2000 – In Japan, the Chicago Cubs open the major league season at the Tokyo Dome by defeating the New York Mets, 5 – 3, in the first major league opening day ever played outside of the United States, Canada or Mexico. Jon Lieber gets the victory and Mike Hampton takes the loss. Shane Andrews, Mark Grace and Mike Piazza hit home runs in the game.
Montreal defeats the Cubs by a score of 3 – 2. Throughout the game, Expo 1B David Segui shares his mitt with Chicago’s Mark Grace as Grace’s glove did not arrive at the ballpark due to a shipping mix-up. The players leave the mitt in the field between innings, as players did at the turn of the century.
1988 – Chris Sabo, who hit .271 with 11 home runs and 46 stolen bases as the Cincinnati Reds third baseman, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace is the runner-up.
Mark Grace Position: First BasemanBats: Left • Throws: Left6-2, 190lb (188cm, 86kg)Born: June 28, 1964 in Winston-Salem, NCDraft: Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 15th round of the 1984 MLB January Draft-Regular Phase from Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA) and the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round of the 1985 MLB June Amateur Draft from San Diego State University (San Diego, CA).High School: Tustin HS (Tustin, CA)Schools: Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA), San Diego State University (San…