The Yankees formally announce the signing of Cuban defector Andy Morales, a third baseman, to a four-year contract. Morales will wash out and be waived from his minor league team by July. The Yankees will try and sidestep his contract with proof that his listed age of 26 years is really 29.

ByTom

The Yankees formally announce the signing of Cuban defector Andy Morales, a third baseman, to a four-year contract. Morales will wash out and be waived from his minor league team by July. The Yankees will try and sidestep his contract with proof that his listed age of 26 years is really 29.

Preston Wilson, the franchise’s first 30-30 player, signs a $32 million five-year contract with Florida. The 26 year-old Marlin center fielder, who is the stepson and nephew of former major leaguer Mookie Wilson, was obtained from the Mets in the Mike Piazza deal in 1998.

ByTom

Preston Wilson, the franchise’s first 30-30 player, signs a $32 million five-year contract with Florida. The 26 year-old Marlin center fielder, who is the stepson and nephew of former major leaguer Mookie Wilson, was obtained from the Mets in the Mike Piazza deal in 1998.

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2000 – Major League Baseball comes to the Dominican Republic for the first time as the Astros drop the Boston Red Sox, 4-3, at Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo. Jeff Bagwell launches two homers to pace the Houston victory. Dominican pitcher Jose Limathrills his countrymen with a 3-2 triumph the next day. 

ByTom

2000 – Major League Baseball comes to the Dominican Republic for the first time as the Astros drop the Boston Red Sox, 4-3, at Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo. Jeff Bagwell launches two homers to pace the Houston victory. Dominican pitcher Jose Limathrills his countrymen with a 3-2 triumph the next day. 

1991 – Jim Palmer, who is in the Baltimore Orioles’ training camp as a non-roster player, has a shaky outing against the Boston Red Sox, giving up five hits and two runs in two innings. Palmer, who retired in 1984, will retire again tomorrow, citing a hamstring injury.

1991 – Jim Palmer, who is in the Baltimore Orioles’ training camp as a non-roster player, has a shaky outing against the Boston Red Sox, giving up five hits and two runs in two innings. Palmer, who retired in 1984, will retire again tomorrow, citing a hamstring injury.

ByTom

1991 – Jim Palmer, who is in the Baltimore Orioles’ training camp as a non-roster player, has a shaky outing against the Boston Red Sox, giving up five hits and two runs in two innings. Palmer, who retired in 1984, will retire again tomorrow, citing a hamstring injury.

Gene Mauch takes a leave of absence from the California Angels
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Gene Mauch takes a leave of absence from the California Angels

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 11, 1988, longtime manager Gene Mauch takes a leave of absence from the California Angels because of health reasons. He is replaced by Cookie Rojas. Mauch will officially announce his retirement on March 27. Mauch leaves managing with 1,902 wins and 2,037 losses. Seven years after his retirement as a manager, Mauch returned in…

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Righthander Mike Scott, coming off a 5-11 season, tests his new split-fingered fastball for the first time in live action

ByTom

1985 – Righthander Mike Scott, coming off a 5-11 season, tests his new split-fingered fastball for the first time in live action. The two-inning stint against the Toronto Blue Jays is uneventful and Scott likes it that way. He hopes to earn the fourth spot in Houston’s pitching rotation. 

Veterans Committee elects slugger Johnny Mize and Negro Leagues pioneer Rube Foster to the Hall of Fame
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Veterans Committee elects slugger Johnny Mize and Negro Leagues pioneer Rube Foster to the Hall of Fame

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 11, 1981, the Veterans Committee elects slugger Johnny Mize and Negro Leagues pioneer Rube Foster to the Hall of Fame. Mize totaled 359 home runs and batted .312 during a 15-year major league career, while Foster served as a pitcher, manager, and executive in the Negro Leagues in the first quarter of the 20th…

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1980 – Chris Burke is born in Louisville, KY. The outfielder/infielder bats .249 during four seasons in Houston (2004-2007) but makes his mark with a home run that wins the 2005 N.L.D.S. over Atlanta in the 18th inning, the longest game in postseason history. 

ByTom

1980 – Chris Burke is born in Louisville, KY. The outfielder/infielder bats .249 during four seasons in Houston (2004-2007) but makes his mark with a home run that wins the 2005 N.L.D.S. over Atlanta in the 18th inning, the longest game in postseason history. 

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders the Atlanta Braves to play Hank Aaron

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders the Atlanta Braves to play Hank Aaron

ByThis Day in Baseball

    On March 11, 1974, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders the Atlanta Braves to play Hank Aaron in at least two of the team’s season-opening three games on the road. The Braves had planned to bench Aaron on the road in order to increase his chances of hitting his record-breaking 715th home run at home….