Behind Pedro Martinez, the Red Sox defeat the White Sox, 1 – 0. Martinez goes the distance, striking out 15 and not walking a batter.
After rejecting a trade to the Mets, 36 year-old Barry Larkin agrees to a three-year, $27 million contract extension to continue to play for the Reds. The deal will keep the former Rookie of the Year (1986), NL’s MVP (1995), and 11-time All-Star shortstop in Cincinnati until 2003.
The Big Red Machine rolls into Cooperstown, delivering first baseman Tony Perez, manager Sparky Anderson and Reds announcer Marty Brennaman into the Baseball Hall of Fame along with 1975 Red Sox World Seriesrival Carlton Fisk. Also enshrined are 19th Century Cincinnati second baseman Bid McPhee and Negro League star “Turkey” Stearnes.
The Mets obtain P Kenny Rogers from the Athletics for OF Terrence Long and P Leoner Vasquez.
The Pirates obtain C Joe Oliver and C Humberto Cota from the Devil Rays for OF Jose Guillen and P Jeff Sparks. Guillen, who drove in 154 runs in his first two seasons, has been sub-par this year after arriving at spring training a month late due to visa problems. Pittsburgh is desperate for catching help following the injury of Jason Kendall earlier this month.
1998 – Down 6-0 in Los Angeles after the first inning, Houston rallies for five in the eighth to tie the game then tallies twice more in the tenth for an 8-6 comeback win. Moises Alou’s two-run homer leads the charge. Ricky Gutierrez draws a bases-loaded walk for the game-winner then Derek Bell singles home an insurance run.
Following the Giants’ 2-11 mark since the All-Star break, San Francisco picks up Joe Carter from Baltimore and Jose Mesa, Alvin Morman and Shawon Dunston from the Indians. The Giants send Steve Reed (1.48 ERA in 50 appearances) and minor leaguer Jacob Cruz to Cleveland, and Darin Blood to Baltimore. The Giants receive cash in both swaps.
Baltimore C Lenny Webster’s four hits – including a double and homer – and six ribbies power the Orioles to a 9 – 7 win over Oakland.
7/23/1997: Troy O’Leary hit a ball to Fenway’s right field corner off Oakland’s Gary Haught to lead off the seventh inning. The ball was touched by a fan but called in play by first base umpire Ted Barrett. All replays showed that the ball was clearly over the wall and touched by a fan in the seats. O’Leary legged out a triple on the play.
The Pirates trade P Danny Darwin to the Astros in exchange for minor league P Rich Loiselle.