In a spring training game in Houston’s Astrodome, the Dodgers and Astros become the first major league teams to play on artificial grass. The material, which will become known as AstroTurf, was developed by Monsanto to overcome the team’s inability to grow grass indoors.
On March 21, 1962, the Philadelphia Phillies retire Robin Roberts’ uniform No. 36. The Phillies had sold Roberts to the Orioles after the 1961 season. Roberts spent 14 seasons in a Phillie uniform, winning 20 or more games from 1952 to 1955.
1958 – The Chicago White Sox obtain outfielder Don Mueller from the San Francisco Giants for cash.
1957 – Television Age reports that Major League Baseball will get $9.3 million for TV-Radio rights this year.
Brooklyn Dodgers at spring training. Vero Beach, Florida – 1956.
1954 – Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella injures his left hand in an exhibition game against the Yankees. Though he will hit two home runs on Opening Day, Campanella will have surgery in early May for the bone chips, returning on May 30th. The injury started earlier when he was hit on the hand in the 1953 World Series.
1951 – Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed first baseman Dale Long makes his first appearance as a catcher in an exhibition game against the minor league San Diego Padres.
March 21 1946 Montreal Royals Spring Training Jackie Robinson
The A’s trade Bob Johnson to the Senators for Jimmy Pofahl and Bobby Estalella. The former Philadelphia’s fan-favorite outfielder will make the All-Star squad for Washington and will receive consideration for the Most Valuable Player award.
Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, and Bill Dickey. Spring training in Florida – 1940.
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