March 7

2018 – Ichiro Suzuki is returning to the place where his North American journey started, signing a one-year deal with the Mariners. The 44-year-old outfielder first played in the majors with Seattle back in 2001 and had his best seasons with the team.

With the Marlins about to inaugurate Marlins Park, team President David Samson does what he does best – put his foot in his mouth. According to Miami Today, speaking before the high-powered “Beacon Council” of Miami, FL, Samson makes disparaging remarks about state politicians and the intellect of local residents. This is particularly damaging given the new ballpark has been largely financed by local taxpayers, to a degree such that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating whether the bonds issued to finance the stadium were proposed on terms misleading to potential investors. For his part, Samson claims he was misquoted.

Prize Japanese import Yu Darvish makes his Cactus League debut with the Texas Rangers by striking out the first batter he faces, San Diego’s Cameron Maybin. He pitches two scoreless innings while striking out three and impresses all onlookers as the Rangers go on to win the game, 6 – 2.

The Diamondbacks and White Sox play an exhibition game in their old Cactus League ballpark in Tucson, AZ in benefit for a fund set up in memory of Christina Taylor Green, the daughter of John Green and granddaughter of Dallas Green, who was killed in a shooting spree in Tucson in January.

Boston Red Sox backup catcher John Flaherty retires, ending his 14-year major league career with the team he started it with. He signed last December as a free agent after three seasons with the New York Yankees. Flaherty, who also played for Detroit, San Diego and Tampa Bay, posted a .252 batting average with 80 home runs and 395 RBI in 1,047 games. He will remain active in the game as a broadcaster.

1999 – In a historic agreement, it is announced that the Baltimore Orioles will travel to Cuba for a March 28th exhibition game against the Cuban national team in Havana. The Cuban team will travel to the United States for a return contest later this season. It is the first time in 40 years that a team from the USA will play a professional game in Cuba.

1998 – The New York Yankees sign pitcher Orlando Hernandez, brother of the 1997 World Series hero Livan Hernandez, to a four-year, $6.6 million contract.