1997 – The New York Yankees offer the San Diego Padres a choice of one from a list of players for the negotiating rights to Japanese pitcher Hideki Irabu. The list includes Brian Boehringer, David Weathers, Chris Cumberland, Andy Fox and Matt Luke. The Yankees also offer one player from a list of five minor leaguers, plus $3 million. The Padres are talking to several other teams beside the Yankees.

ByTom

1997 – The New York Yankees offer the San Diego Padres a choice of one from a list of players for the negotiating rights to Japanese pitcher Hideki Irabu. The list includes Brian Boehringer, David Weathers, Chris Cumberland, Andy Fox and Matt Luke. The Yankees also offer one player from a list of five minor leaguers, plus $3 million. The Padres are talking to several other teams beside the Yankees.

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1995 – Astros replacement players lose their spring opener to the Florida Marlins, 3-2. Many players under minor league contracts, including top picks Billy Wagner and Scott Elarton, leave camp rather than take part in the game due to threats made by the players union to blacklist them. 

ByTom

1995 – Astros replacement players lose their spring opener to the Florida Marlins, 3-2. Many players under minor league contracts, including top picks Billy Wagner and Scott Elarton, leave camp rather than take part in the game due to threats made by the players union to blacklist them. 

Kirk Gibson walks out of spring training
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Kirk Gibson walks out of spring training

ByThis Day in Baseball

    On March 3, 1988, Los Angeles Dodgers star Kirk Gibson walks out of training camp after teammate Jesse Orosco plays a practical joke by placing “eyeblack” in his cap. The incident illustrates Gibson’s intensity and no-nonsense approach to the game. Gibson, who returns to camp the next day, will help the Dodgers win…

Ray Dandridge
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Negro Leagues standout Ray Dandridge is elected to the Hall of Fame

ByThis Day in Baseball

    On March 3, 1987, former Negro Leagues standout Ray Dandridge is elected to the Hall of Fame. Known for his power hitting ability and slick-fielding at third base, Dandridge starred for a number of Negro Leagues teams in the 1930s and 40s. He was the only player elected to the Hall of Fame…

Danny Kaye, the original owner of the Mariners, along with his partner Lester Smith from 1977 to 1981, dies of heart failure

ByTom

Danny Kaye, the original owner of the Mariners, along with his partner Lester Smith from 1977 to 1981, dies of heart failure. The 74 year-old entertainer was a life-long fan of the Dodgers, recording a hit tune entitled The D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song, which detailed a fictitious encounter with the rivals Giants during the actual 1962 pennant race.

Peter Ueberroth new commisioner

Peter Ueberroth is elected commissioner of baseball

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 3, 1984, Peter Ueberroth is elected commissioner of baseball, succeeding Bowie Kuhn starting on October 1, 1984. Ueberroth, the president of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, will become the game’s sixth commissioner. Ueberroth will serve a five-year term before giving way to A. Bartlett Giamatti. Peter Ueberroth will receive compensation of $450,000,…

Steve Carlton Signs Richest contract in history for a pitcher
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Steve Carlton Signs Richest contract in history for a pitcher

ByThis Day in Baseball

    On March 3, 1983, Thirty-eight-year-old Steve Carlton signs a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. The $4.15 million deal makes “Lefty” the highest-paid pitcher in major league history. Carlton led the National League with 23 wins in 1982. Vintage Baseball HOT ON EBAYCard Collections ENDING SOON ON EBAYMOST WANTED ROOKIE CARDSVINTAGE SPORTS TICKETSBaseball…

Fernando Valenzuela rejects the Dodgers 1982 salary offer of $325,000 and says he’ll hold out until his salary demands are met.

Fernando Valenzuela rejects the Dodgers 1982 salary offer of $325,000 and says he’ll hold out until his salary demands are met.

ByThis Day in Baseball

    March 3, 1982 Fernando Valenzuela rejects the Dodgers 1982 salary offer of $325,000 and says he’ll hold out until his salary demands are met. Coming off a Rookie of the Year season in which he reportedly made $42,300, Fernando is looking for a deal that would pay him close to $800,000 per season….