Alex Rodriguez signs the richest contract in sports history, a ten-year deal with the Rangers worth $252 million. The quarter billion dollars doubles the previous high of $126 million paid by the NBA’s Timberwolves to Kevin Garnett in a six-year agreement signed in October, 1997.

Alex Rodriguez signs the richest contract in sports history, a ten-year deal with the Rangers worth $252 million. The quarter billion dollars doubles the previous high of $126 million paid by the NBA’s Timberwolves to Kevin Garnett in a six-year agreement signed in October, 1997.

ByTom

Alex Rodriguez signs the richest contract in sports history, a ten-year deal with the Rangers worth $252 million. The quarter billion dollars doubles the previous high of $126 million paid by the NBA’s Timberwolves to Kevin Garnett in a six-year agreement signed in October, 1997.

Ivan Rodriguez breaks his thumb when it is struck by Mo Vaughn’s bat swinging on a third strike when the American League MVP attempts to throw out a runner stealing second base

ByTom

Ivan Rodriguez (.347, 27, 83) breaks his thumb when it is struck by Mo Vaughn’s bat swinging on a third strike when the American League MVP attempts to throw out a runner stealing second base. The Texas Rangers’ All-Star catcher will miss the rest of the season.

The Ranger-Mariner game is delayed by rain due to Safeco Field’s retractable roof failing to close.

The Ranger-Mariner game is delayed by rain due to Safeco Field’s retractable roof failing to close.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Ranger-Mariner game is delayed by rain due to Safeco Field’s retractable roof failing to close. The contest is continued after 54 minutes, giving the roof time to overcome its electrical problem and providing the groundskeepers an opportunity to dry the field.

In a ten-player megatrade, the Texas Rangers send outfielder Juan Gonzalez, pitcher Danny Patterson and catcher Gregg Zaun to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Ps Justin Thompson, Alan Webb and Francisco Cordero, OF Gabe Kapler, C Bill Haselman, and IF Frank Catalanotto.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1999 – In a ten-player megatrade, the Texas Rangers send outfielder Juan Gonzalez, pitcher Danny Patterson and catcher Gregg Zaun to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Ps Justin Thompson, Alan Webb and Francisco Cordero, OF Gabe Kapler, C Bill Haselman, and IF Frank Catalanotto.

Ivan Rodriguez becomes the first catcher in major league history to compile 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in the same season

Ivan Rodriguez becomes the first catcher in major league history to compile 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in the same season

ByThis Day in Baseball

Ivan Rodriguez becomes the first catcher in major league history to compile 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in the same season. The Texas backstop reaches the milestone when he swipes second base off Brook Fordyce in the team’s 8-7 loss to the White Sox at Comiskey Park.

The Blue Jays defeat the Rangers, 19 – 4, setting a team record by recording 25 hits. OF Jacob Brumfield and 2B Homer Bush get four hits apiece for Toronto while four other players record three safeties each. P Doug Davis enters the game in the 6th inning for Texas, making his major league debut. In 2 1/3 innings of work, he allows 11 hits, including three home runs, while surrendering 10 earned runs. He’ll return to the minors tomorrow.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Blue Jays defeat the Rangers, 19 – 4, setting a team record by recording 25 hits. OF Jacob Brumfield and 2B Homer Bush get four hits apiece for Toronto while four other players record three safeties each. P Doug Davis enters the game in the 6th inning for Texas, making his major league debut. In 2 1/3 innings of work, he allows 11 hits, including three home runs, while surrendering 10 earned runs. He’ll return to the minors tomorrow.

In a close race, Juan Gonzalez wins the American League’s Most Valuable Player award for a second time

In a close race, Juan Gonzalez wins the American League’s Most Valuable Player award for a second time

ByTom

In a close race, Juan Gonzalez wins the American League’s Most Valuable Player award when he barely outpoints Mariners shortstop Alex Rodriguez, 290-287. The Rangers outfielder, also selected as the AL’s MVP in 1996, becomes the first Latin American native to win the prestigious prize multiple times.

After 126 years the first interleague game is played

After 126 years the first interleague game is played

ByTom

June 12, 1997 At the Ballpark in Texas, the San Francisco Giants defeat the Texas Rangers, 4-3, in the first interleague game in history played in the 126-year history of the sport. San Francisco outfielder Darryl Hamilton picks up the first-ever Interleague hit, and his teammate Glenallen Hill becomes the National League’s first regular season…