Al Campanis fired
On April 8, 1987, the Los Angeles Dodgers fire vice-president Al Campanis after he made racial remarks on national TV two days earlier. Campanis suggested that blacks lacked the “necessities” to become managers…
Cleveland Indians pitchers Phil Niekro and Steve Carlton combine to beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 14 – 3, making it the first time in major league history that two 300-game winners pitch for the same team in the same game. Niekro goes six innings to get his 312th career win and Carlton blanks Toronto for three innings.
Cleveland Indians pitchers Phil Niekro and Steve Carlton combine to beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 14 – 3, making it the first time in major league history that two 300-game winners pitch for the same team in the same game. Niekro goes six innings to get his 312th career win and Carlton blanks Toronto for three innings.
Will Clark homers in his first major league at-bat
Will Clark homers in his first major league at-bat, facing future Hall of Fame right-hander Nolan Ryan. The 22 year-old Giants rookie first baseman’s first inning-solo round-tripper contributes to the team’s Opening Day 8-3 victory at the Astrodome.
Jim Presley hits two home runs, helping the Mariners beat the Angels, 8-4, in a dramatic extra-inning comeback Opening Day victory. The Seattle third baseman’s two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth off Donnie Moore knots the game at four runs apiece, and his two-out grand slam off Ken Forsch in the following frame ends the Kingdome contest.
Jim Presley hits two home runs, helping the Mariners beat the Angels, 8-4, in a dramatic extra-inning comeback Opening Day victory. The Seattle third baseman’s two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth off Donnie Moore knots the game at four runs apiece, and his two-out grand slam off Ken Forsch in the following frame ends the Kingdome contest.
At Fenway Park, 46-year-old Phil Niekro starts for the New York Yankees, becoming the second oldest pitcher ever to start on Opening Day. Only Jack Quinn, for the Brooklyn Robins in 1931, was older at age 47. The Boston Red Sox chase Niekro after four innings and, behind the pitching of Oil Can Boyd, coast to a 9 – 2 win. Niekro walks four in the 3rd inning, including two with the bases loaded, to lose his seventh opener in a row (six with Atlanta), the worst opening day record ever. Outfielders Tony Armas, Dwight Evans and Jim Rice stroke home runs for Boston.
At Fenway Park, 46-year-old Phil Niekro starts for the New York Yankees, becoming the second oldest pitcher ever to start on Opening Day. Only Jack Quinn, for the Brooklyn Robins in 1931, was older at age 47. The Boston Red Sox chase Niekro after four innings and, behind the pitching of Oil Can Boyd, coast to a 9 – 2 win. Niekro walks four in the 3rd inning, including two with the bases loaded, to lose his seventh opener in a row (six with Atlanta), the worst opening day record ever. Outfielders Tony Armas, Dwight Evans and Jim Rice stroke home runs for Boston.
Houston Astros shortstop Dickie Thon is hit in the face by a Mike Torrez pitch
In a 3 – 1 loss to the Mets, Houston Astros shortstop Dickie Thon is hit in the face by a Mike Torrez pitch that breaks the orbital bone around his eye. Thon will be operated on April 11th, but will miss the rest of the season. When he returns, the All-Star SS will be plagued with blurred vision and be relegated to a back-up role for some time.
The Seattle Mariners record their first win by defeating the California Angels, 7 – 6, at the Kingdome. Bob Stinson and Larry Milbourneeach hit run-scoring doubles in the 9th inning to seal the victory. Bill Laxton is the winning pitcher.
The Seattle Mariners record their first win by defeating the California Angels, 7 – 6, at the Kingdome. Bob Stinson and Larry Milbourneeach hit run-scoring doubles in the 9th inning to seal the victory. Bill Laxton is the winning pitcher.
Frank Robinson – first black manager debuts
On April 8, 1975, future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson makes his debut as major league baseball’s first black manager. Rachel Robinson, the widow of Jackie Robinson, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a crowd of 56,204. As the player-manager of the Cleveland Indians, Frank Robinson homers in his first at-bat, helping the Tribe to a 5-3 win over the New York Yankees…
Tony Conigliaro returns after a four year absence
In the season opener at Fenway Park, Tony Conigliaro, who retired four years ago after being traded to the Angels in 1970, plays in the first game of his attempted comeback with the Red Sox. As a designated hitter, the 30 year-old Pope of Kenmore Square, who will collect only seven hits in 21 games, singles in his first at-bat in Boston’s 5-2 victory over the Brewers.
Hank Aaron makes history passing Babe Ruth for the most Homeruns all time
On April 8, 1974, Atlanta Braves superstar Hank Aaron makes baseball history when he breaks Babe Ruth’s career record for home runs with a blast off Al Downing of the Dodgers.
