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Astros owner and HSA president Drayton McLane slams the idea of a new downtown domed stadium, claiming the Astrodome can be refurbished for half the cost. McLane also complains that the $33 millon dollar estimated payroll for the Astros for 1994 is too high. 

ByTom

1994 – Astros owner and HSA president Drayton McLane slams the idea of a new downtown domed stadium, claiming the Astrodome can be refurbished for half the cost. McLane also complains that the $33 millon dollar estimated payroll for the Astros for 1994 is too high. 

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1993 – The first game in the Florida Marlins’ history is a 12-8 pasting of the Astros in the Cocoa, FL park that was the spring home to the Astros for 21 years. Five-run outbursts in the second and fifth innings get the expansion franchise off in style. Phil Nevin belts two triples in his first game as an Astro. 

ByTom

1993 – The first game in the Florida Marlins’ history is a 12-8 pasting of the Astros in the Cocoa, FL park that was the spring home to the Astros for 21 years. Five-run outbursts in the second and fifth innings get the expansion franchise off in style. Phil Nevin belts two triples in his first game as an Astro. 

1986 – The Atlanta Braves acquire hard-hitting catcher Ted Simmons from the Milwaukee Brewers for defensive-minded catcher Rick Cerone and a pair of minor leaguers. Simmons hit .273 with 76 RBI in 1985.

ByTom

1986 – The Atlanta Braves acquire hard-hitting catcher Ted Simmons from the Milwaukee Brewers for defensive-minded catcher Rick Cerone and a pair of minor leaguers. Simmons hit .273 with 76 RBI in 1985.

Templetontown is born

Templetontown is born

ByTom

March 5 1980 – All-star shortstop Garry Templeton, who signed a $4 million St. Louis Cardi­nals contract last week, said Wednesday he will use some of his earnings to help under­privileged and handicapped youngsters attend games. The 1,950 box seat tickets purchased by Templeton for $12,675 will be distributed to the youths during 39 games…

Former Boston Red Sox star Tony Conigliaro begins a comeback attempt by signing a contract with Triple-A Pawtucket

ByThis Day in Baseball

1975 – Former Boston Red Sox star Tony Conigliaro begins a comeback attempt by signing a contract with Triple-A Pawtucket, Boston’s top affiliate in the International League. “Tony C” will make the Red Sox major league roster, but will hit only .123 in 57 at-bats before deciding to retire.

1969 – A prodigious pre-season poke promises great things from Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente, seemingly recovered from last season’s right shoulder injury. “Clemente, who didn’t put on a uniform until last Monday,” writes Bill Christine in the Pittsburgh Press, “hit a 400-foot home run on his second plate appearance in the final intrasquad game.” Clemente drives a 3-and-2 pitch over the left field wall to lead his team to a 2 – 1 victory. “I’m glad to see his shoulder isn’t bothering him this spring,’ says manager Larry Shepard of Clemente’s 400-foot drive.” But on March 14th, after his dramatic display of right shoulder recuperation, shoulder number two will fall prey to Clemente’s relentless pursuit of a Boston batter’s foul pop in a meaningless exhibition contest.

ByTom

1969 – A prodigious pre-season poke promises great things from Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente, seemingly recovered from last season’s right shoulder injury. “Clemente, who didn’t put on a uniform until last Monday,” writes Bill Christine in the Pittsburgh Press, “hit a 400-foot home run on his second plate appearance in the final intrasquad game.” Clemente drives a 3-and-2 pitch over the left field wall to lead his team to a 2 – 1 victory. “I’m glad to see his shoulder isn’t bothering him this spring,’ says manager Larry Shepard of Clemente’s 400-foot drive.” But on March 14th, after his dramatic display of right shoulder recuperation, shoulder number two will fall prey to Clemente’s relentless pursuit of a Boston batter’s foul pop in a meaningless exhibition contest.

Marvin Miller

Marvin Miller is named the executive director of the Major League Players Association

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 5, 1966, United Steelworkers union official Marvin Miller is named the executive director of the Major League Players Association. Under Miller’s guidance, the players union will make major gains such as salary increases, improvements in pension benefits, and the advent of free agency and salary arbitration.  

Atlanta’s Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. claims to have a verbal agreement with a major league team which promises to move to the Peach State if a stadium is ready by next year. The next day the Board of Alderman approves a $15-million stadium.

ByTom

Atlanta’s Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. claims to have a verbal agreement with a major league team which promises to move to the Peach State if a stadium is ready by next year. The next day the Board of Alderman approves a $15-million stadium.