2003 – Brad Ausmus slugs a grand slam homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the 12th to carry the Astros over St. Louis, 6-5. Ausmus also guns down three runners, including Fernando Vina at third base for the game’s final out. Brad Lidge gets his first major league save.
The Coneheads stage a reunion at Shea Stadium as David Cone returns to the mound after taking a year off and hurls an impressive five innings of shutout ball in the Mets’ 4-0 victory over the Expos. In memory of one of the founders of this unique idea which started in 1988, the group hangs a banner featuring a picture of Scott Saber, who was killed during the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, smiling in his Conehead.
2003 – At Great American Ball Park, Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hits his 500th career home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Sullivan in the 7th inning, becoming only the 18th player in major league history to hit 500 or more home runs, as well as the first Hispanic player to do so. Despite Sosa’s highlight, Cincinnati edges the Cubs, 10 – 9.
On April 4, 2001, Hideo Nomo of the Boston Red Sox pitches the second no-hitter of his career – a 3-0 whitewash of the Baltimore Orioles. In making his Red Sox’ debut, Nomo becomes only the fourth pitcher in major league history to hurl no-hitters in both leagues, joining Jim Bunning, Nolan Ryan, and Cy Young in exclusive company.
For the first time since June 7, 1995, the Indians do not have a sellout crowd at Jacobs Field. The streak of 455 games of consecutive full houses, a major league record, will be broken by the Boston Red Sox in 2008.
At Safeco Field, Darren Lewis plays right field in Boston’s 2-0 victory over Seattle. The 32 year-old outfielder is the 13th different Red Sox player to start in that position on Opening Day for the past thirteen years.
On April 4, 1999, Hall of Famer Early Wynn dies at the age of 79 from complications caused by a stroke. Known for his toughness on the mound, the highly competitive Wynn won exactly 300 games over a 23-year career with the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.
Opening Day starts in Mexico, making it the first time baseball’s first pitch comes outside the U.S. or Canada when the Rockies defeat the National League’s defending champs Padres, 8-2. Darryl Kile goes 6.2 innings to get the win in the Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey contest.
1998 – Mark McGwire hits a home run in his fourth consecutive game to start the season to tie the mark set by Willie Mays in 1971. McGwire’s home run helps lead the Cardinalspast the Padres, 8 – 6, and also ties another league mark as it is his seventh long ball in a six-game stretch, dating back to 1997.
1994 – Mitch Williams walks the bases full then surrenders two 12th-inning runs in the season opener against Montreal. Ken Caminiti’s two-run double ends a dramatic three-run comeback for a 6-5 Houston triumph. Astros debut new navy and gold uniforms with the leaning star.
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