre, the dramatic pregame ceremony continues when a spotlight shines on second base revealing the honoree.

ByBaseball

With fans chanting “Robbie, Robbie” before the home opener against Boston, the Blue Jays honor Roberto Alomar by inducting their former All-Star second baseman into Toronto’s Level of Excellence. After the playing a video montage of his career highlights in a darkened Rogers Centre, the dramatic pregame ceremony continues when a spotlight shines on second base revealing the honoree.

Carried by his momentum trying to avoid the pitch, Astros catcher J.R. Towles does a handstand at home plate after getting hit above the knee during the second inning in Houston’s 4-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. In his next at-bat, the backstop hits a two-run homer, a feat he accomplishes standing on his feet.

ByBaseball

Carried by his momentum trying to avoid the pitch, Astros catcher J.R. Towles does a handstand at home plate after getting hit above the knee during the second inning in Houston’s 4-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. In his next at-bat, the backstop hits a two-run homer, a feat he accomplishes standing on his feet.

Before their home opener, the Blue Jays announce reaching agreements with outfielder Alex Rios (.297, 24, 85) and second baseman Aaron Hill (.291, 17, 78). The 26 year-old Toronto fly-catcher will earn nearly $70 million over the next seven years, the second richest deal in franchise history, and the club’s newly signed infielder, also 26, inks a four-year contract worth $12 million.

ByBaseball

Before their home opener, the Blue Jays announce reaching agreements with outfielder Alex Rios (.297, 24, 85) and second baseman Aaron Hill (.291, 17, 78). The 26 year-old Toronto fly-catcher will earn nearly $70 million over the next seven years, the second richest deal in franchise history, and the club’s newly signed infielder, also 26, inks a four-year contract worth $12 million.

Tuffy Rhodes becomes the first non-Japanese player in Nippon Pro Baseball history to drive in a thousand runs. Only two of the 28 players who have reached the milestone have accomplished the feat in fewer games.

ByBaseball

Tuffy Rhodes becomes the first non-Japanese player in Nippon Pro Baseball history to drive in a thousand runs. Only two of the 28 players who have reached the milestone have accomplished the feat in fewer games.

The Padres are rained out at home for the first time since May 12, 1998, a span of 635 consecutive home games played, mostly played at Qualcomm Stadium. The postponement, just the 16th rainout in the franchise’s 38-year history, is the first washout at the club’s new home, Petco Park, which opened two seasons ago.

ByBaseball

The Padres are rained out at home for the first time since May 12, 1998, a span of 635 consecutive home games played, mostly played at Qualcomm Stadium. The postponement, just the 16th rainout in the franchise’s 38-year history, is the first washout at the club’s new home, Petco Park, which opened two seasons ago.

Kansas City voters approve a $250 million proposal to renovate Kauffman Stadium. The facelift of the 35 year-old home of the Royals will include the addition of dugout suites, new clubhouses, an exclusive restaurant, and the replacement of the orange seats throughout the stadium with new blue ones.

ByBaseball

Kansas City voters approve a $250 million proposal to renovate Kauffman Stadium. The facelift of the 35 year-old home of the Royals will include the addition of dugout suites, new clubhouses, an exclusive restaurant, and the replacement of the orange seats throughout the stadium with new blue ones.

Opening Day highlights include the Baltimore Orioles’ Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro who become the first pair of teammates to have at least 500 career home runs apiece. Sosa opens the season with 574 career HR and Palmeiro 551.

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Opening Day highlights include the Baltimore Orioles’ Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro who become the first pair of teammates to have at least 500 career home runs apiece. Sosa opens the season with 574 career HR and Palmeiro 551.

Mark Buehrle yields two hits in eight shutout innings and Shingo Takatsu works a perfect 9th inning as the Chicago White Sox defeat the Cleveland Indians, 1 – 0, in a game that takes only an hour and 51 minutes to complete.

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Mark Buehrle yields two hits in eight shutout innings and Shingo Takatsu works a perfect 9th inning as the Chicago White Sox defeat the Cleveland Indians, 1 – 0, in a game that takes only an hour and 51 minutes to complete.

Brad Wilkerson has the honor of being the first batter in Washington Nationals history, and he promptly responds with the first hit for his team. Nevertheless, Kenny Lofton hits a three-run homer and Jon Lieber pitches 5 2/3 effective innings, leading the home team Philadelphia Phillies to an 8 – 4 victory over the Nationals.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Brad Wilkerson has the honor of being the first batter in Washington Nationals history, and he promptly responds with the first hit for his team. Nevertheless, Kenny Lofton hits a three-run homer and Jon Lieber pitches 5 2/3 effective innings, leading the home team Philadelphia Phillies to an 8 – 4 victory over the Nationals.