Major League Baseball announces that it is suspending spring training and delaying Opening Day

    On March 12, 2020 – Major League Baseball announces that it is suspending spring training and delaying Opening Day, scheduled for March 26th, by two weeks, in light of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. This follows in the wake of similar announcements by other professional sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL…

2019 – The Major League season opens at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, with the A’s hosting the Mariners in the first game of a two-game series. While most of the early attention is directed at 45-year-old Ichiro Suzuki, who starts in right field for Seattle, it’s the sluggers who define the game as the Mariners prevail, 9 – 7. Stephen Piscotty, Khris Davis and Matt Chapman all homer for Oakland, but the M’s reply with long balls by Domingo Santana – a grand slam – and Tim Beckham. Marco Gonzales pitches 6 innings for the win.

2019 – The Major League season opens at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, with the A’s hosting the Mariners in the first game of a two-game series. While most of the early attention is directed at 45-year-old Ichiro Suzuki, who starts in right field for Seattle, it’s the sluggers who define the game as the Mariners prevail, 9 – 7. Stephen Piscotty, Khris Davis and Matt Chapman all homer for Oakland, but the M’s reply with long balls by Domingo Santana – a grand slam – and Tim Beckham. Marco Gonzales pitches 6 innings for the win.

Angels send 1B Matt Scioscia to the Cubs for OF Trevor Gretzky

2014 – In a trade of minor leaguers with excellent bloodlines, the Angels send 1B Matt Scioscia, son of manager Mike Scioscia, to the Cubs in return for OF Trevor Gretzky, son of all-time hockey great Wayne Gretzky. In spite of their athletic lineage, neither player is considered to be much of a prospect, however.

2012 – Having lost two catchers to injuries since the start of spring training, the Royals obtain Humberto Quintero from Houston, alongside OF Jason Bourgeois, in return for P Kevin Chapman and a player to be named later.

2012 – Having lost two catchers to injuries since the start of spring training, the Royals obtain Humberto Quintero from Houston, alongside OF Jason Bourgeois, in return for P Kevin Chapman and a player to be named later.

The Padres claim sidearming reliever Pat Neshek on waivers from the Twins. It’s a bit of a gamble as Neshek’s last effective season was in 2007; he has since been slowed down by a string of injuries.

The Padres claim sidearming reliever Pat Neshek on waivers from the Twins. It’s a bit of a gamble as Neshek’s last effective season was in 2007; he has since been slowed down by a string of injuries.

White Sox P Jake Peavy is diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis and his return to action is uncertain. Peavy has been very effective when he has been able to pitch since the Sox acquired him in a trade with the Padres in 2009, but he has spent most of his time in Chicago on the disabled list.

White Sox P Jake Peavy is diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis and his return to action is uncertain. Peavy has been very effective when he has been able to pitch since the Sox acquired him in a trade with the Padres in 2009, but he has spent most of his time in Chicago on the disabled list.

The Astros sign catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to a one-year deal

The Astros sign catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to a one-year deal

2009 – After winning their first spring game of the year, the Astros fail to win their next 19 Grapefruit League contests until beating the Reds, 4-2, behind six shutout innings from Russ Ortiz. It comes the same day that the Astros sign catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to a one-year deal. The 37-year-old Rodriguez is a 14-time All-Star with 13 Gold Gloves and fills a need as none of the other catchers in camp were hitting above .200 in spring action. 

Bronson_Arroyo_2011

The Boston Red Sox trade pitcher Bronson Arroyo to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for outfielder Wily Mo Peña

The Boston Red Sox trade pitcher Bronson Arroyo to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for outfielder Wily Mo Peña. Boston also announces that outfielder Juan Gonzalez has agreed to a minor league contract.

Japan scores four runs in the first inning and hangs on to defeat Cuba in the championship game of the first World Baseball Classic

Japan scores four runs in the first inning and hangs on to defeat Cuba in the championship game of the first World Baseball Classic

On March 20, 2006, Japan scores four runs in the first inning and hangs on to defeat Cuba in the championship game of the first World Baseball Classic. The tournament, featuring teams from 16 nations, draws large crowds and proves a major success for international baseball.