Hall of Fame slugger Ralph Kiner dies at age 91; in addition to his on-field exploits, Kiner was a New York Mets broadcaster from the team’s inaugural season in 1962, although he had slowed his pace considerably following health issues in recent years.
Reports indicate that former Rays closer Fernando Rodney has inked a two-year contract with the Mariners.
Pedro Martinez throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Dominican Republic’s representative, Escogido, takes on Aragua in the 2012 Caribbean Series. The Dominicans have already won the title, thanks to Mayaguez’s 4 – 3 win over Obregon in today’s first game, which means that no other team can finish with more than three wins while Escogido has won its first four games. Mayaguez wins when Luis Figueroa drives in Johnny Monell Jr. with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 9th. The second contest is thus meaningless, and Aragua blanks the new champions, 7 – 0, as Luis Jimenez and Hector Gimenez both homer and Yorman Bazardo pitches 6 scoreless innings.
The Orioles trade P Jeremy Guthrie, their workhorse over the past three seasons, to the Rockies in return for Ps Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel. In a related move, the O’s designate P Clay Rapada for assignment.
An arbitration panel rules in favor of 27 year-old Anibal Sanchez (8-9, 3.67), awarding the Marlin right-hander with a record-breaking $8 million salary for this season. The decision, which puts aside the team’s counteroffer of $6.9 million, represents the largest amount ever given to a starting pitcher who went to arbitration.
The Rangers hire Nolan Ryan as team president during a pivotal point in club history, according to club president Tom Hicks. The 61 year-old Hall of Fame hurler, who retired with the Rangers in 1993 after playing a record 27 major league seasons, is introduced at The Ballpark in Arlington with much fanfare, including a video highlight package featuring many of the right-hander’s milestones.
2001 – Anaheim Angels first baseman Mo Vaughn undergoes surgery to repair a ruptured biceps tendon in his left arm. Vaughn will miss the entire season.
New York Yankees acquire All-Star second baseman Chuck Knoblauch
The New York Mets obtain pitcher Al Leiter and minor leaguer Ralph Milliard from the Florida Marlins in exchange for pitcher A.J. Burnett and two minor leaguers, Jesus Sanchez and Rob Stratton.
President Bill Clinton’s deadline for a resolution to the baseball strike passes without a resolution