Appearing on Larry King Live, President George W. Bush makes it very clear he doesn’t have any interest in becoming baseball’s commissioner when Bud Selig leaves the post. The former owner of the Rangers, who leaves office in seven days, tells the CNN talk show host he isn’t looking to get back into the game in any capacity.

ByTom

Appearing on Larry King Live, President George W. Bush makes it very clear he doesn’t have any interest in becoming baseball’s commissioner when Bud Selig leaves the post. The former owner of the Rangers, who leaves office in seven days, tells the CNN talk show host he isn’t looking to get back into the game in any capacity.

It’s not all gains for the Atlanta staff as long-time ace John Smoltz, the franchise leader in strikeouts, finalizes a deal with the Boston Red Sox for one year and a $5.5 million base salary.

ByTom

It’s not all gains for the Atlanta staff as long-time ace John Smoltz, the franchise leader in strikeouts, finalizes a deal with the Boston Red Sox for one year and a $5.5 million base salary.

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Preston Gomez, the Astros’ first minority manager, dies in Fullerton, CA at age 85. The Cuban native had been in failing health since being hit by a pickup truck while walking across the street nine months before. Gomez spent less than two years at the helm of the Astros, leading them to an 81-81 record in 1974 and a 47-80 record in 1975 before he was replaced by Bill Virdon. Gomez also managed the Padres and Cubs then served over 20 years as an assistant with the Angels. 

ByTom

Preston Gomez, the Astros’ first minority manager, dies in Fullerton, CA at age 85. The Cuban native had been in failing health since being hit by a pickup truck while walking across the street nine months before. Gomez spent less than two years at the helm of the Astros, leading them to an 81-81 record in 1974 and a 47-80 record in 1975 before he was replaced by Bill Virdon. Gomez also managed the Padres and Cubs then served over 20 years as an assistant with the Angels. 

The much-anticipated trial to determine if Angels owner Arte Moreno violated a ten year-old contract with Anaheim, in which the city claims to have lost $100 million in tourism and merchandising revenue, when the franchise’s name changed from the Anaheim Angels to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, begins in California’s Orange County. Some of the people in the crowded courtroom wear Angel-colored red T-shirts imprinted with the words, “We Are Not L.A.” to show their displeasure with the Halos’ new identity.

ByTom

The much-anticipated trial to determine if Angels owner Arte Moreno violated a ten year-old contract with Anaheim, in which the city claims to have lost $100 million in tourism and merchandising revenue, when the franchise’s name changed from the Anaheim Angels to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, begins in California’s Orange County. Some of the people in the crowded courtroom wear Angel-colored red T-shirts imprinted with the words, “We Are Not L.A.” to show their displeasure with the Halos’ new identity.

Under the watchful eye of national lawmakers, Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association agree in principle on a stricter steroid testing policy. The new program will randomly test players year-round, with first-time offenders suspended for 10 days and a fourth violation resulting in a one year ban for the offending player. The punishments will later be increased significantly.

ByTom

Under the watchful eye of national lawmakers, Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association agree in principle on a stricter steroid testing policy. The new program will randomly test players year-round, with first-time offenders suspended for 10 days and a fourth violation resulting in a one year ban for the offending player. The punishments will later be increased significantly.

Marvin Miller, the former executive-director of the Major League Baseball Players Association who helped to forever change the nature of the player-owner relationship, receives the “Fuchs Award” from the Boston Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. The honor, named in for Judge Emil Fuchs who owned the hometown Boston Braves from 1929 through 1935, is given for “long and meritorious service to baseball.”

ByTom

Marvin Miller, the former executive-director of the Major League Baseball Players Association who helped to forever change the nature of the player-owner relationship, receives the “Fuchs Award” from the Boston Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. The honor, named in for Judge Emil Fuchs who owned the hometown Boston Braves from 1929 through 1935, is given for “long and meritorious service to baseball.”

The owners unanimously approve the $223 million sale of the Milwaukee Brewers to Mark Attanasio, a Los Angeles investor. The purchase of the team, formerly owned by the family of Commissioner Bud Selig, ensures Milwaukee will keep its team due to a thirty-year lease to play in newly-built Miller Park.

ByTom

The owners unanimously approve the $223 million sale of the Milwaukee Brewers to Mark Attanasio, a Los Angeles investor. The purchase of the team, formerly owned by the family of Commissioner Bud Selig, ensures Milwaukee will keep its team due to a thirty-year lease to play in newly-built Miller Park.

The North Dakota House of Representatives approves a resolution proclaiming that native son Roger Maris should be elected to the Hall of Fame

The North Dakota House of Representatives approves a resolution proclaiming that native son Roger Maris should be elected to the Hall of Fame

ByThis Day in Baseball

The North Dakota House of Representatives approves a resolution proclaiming that native son Roger Maris should be elected to the Hall of Fame. The lawmakers’ action, which is sponsored by Rep. Andy Maragos, orders the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the 85 members of the baseball Veterans Committee, which includes the 60 living members enshrined in Cooperstown.

2001 – Major League Baseball announces that the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays will open the season in Puerto Rico, marking the third straight year the season will begin outside the United States and Canada.

ByTom

2001 – Major League Baseball announces that the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays will open the season in Puerto Rico, marking the third straight year the season will begin outside the United States and Canada.

2000 – The Tampa Bay Devil Rays sign free agent pitcher Steve Trachsel to a one-year contract. Trachsel, who led the Cubs in innings pitched (206) and posted a 8-18 record, was expected to ink a multi-year contract.

ByTom

2000 – The Tampa Bay Devil Rays sign free agent pitcher Steve Trachsel to a one-year contract. Trachsel, who led the Cubs in innings pitched (206) and posted a 8-18 record, was expected to ink a multi-year contract.