The St. Louis Cardinals, needing help due the departures of infielder Shawon Dunston and outfielder Eric Davis, sign their first free agents of the off-season: outfielders Bobby Bonilla, Bernard Gilkey and John Mabry, and infielder Shane Andrews.

The St. Louis Cardinals, needing help due the departures of infielder Shawon Dunston and outfielder Eric Davis, sign their first free agents of the off-season: outfielders Bobby Bonilla, Bernard Gilkey and John Mabry, and infielder Shane Andrews.

The St. Louis Cardinals, needing help due the departures of infielder Shawon Dunston and outfielder Eric Davis, sign their first free agents of the off-season: outfielders Bobby Bonilla, Bernard Gilkey and John Mabry, and infielder Shane Andrews.

Chicago Cubs open the major league season at the Tokyo Dome by defeating the New York Mets, 5 – 3

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.

Barry Bonds sets a new National League mark reaching base in 15 consecutive plate appearances

Barry Bonds sets a new National League mark reaching base in 15 consecutive plate appearances

Giants outfielder Barry Bonds sets a new National League mark reaching base in 15 consecutive plate appearances. His five singles, two doubles, two homers and six walks during the streak breaks Dodger Pedro Guerrero’s mark of 14 established in 1983. Armando Rios hits home runs for his first two major league hits. Expos’ third baseman Shane Andrews accomplished the same feat on April 27 and 28 in 1995.