2011 – The Cardinals win Game 1 of the World Series at home, defeating Texas, 3 – 2. Chris Carpenter pitches six strong innings, his only flaw being Mike Napoli’s two-run homer in the 5th. A single by pinch-hitter Allen Craig off Alexi Ogando breaks the 2 – 2 tie in the 6th, and the Cards benefit from another strong collective performance by their bullpen, with five relievers combining to shut out the Rangers over the last three frames.

The Yankees pay tribute to Freddy Schuman, a fan favorite at the ballpark since 1988 due to his signs and the rhythmic banging of a spoon against a skillet, by putting some of his memorabilia inside Gate 4 at the Stadium, and with a moment of silence before Game 4 of the ALCS. The fans also show their appreciation of 85 year-old iconic “Freddy Sez” when they photographed friends banging his displayed pan, and with their chanting of “Fred-dy! Fred-dy!” during the contest against the Rangers.

The Nationals sign general manager Mike Rizzo to a five-year contract extension, promoting him to the executive vice president of baseball operations for the organization. The new position, made available when team president Stan Kasten resigned, gives the 48 year-old more control over the franchise as well as a direct line to the team’s ownership, including principal owner Ted Lerner.

The Cubs select Mike Quade, Lou Piniella’s interim replacement who guided the team to a 24-13 record during the last six weeks of the season, as the franchise’s newest manager. Triple-A Iowa skipper and a Hall of Fame icon Ryne Sandberg, a finalist in the selection process, was thought to be the front-runner for the position.

The Mets’ officially introduced Sandy Alderson as the team’s new general manager at a Citi Field news conference. The 62 year-old Harvard Law School graduate, who has served as the former president and GM of the A’s and chief executive officer of the Padres, is being allowed to leave his current administrative position with MLB to take the challenging role of rebuilding the directionless organization, that includes the hiring of a new manager for the team.

The Angels beat the Yankees at home, 5 – 4, in 11 innings, in Game 3 of the ALCS. Jeff Mathis drives in Howie Kendrick from first base with a double as Los Angeles overcomes four solo homers by the Yankees.

Kenji Johjima, the first Japanese catcher in major league history, surprises the Mariners by opting out of the final two seasons of his three-year deal. Unhappy of being benched, the 33 year-old struggling backstop walks away from $15.8 million to finish his career in Japan.

Behind the solid performance of starter Matt Garza and the stellar relief work of rookie David Price to finish the game, which included striking out J.D. Drew with the bases loaded to end the eighth, the hometown Rays beat the defending world champion Red Sox, 3-1, in the decisive Game 7 of the ALCS to win their first American League pennant. After posting the worst record in baseball last season, the Rays advance to the World Series and will host the Phillies in Game 1 of the Fall Classic at Tropicana Field.

2007 – The Kansas City Royals hire Trey Hillman as their new manager, replacing Buddy Bell. Hillman, a veteran minor league manager, has been the skipper of the Nippon Ham Fighters since 2003 and has never managed in the major leagues.