June 23

White Sox starter Jose Contreras establishes a franchise mark, surpassing LaMarr Hoyt and Wilson Alvarez, by winning his 16th consecutive decision when Chicago beats the Astros 7-4 in a matchup of last year’s World Series rivals. The Cuban right-hander, whose last defeat occurred on August 15 last season against the Twins, hasn’t been beaten in his past 21 regular season starts.

The Yankees attempt to shore up their bullpen by getting P Jay Witasick from the Padres for infield prospect D’Angelo Jimenez. The Yanks’ first choice, Expos P Ugueth Urbina, failed a physical exam and will end up with the Red Sox instead.

At Fenway Park, Manny Ramirez hits two homers totaling 964 feet, but he also leaves the bases loaded twice and the Blue Jays come back on the Red Sox, 9 – 6. Manny’s shots are 463 feet and 501 feet, the latter banging the net around the Coke bottle in left. It’s measured at 501 feet, a suspicious one foot short of Ted Williams’ 502-foot homer for the Fenway record.

2003 – Stealing second base at Pacific Bell Park in the 11th inning, Barry Bonds becomes the first player to hit 500 homers and steal 500 bases in his career. The Giants’ left fielder may not only be the charter member of the 500-500 club, many believe, including him, he will most likely be its only member, as no one else may ever reach this plateau.

The Astros acquire P Dave Mlicki from the Tigers for P Jose Lima and cash.

Bret Boone drives in six runs when he hits three home runs in the Padres’ 10-7 victory over Cincinnati. Ruben Rivera’s three-run homer in the top of the tenth inning off Scott Williamson proves to be the difference in the Cinergy Field contest.

The Mets roll over the Pirates, 12 – 2, scoring nine runs in the 3rd inning.

The Padres bash the Reds, 10 – 7, in 10 innings. Bret Boone slugs three home runs and drives home six runs against his former Cincinnati teammates.

The A’s defeat the Royals, 10 – 6, for their 9th straight win. Randy Velarde, Jason Giambi and Ben Grieve hit consecutive homers for Oakland in the 2nd inning.

Texas scores 11 runs in the 5th inning of its game against Arizona and goes on to a 16 – 5 victory. Roberto Kelly and Ivan Rodriguez each get four of the Rangers’ 19 hits.