On July 4, 1984, future Hall of Famer Phil Niekro collects his 3,000th career strikeout. Pitching for the New York Yankees, the knuckleballing veteran fans Larry Parrish of the Texas Rangers to reach the milestone.
On June 24, 1984 Oakland’s Joe Morgan hits his 265th career home run as a second baseman, breaking Rogers Hornsby’s major-league record for that position. Morgan, who has 267 home runs overall, connects off Frank Tanana in the 1st inning of the A’s 4 – 2 win over Texas. Morgan, playing his final major league season, will finish his career with 268…
Oakland’s Rickey Henderson steals three bases in a 6 – 5 win over Texas to give him 101 for the season and a major league-record three consecutive seasons with 100 or more.
Doug Rader becomes the twelfth manager in the Rangers’ twelve-year history when he replaces interim Darrell Johnson. The 38 year-old skipper, who managed the Padres’ Triple A club for the past three years, will compile a 155-200 (.437) record during his 2+ season with Texas.
John Wathan breaks Ray Schalk’s 1916 record for stolen bases by a catcher with his 31st stolen base of the season. The Royals’ backstop accomplishes the feat when he swipes third base in the seventh inning of Kansas City’s 5-3 victory over Texas at Arlington Stadium.
On July 10, 1982, Larry Parrish of the Texas Rangers ties a major league record by clubbing his third grand slam within the span of a week. Parrish’s latest slam lifts the Rangers to a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. Parrish also hit grand slams on July 4th against Oakland and July 7th against…
In his last major league at-bat, Mario Mendoza, who will become a minor league hitting instructor, reaches first on a fielder’s choice, ending his nine-year career with a .215 batting average. The Ranger infielder’s name will become infamous, as players struggling at the plate will become known as performing below the ‘Mendoza Line.’
On April 1, 1982, the New York Mets trade popular center fielder and teen idol Lee Mazzilli to the Texas Rangers for minor league pitchers Ron Darling and Walt Terrell. Darling will emerge as an important member of the Mets’ starting rotation and a key contributor to their 1986 World Championship…
On March 31, 1982, the Montreal Expos acquire first baseman-outfielder Al Oliver from the Texas Rangers for third baseman Larry Parrish and minor league first baseman Dave Hostetler. Oliver will enjoy a banner season in Montreal, capturing both the National League in hits, doubles, RBI, batting average, total bases, and RBI.
1982 – Free agent pitcher Frank Tanana signs a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers.
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