2000 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Major League Baseball
- Regular Season Champions
League Eastern Division Champion Central Division Champion Western Division Champion Wild Card Qualifier American League American LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...New York Yankees New York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...Chicago White Sox Chicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...Oakland Athletics Oakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....Seattle Mariners Seattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...National League National LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...Atlanta Braves Atlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...San Francisco Giants San Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....New York Mets New York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
- World Series Champion - New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
- Postseason - October 3 to October 26
Click on any series score to link to that series' page.
Higher seed has home field advantage during Division Series and League Championship Series.
The American League Champion has home field advantage in the World Series as a result of the pre-2003 "alternating years" rule.
- Postseason MVPs
- World Series2000 World Series-Game 1:Saturday, October 21, 2000 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkThe opener fell on two anniversaries. Twenty-five years prior, Boston Red Sox's catcher Carlton Fisk ended Game 6 of the 1975 World Series with his famous home run off the left field foul pole in Fenway Park in Boston to beat...
MVP - Derek JeterDerek JeterDerek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central... - ALCS2000 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkGame 1 at Yankee Stadium started as a pitchers' duel between Mariners' Freddy García and Yankees' Denny Neagle. Neither team would score until the top of the fifth when Mark McLemore hit a two-out ground rule double off Neagle...
MVP - David JusticeDavid JusticeDavid Christopher Justice is a former outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played for the Atlanta Braves , Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , and Oakland Athletics .-Early life:David was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Robert and Nettie Justice... - NLCS2000 National League Championship Series-Game 1:Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MissouriThe Mets jumped on Cardinals starter Darryl Kile right from the outset. Rookie Timo Pérez led off the game with a double into the right field corner, and following a walk to Edgardo Alfonzo, scored on a double by Mike Piazza...
MVP - Mike HamptonMike HamptonMichael William Hampton is a left-handed former Major League Baseball pitcher. During his career, Hampton was well known for being one of the best hitting pitchers of his time, as well as for his large contract and frequent injuries.-Early career:Mike Hampton was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in...
- World Series
- All-Star GameMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, July 11 at Turner FieldTurner FieldTurner Field is a stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves since 1997. Turner Field was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium, it was completed in 1996 to serve as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics...
- American League, 6-3; Derek JeterDerek JeterDerek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
, MVP- Home Run DerbyHome Run DerbyThe Home Run Derby is an event played prior to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It is a contest among the top home run hitters in Major League Baseball to determine who can hit the most home runs. The event is currently sponsored by State Farm Insurance...
, July 10 - Sammy SosaSammy SosaSamuel Peralta "Sammy" Sosa is a Dominican former professional baseball right fielder. Sosa played with four Major League Baseball teams over his career which spanned from 1989-2007....
, Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
- Home Run Derby
Other champions
- Caribbean World SeriesCaribbean World SeriesThe Caribbean Series , also called the Caribbean World Series is the highest baseball tournament at club level in Latin America. The league winners from the Winter Leagues of Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela participate in the tournament...
: Cangrejeros de SanturceSanturce Crabbers (baseball)The Cangrejeros de Santurce were a professional baseball team based in Santurce, the largest barrio of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The franchise joined the Puerto Rico Baseball League since it was the semi-professional Liga de Béisbol Semi-Profesional de Puerto Rico...
(Puerto Rico) - College World SeriesCollege World SeriesThe College World Series or CWS is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha, Nebraska that is the culmination of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, which determines the NCAA Division I college baseball champion. The eight teams are split into two, four-team, double-elimination brackets,...
: LSULouisiana State UniversityLouisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name... - Cuban National Series1999-2000 Cuban National SeriesThe 39th Cuban National Series was marked by Santiago de Cuba's remarkable postseason run to win its second straight National Series. Under the direction of manager Higinio Vélez, the Avispas won eleven straight games in the playoffs, sweeping Camagüey, Granma and finally Pinar del Río.-Group...
: Santiago de Cuba over Pinar del Río - Japan SeriesJapan Series, or is the annual championship series in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top baseball league in Japan. It is a seven-game series between the winning clubs of the league's two circuits, the Central League and the Pacific League....
: Yomiuri GiantsYomiuri GiantsThe are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the...
over Fukuoka Daiei HawksFukuoka SoftBank HawksThe are a Japanese baseball team based in Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture. The team was bought on January 28, 2005 by the SoftBank Corporation.The team was formerly known as the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. In 1988, Daiei bought the team from Osaka's Nankai Electric Railway Co., and its headquarters were...
(4-2) - Korean SeriesKorean SeriesThe Korean Series is the championship series of the Korea Baseball Organization. It has been held since the KBO's first season in and is the final series of in the post-season play-offs. From , the winner of the Korean Series goes on to play in the Asia Series....
: Hyundai Unicorns over Doosan BearsDoosan BearsThe Doosan Bears are a professional baseball team based in Seoul, South Korea. They are a member of the Korean Baseball Organization....
(4-2) - Little League World Series2000 Little League World Series-Pool play:August 20August 21August 22August 23-Elimination round:-External links:*...
: Sierra Maestra, MaracaiboMaracaiboMaracaibo is a city and municipality located in northwestern Venezuela off the western coast of the Lake Maracaibo. It is the second-largest city in the country after the national capital Caracas and the capital of Zulia state...
, VenezuelaVenezuelaVenezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south... - Summer Olympic GamesBaseball at the 2000 Summer OlympicsBaseball at the 2000 Summer Olympics was the third time an Olympic baseball tournament had been held as a full medal sport, and the ninth time it had been part of the Summer Olympic Games in any capacity. It was held in Sydney, Australia from 17 September through to the bronze and gold medal games...
at SydneySydneySydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
: United StatesUnited States national baseball teamThe United States National Baseball team represents the United States in international baseball competition. The United States has won the previous two Baseball World Cups, having lost this title to the Netherlands in 2011, and is currently second in the IBAF World Rankings, behind Cuba.The team...
(GoldGold medalA gold medal is typically the medal awarded for highest achievement in a non-military field. Its name derives from the use of at least a fraction of gold in form of plating or alloying in its manufacture...
), CubaCuba national baseball teamThe Cuba national baseball team is the national team of Cuba. The team is made up of amateur players from the Cuban national baseball system, as there are no professional sports leagues in Cuba...
(SilverSilver medalA silver medal is a medal awarded to the second place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and contests with similar formats....
), KoreaKorea national baseball teamThe Korea national baseball team , nicknamed "Blue Bogy ", is the national baseball team of the Republic of Korea . It has participated in the Summer Olympic Games in 1984, 1988, 1996 and 2000. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, it won the gold medal in a final victory against Cuba...
(BronzeBronze medalA bronze medal is a medal awarded to the third place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. The practice of awarding bronze third place medals began at the 1904 Olympic Games in St...
) - CPBL ChampionshipTaiwan SeriesTaiwan Series is the championship series of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. It is usually played in October, after the regular season. It was formerly known as the CPBL Seasonal Championship Series , and was renamed the Taiwan Series after the merger of the Chinese Professional Baseball...
: Uni-President LionsUni-President LionsThe Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions are a professional baseball team based in Tainan City, Taiwan. The organization is named after the Uni-President Corporation, one of Taiwan's largest conglomerate whose sub-company Uni-President Baseball Team Company oversees operations of the team...
Awards and honors
- Most Valuable PlayerMLB Most Valuable Player AwardThe Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
- Jason GiambiJason GiambiJason Gilbert Giambi is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball.He was the American League MVP in 2000 while with the Oakland Athletics, and is a five-time All-Star who has led the American League in walks four times, in on base percentage...
, Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, 1B (AL) - Jeff KentJeff KentJeffrey Franklin Kent is a retired Major League Baseball second baseman. Kent won the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2000 with the San Francisco Giants, and is the all-time leader in home runs among second basemen...
, San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, 2B (NL)
- Jason Giambi
- Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
- Pedro MartínezPedro MartínezPedro Jaime Martínez is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2004 World Series champion...
, Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
(AL) - Randy JohnsonRandy JohnsonRandall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams....
, Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
(NL)
- Pedro Martínez
- Rookie of the YearMLB Rookie of the Year AwardIn Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
- Kazuhiro SasakiKazuhiro SasakiKazuhiro "Daimajin" Sasaki is a former Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. He played his entire NPB career with the Yokohama Taiyo Whales / Yokohama BayStars...
, Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, P (AL) - Rafael FurcalRafael FurcalRafael Antonio Furcal , is a Major League Baseball shortstop who is currently a free agent.-Early career:...
, Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, SS (NL)
- Kazuhiro Sasaki
- Manager of the Year AwardManager of the Year AwardIn Major League Baseball, the Manager of the Year Award is an honor given annually since 1983 to the best managers in the American League and the National League . The winner is voted on by 28 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America . Each places a vote for first, second, and third...
- Jerry ManuelJerry ManuelJerry Manuel , nicknamed "The Sage" is a former major league manager. He previously managed the Chicago White Sox from 1998 to 2003 and the New York Mets from the middle of 2008 to 2010 and played in the majors for parts of five seasons in the 1970s and early 1980s.-Playing career:Manuel played...
, Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
(AL) - Dusty BakerDusty BakerJohnnie B. "Dusty" Baker, Jr. is a former player and current manager in Major League Baseball, currently the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed a 19-year career as a hard-hitting outfielder, mostly with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
(NL)
- Jerry Manuel
MLB statistical leaders
EWLINE
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Major league baseball final standings
| American League American League The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major... |
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| Rank | Club | Wins | Losses | Win % | GB |
| East Division | |||||
| 1st | New York Yankees New York Yankees The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division... |
87 | 74 | .540 | -- |
| 2nd | Boston Red Sox Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"... |
85 | 77 | .525 | 2.5 |
| 3rd | Toronto Blue Jays Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League .... |
83 | 79 | .512 | 4.5 |
| 4th | Baltimore Orioles Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league... |
74 | 88 | .457 | 13.5 |
| 5th | Tampa Bay Devil Rays | 69 | 92 | .429 | 18.0 |
| Central Division | |||||
| 1st | Chicago White Sox Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans... |
95 | 67 | .586 | -- |
| 2nd | Cleveland Indians Cleveland Indians The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona... |
90 | 72 | .556 | 5.0 |
| 3rd | Detroit Tigers Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant... |
79 | 83 | .488 | 16.0 |
| 4th | Kansas City Royals Kansas City Royals The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium... |
77 | 85 | .475 | 18.0 |
| 5th | Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the... |
69 | 93 | .426 | 26.0 |
| West Division | |||||
| 1st | Oakland Athletics Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum.... |
91 | 70 | .565 | -- |
| 2nd | Seattle Mariners Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July... * |
91 | 71 | .562 | 0.5 |
| 3rd | Anaheim Angels Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles... |
82 | 80 | .506 | 9.5 |
| 4th | Texas Rangers Texas Rangers (baseball) The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have... |
71 | 91 | .438 | 20.5 |
| National League National League The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional... |
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| Rank | Club | Wins | Losses | Win % | GB |
| East Division | |||||
| 1st | Atlanta Braves Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997.... |
95 | 67 | .586 | -- |
| 2nd | New York Mets New York Mets The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League... * |
94 | 68 | .580 | 1.0 |
| 3rd | Florida Marlins Florida Marlins The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at... |
79 | 82 | .491 | 15.5 |
| 4th | Montreal Expos Montreal Expos The Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's... |
67 | 95 | .414 | 28.0 |
| 5th | Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia Phillies The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League... |
65 | 97 | .401 | 30.0 |
| Central Division | |||||
| 1st | St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to... |
95 | 67 | .586 | -- |
| 2nd | Cincinnati Reds Cincinnati Reds The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890.... |
85 | 77 | .525 | 10.0 |
| 3rd | Milwaukee Brewers Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League... |
73 | 89 | .451 | 22.0 |
| 4th | Houston Astros Houston Astros The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field... |
72 | 90 | .444 | 23.0 |
| 5th | Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions... |
69 | 93 | .426 | 26.0 |
| 6th | Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National... |
65 | 97 | .401 | 30.0 |
| West Division | |||||
| 1st | San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division.... |
97 | 65 | .599 | -- |
| 2nd | Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming... |
86 | 76 | .531 | 11.0 |
| 3rd | Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona Diamondbacks The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field... |
85 | 77 | .525 | 12.0 |
| 4th | Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains... |
82 | 80 | .506 | 15.0 |
| 5th | San Diego Padres San Diego Padres The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times... |
76 | 86 | .469 | 21.0 |
- * The asterisk denotes the club that won the wild cardWild card (sports)The term wild card refers broadly to a tournament or playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal play.-International sports:...
for its respective league. - NOTE: Oakland did not have to make up one postponed game, because even if they had lost and had finished in a tie with Seattle, they would have been awarded the division title due to winning the season series (9-4) between the teams.
January-March
- January 6 - Major league officials order Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
reliever John RockerJohn RockerJohn Loy Rocker is a retired American Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the Atlanta Braves, the Cleveland Indians, the Texas Rangers, and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as well as the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball...
is to undergo psychological testing following derogatory remarks he made in an interview with Sports IllustratedSports IllustratedSports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
magazine. Commissioner Bud SeligBud SeligAllan Huber "Bud" Selig is the ninth and current Commissioner of Major League Baseball, having served in that capacity since 1992 as the acting commissioner, and as the official commissioner since 1998...
says he will listen to what the doctors say before deciding what punishment—if any—will be handed down to the pitcher.
- January 11 - The baseball writers elect catcher Carlton FiskCarlton FiskCarlton Ernest Fisk , nicknamed "Pudge" or "The Commander", is a former Major League Baseball catcher. During a 24-year baseball career, he played for both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox .Fisk was known by the nickname "Pudge" due to his 6'2", 220 lb frame...
and first baseman Tony PérezTony PérezAtanasio Pérez Rigal , more commonly known as Tony Pérez, is a former Major League Baseball player. He was also known by the nickname "Big Dog," "Big Doggie," and "Doggie."...
to the Hall of Fame. Fisk is chosen in his 2nd year on the ballot, while Pérez is picked on his 9th try.
- January 31 - Braves reliever John Rocker is suspended from baseball until May 1 by Commissioner Bud Selig for his racial and ethnic remarks in an article published in Sports Illustrated last month. He's also fined an undisclosed amount and ordered to undergo sensitivity training.
- February 10 - The Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
accommodate center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr.Ken Griffey, Jr.George Kenneth "Ken" Griffey, Jr. , nicknamed "Junior" and "The Kid", is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and during his final years, designated hitter...
, trading him to his hometown Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
in exchange for Mike CameronMike CameronMichael Terrance Cameron is an American professional baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He has previously played for the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and Florida Marlins.Cameron has won 3...
, Brett TomkoBrett TomkoBrett Daniel Tomko is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, St...
, Antonio Pérez and Jake MeyerJake MeyerJake Meyer is a British climber. He achieved fame by becoming the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest in 2005, aged 21 years 4 months. The record is now held by Rob Gauntlett who was 19 at the time...
.
- February 29 - Manager Sparky AndersonSparky AndersonGeorge Lee "Sparky" Anderson was an American Major League Baseball manager. He managed the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He was the first manager to win the World Series in both...
, 19th-century star Bid McPheeBid McPheeJohn Alexander "Bid" McPhee was a 19th century Major League Baseball second baseman. He played 18 seasons in the majors, from until , all for the Cincinnati Reds franchise. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in...
, and Negro League player Norman "Turkey" StearnesTurkey StearnesNorman Thomas "Turkey" Stearnes was an African American center fielder in the Negro leagues. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.-Early Life and career:...
are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.
- March 1 - Independent arbitrator Shyam Das cuts Braves pitcher John Rocker's suspension from 28 days to 14 days. Rocker, who is allowed to report to spring training with the team, also has his fine cut.
- March 29 - The Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
open the major league season in the Tokyo DomeTokyo DomeTokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...
in TokyoTokyo, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, by defeating the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
5-3, in the first big league game ever played outside of North America. Jon LieberJon LieberJonathan Ray Lieber is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
gets the victory and Mike HamptonMike HamptonMichael William Hampton is a left-handed former Major League Baseball pitcher. During his career, Hampton was well known for being one of the best hitting pitchers of his time, as well as for his large contract and frequent injuries.-Early career:Mike Hampton was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in...
takes the loss. Mark Grace and Mike PiazzaMike PiazzaMichael Joseph "Mike" Piazza ; born September 4, 1968) is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. He played in his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and the Oakland Athletics....
also homer.
April-May
- April 3
- Andrés GalarragaAndrés GalarragaAndrés José Padovani Galarraga is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for the Montreal Expos , St. Louis Cardinals , Colorado Rockies , Atlanta Braves , Texas Rangers , San Francisco Giants and Anaheim Angels...
hits a home run in his first game back after missing the entire 19991999 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; Mariano Rivera, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Orlando Hernández**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Eddie Pérez...
season following cancerCancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
surgery, as the Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
defeat the Colorado RockiesColorado RockiesThe Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
, 2–0, at Turner FieldTurner FieldTurner Field is a stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves since 1997. Turner Field was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium, it was completed in 1996 to serve as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics...
. - A new major league record for Opening DayOpening DayOpening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book...
is set with five players having multiple home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
games. Gabe KaplerGabe KaplerGabriel "Gabe" Stefan Kapler is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.He has played portions of 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Tampa Bay Rays...
becomes the first player to hit home runs in his first two at-bats in a Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
uniform and his teammate Iván RodríguezIván RodríguezIván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
also adds a pair of homers in a 10–4 Texas victory against the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
. Vladimir GuerreroVladimir GuerreroVladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
hits a pair of homers for the Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
, but the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
defeat Montreal, 10-4, behind Eric Karros' grand slamGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
. Jason GiambiJason GiambiJason Gilbert Giambi is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball.He was the American League MVP in 2000 while with the Oakland Athletics, and is a five-time All-Star who has led the American League in walks four times, in on base percentage...
of the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
hits two home runs against the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
. Despite Giambi's effort, Detroit edges the Athletics, 7–4.
- Andrés Galarraga
- April 4 - Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
closer Ugueth UrbinaUgueth UrbinaUgueth Urtaín Urbina Villarreal is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. A two-time All-Star, Urbina led the National League in saves with 41 in the 1999 season and helped the Florida Marlins win the 2003 World Series...
ties a major league record by striking out the side on nine pitches. His victims are F. P. SantangeloF. P. SantangeloFrank-Paul Santangelo , is a former American professional baseball player from the University of Miami, Sacramento City College and Oak Ridge High School . Santangelo played in the Major leagues from 1995 to 2001...
, Devon White and Mark GrudzielanekMark GrudzielanekMark James Grudzielanek is a retired Major League Baseball second baseman and shortstop. Grudzielanek played six different teams during his 15-season career. He batted and threw right-handed.-Early years:...
in the ninth inning, as Montreal defeats the Los Angeles Dodgers, 10–4, at Montreal's Stade olympiqueOlympic Stadium (Montreal)The Olympic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district of Montreal, Quebec, Canada built as the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics...
.
- April 7 - A total of 57 home runs are hit in the 15 games played, for a new major league record. The previous mark of 55 was set in 17 games on August 13, 19991999 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; Mariano Rivera, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Orlando Hernández**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Eddie Pérez...
. There were 36 homers hit in the AL, smashing the previous mark for a single league.
- April 9 - The Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
defeat the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
13-7. In the process, they become the first teams in major league history to each hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in the same game. Ron CoomerRon CoomerRonald "Coom Dawg" Coomer is a former first baseman and third baseman in Major League Baseball who had a 9-year career from to . He played for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, Jacque JonesJacque JonesJacque Dewayne Jones is a Major League Baseball outfielder who currently is a free agent-Early life:...
and Matt LeCroy hit consecutive homers for Minnesota in the 6th inning, followed by three in a row by Carlos BeltránCarlos BeltránCarlos Iván Beltrán is a Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:In his youth, Beltrán excelled in many sports, with volleyball and baseball being his favorites. At his father's urging, he gave up volleyball to concentrate on baseball when he was seventeen...
, Jermaine DyeJermaine DyeJermaine Trevell Dye is a retired American Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter. Dye played with the Atlanta Braves , Kansas City Royals , Oakland Athletics , and the Chicago White Sox . Dye won the World Series MVP with the White Sox in 2005...
and Mike SweeneyMike SweeneyMichael John "Mike" Sweeney is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Sweeney played his first 13 seasons in the majors with the Kansas City Royals, originally as a catcher and then moving to first base. Sweeney has also played for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia...
of Kansas City an inning later.
- April 10 - The Colorado RockiesColorado RockiesThe Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
beats the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, 7–5, despite Ken Griffey, Jr.Ken Griffey, Jr.George Kenneth "Ken" Griffey, Jr. , nicknamed "Junior" and "The Kid", is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and during his final years, designated hitter...
's 400th career home run. At age of 30, Griffey is the youngest player in major league history to reach that milestone.
- April 11 - The Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
edge the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, 6–5, in the first game played at Pacific Bell ParkAT&T ParkAT&T Park is a ballpark located in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, at the corner of Third and King Streets, it has served as the home of the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball since 2000....
in San Francisco. Shortstop Kevin ElsterKevin ElsterKevin Daniel Elster is a retired Major League Baseball shortstop.Elster played for six different ballclubs during his career: the New York Mets , New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies , Texas Rangers , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Los Angeles Dodgers...
leads the Dodgers attack with three home runs.
- April 11 - The Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
sink the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, 5–2, in the first game played at Comerica ParkComerica ParkComerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
in Detroit.
- April 15 - The Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
defeat the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
, 6–4, as Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
gets the 3,000th hit of his illustrious career. Ripken goes 3-for-5 in becoming the 24th player to reach the milestone, and the seventh to get 3,000 hits and 400 home runs.
- April 16 - Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
starter Chuck FinleyChuck FinleyCharles Edward "Chuck" Finley is an American former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1986-2002 for three different teams, but pitched primarily with the California Angels...
, who was already the only pitcher to strike out four batters in one inning twice, does it for the third time as the left-hander strikes out Tom EvansTom Evans (baseball)Thomas John Evans is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball. Between 1997 and 2000, Evans played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers . He batted and threw right-handed....
, Royce ClaytonRoyce ClaytonRoyce Spencer Clayton is an American former Major League Baseball shortstop and occasional actor.-Baseball career:Clayton was born in Burbank, California. He was drafted out of St...
, Chad CurtisChad CurtisChad Curtis is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from -, notably for the New York Yankees...
(who takes first on a passed ball) and Rafael PalmeiroRafael PalmeiroRafael Palmeiro Corrales is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and left fielder. Palmeiro was an All-American at Mississippi State University before being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1985...
in the third inning. Finley beats the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
2–1 with the help of back-to-back ninth-inning home runs from Manny RamírezManny RamírezManuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...
and Jim ThomeJim ThomeJames Howard "Jim" Thome is a Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is the eighth player to hit 600 home runs in the major leagues. He is widely considered a future Hall of Famer.-Cleveland Indians :...
.
- April 21 - The Anaheim AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
down the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 9–6. Mo VaughnMo VaughnMaurice Samuel 'Mo' Vaughn , nicknamed "The Hit Dog", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played from 1991 to 2003...
and Tim SalmonTim SalmonTimothy James Salmon is a former Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
hit back-to-back home runs for Anaheim in the fourth inning, then repeat the feat in the ninth. Troy GlausTroy GlausTroy Edward Glaus is a Major League Baseball first baseman and third baseman who is currently a free agent. Previously, Glaus played with the Anaheim Angels , Arizona Diamondbacks , Toronto Blue Jays , St. Louis Cardinals , and the Atlanta Braves . Glaus lettered in baseball while attending UCLA...
also homers in those same two innings, marking the first time in major league history that three players homer in the same inning twice in the same game. The three players with two home runs in the game ties another major league record.
- April 23 - In the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
' 10–7 victory over the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
, Yankees' Bernie WilliamsBernie WilliamsBernabé Williams Figueroa Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and Puerto Rican musician.-Early life:...
and Jorge PosadaJorge PosadaJorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
each hit home runs from both sides of the plate, marking the first time in major league history that a pair of teammates accomplish the feat in the same game.
- April 26 - Vladimir GuerreroVladimir GuerreroVladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
hits 100th career home run helping the Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
beat the Colorado RockiesColorado RockiesThe Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
9–2.
- April 29 - The San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
finally win, beating the Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
2–1 for their first victory at Pacific Bell Park. The Giants are the first team to lose six straight game to begin play in a newly constructed home park.
- April 30 - Randy JohnsonRandy JohnsonRandall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams....
of the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
compiles what might have been the best first month for a pitcher in major league history, going 6-0 with an 0.91 ERA, three complete games and a pair of shutouts.
- April 30 - The St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
defeat the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, 4–3, as Mark McGwireMark McGwireMark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
and Jim EdmondsJim EdmondsJames Patrick "Jim" Edmonds is a former American Major League Baseball center fielder. He played for the California/Anaheim Angels, the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Diego Padres, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs, and the Cincinnati Reds...
hit home runs. St. Louis finishes the month with 55 homers, a new record for the month of April. It also ties the National League mark for homers in any month. Major league batters also set a record for most home runs in a month by hitting 931 in April – the total is 140 more than the number hit in .
- May 10 - Rickey HendersonRickey HendersonRickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
becomes the 21st major leaguer to garner 10,000 at-bats in his career. Henderson finishes the night with 10,002 at bats and trails only Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
among active players.
- May 11 - The Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
defeats the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, 14–8, in the longest nine-inning played in National League history. But not only is Milwaukee's four-hour, 22-minute drubbing of Chicago, because it also features one of the longest home runs in the history of Wrigley FieldWrigley FieldWrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
. A picture circulated by the Associated PressAssociated PressThe Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
puts it this way: "Rick Frohock celebrates on the rooftop of a three-story building on Waveland Ave. behind the left-field bleachers of Wrigley Field after catching a home run hit by Chicago's Glenallen HillGlenallen HillGlenallen Hill is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for 13 seasons. Hill played with the Toronto Blue Jays , Cleveland Indians , Chicago Cubs San Francisco Giants , Seattle Mariners , New York Yankees , and Anaheim Angels...
against the Brewers. It was believed to be the first time a ball landed on top of the apartment building." Hill's shot is estimated at 490 feet by the next day's press accounts and eventually measured at 500 feet.
- May 12 - Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
pitcher Pedro MartínezPedro MartínezPedro Jaime Martínez is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2004 World Series champion...
, who posted 17 strikeouts in his last start on May 6 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, strikes out 15 batters in a 9–0 shutout over the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, to tie an American League pitching record for the most strikeouts over two games. The mark was set in by Luis TiantLuis TiantLuis Clemente Tiant Vega , born November 23, 1940 in Marianao, Cuba, , is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians , Minnesota Twins , Boston Red Sox , New York Yankees , Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels...
, while pitching for the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
.
- May 18 - Mark McGwireMark McGwireMark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
hit three home runs and drove in seven runs in a St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
7–2 victory over the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. The three homers move McGwire past Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
into eighth place on the all-time list with 539.
- May 19 - The Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
defeat the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, 13–1, as catcher Jason KendallJason KendallJason Daniel Kendall is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He is the son of former catcher Fred Kendall, who played in the majors from 1969–1980.-High school:...
hits for the cycleHitting for the cycleIn baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
to become the only Pirate ever to do so at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
.
- May 20 - Rickey HendersonRickey HendersonRickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
of the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
hits a leadoffLeadoff hitterIn baseball, a leadoff hitter is a batter who bats first in the lineup. It can also refer to any batter who bats first in an inning.- Strategy :...
home run in the Mariners' 4–3 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil RaysTampa Bay RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
at Safeco FieldSafeco FieldSafeco Field is a retractable roof baseball stadium located in Seattle, Washington. The stadium, owned and operated by the Washington-King County Stadium Authority, is the home stadium of the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball and has a seating capacity of 47,878 for baseball...
. Henderson joins Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
and Willie McCoveyWillie McCoveyWillie Lee McCovey , nicknamed "Mac", "Big Mac", and "Stretch", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played nineteen seasons for the San Francisco Giants, and three more for the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics, between and...
as the only players who have hit at least one home run in four different decades. Henderson had signed with the Mariners the day before, after being released by the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
on May 13.
- May 23 - The Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
defeats the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, 4–2. Seattle's Rickey HendersonRickey HendersonRickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
draws his 2,000th career walkBase on ballsA base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
in the ninth inning, making him the third player to reach that level in the majors, just behind Babe RuthBabe RuthGeorge Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
and Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
.
- May 29 - Second baseman Randy VelardeRandy VelardeRandy Lee Velarde is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played for the New York Yankees, California/Anaheim Angels, Oakland Athletics, and Texas Rangers from to...
of the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
turns an unassisted triple playUnassisted triple playIn baseball, an unassisted triple play occurs when a defensive player makes all three putouts by himself in one continuous play, without any teammates touching the ball . In Major League Baseball , it is one of the rarest of individual feats, along with hitting four home runs in one game and the...
, just the 11th in major league history, on a line drive smashed by the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
' Shane SpencerShane SpencerMichael Shane Spencer is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. In Major League Baseball, he played a total of 538 games for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and New York Mets, compiling 438 hits, 59 home runs, and 242 RBI...
. With runners on first and second running with the pitch, Velarde tags Jorge PosadaJorge PosadaJorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
as he nears second base, then touches the bag to retire Tino MartinezTino MartinezConstantino "Tino" Martinez is a former Major League Baseball first baseman.Martinez was the first round draft pick for the Seattle Mariners in out of the University of Tampa where he starred during his time on campus. He began his Major League career in and has played for the Mariners, New...
. New York wins the game, 4–1. In 19951995 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians ; Tom Glavine, MVP*All-Star Game, July 11 at The Ballpark in Arlington: National League, 3-2; Jeff Conine, MVP-Other champions:...
, while playing with the Yankees, Velarde turned an unassisted triple play against the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
in spring trainingSpring trainingIn Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
following the 1994-95 strike.
June-July
- June 1 - Japanese right-hander Tomokazu Ohka, a top prospect with the Pawtucket Red SoxPawtucket Red SoxThe Pawtucket Red Sox are the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox and belong to the International League...
, becomes the first pitcher in nearly 50 years to throw a nine-inning perfect gamePerfect gameA perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
in the International LeagueInternational LeagueThe International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
. Ohka retired all 27 batters he faced in a 2-0 triumph over the Charlotte KnightsCharlotte KnightsThe Charlotte Knights are a minor league baseball team representing Charlotte, North Carolina. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox of the American League...
. The 24-year-old Ohka needs just 76 pitches to toss the first nine-inning perfect game in the IL since Dick MarloweDick MarloweRichard Burton Marlowe was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Detroit Tigers from 1951 to 1956 and Chicago White Sox in 1956....
did it for Buffalo in 19521952 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Brooklyn Dodgers *All-Star Game, July 8 at Shibe Park: National League, 3-2 -Other champions:*Caribbean World Series: La Habana *College World Series: Holy Cross...
.
- June 2 - With the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
visiting Wrigley FieldWrigley FieldWrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
for the first time since the 1945 World Series1945 World Series-Game 1:Wednesday, October 3, 1945 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, Michigan-Game 2:Thursday, October 4, 1945 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, Michigan-Game 3:Friday, October 5, 1945 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, Michigan...
, Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
reliever Rick AguileraRick AguileraRichard Warren Aguilera is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 16-year baseball career, he pitched from 1985-2000 for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs....
pitches a perfect ninth inning for his 300th save in a 2-0 Chicago victory.
- June 2 - Tampa Bay Devil Rays first baseman Fred McGriffFred McGriffFrederick Stanley McGriff is a left-handed former Major League Baseball player who starred for several teams from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. A power-hitting first baseman with a tall, lanky build, the five-time All-Star became, in , the first player since the dead-ball era to lead both...
becomes the 31st player to reach 400 career home runs when he goes deep against Glendon RuschGlendon RuschGlendon James Rusch is a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He previously played for the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres...
with a two-run drive in a 5-3 loss to the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
at Shea StadiumShea StadiumWilliam A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
.
- June 2 - The Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
announce they will wear Maurice RichardMaurice RichardJoseph Henri Maurice "the Rocket" Richard, Sr., was a French-Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League from 1942 to 1960. The "Rocket" was the most prolific goal-scorer of his era, the first to achieve the feat of 50 goals in 50...
's uniform number 9 on their jerseys for the rest of the season to honor the Montreal CanadiensMontreal CanadiensThe Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
great who died last week. It is believed to be the first time a major league team has honored an athlete from another sport in this way.
- June 21 - Oakland defeats the Orioles 10-3, as Eric ChavezEric ChavezEric Cesar Chavez is an American Major League Baseball infielder. Chavez has played for the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees...
becomes the first Athletics player to hit for the cycleHitting for the cycleIn baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
at home since the team moved to Oakland in 1968.
- June 26 - After hitting 35 home runs in 53 Minor league games, Alex CabreraAlex CabreraAlex Cabrera is a Venezuelan first baseman and right-handed batter who played in Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball...
makes his big league debut with the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
and hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning. Arizona defeat the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
, 6–1, while Cabrera becomes the 78th player in Major League Baseball history to homer in his first career at-bat.
- June 30 - Trailing 8-1 to the Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
score 10 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning, capped off by Mike PiazzaMike PiazzaMichael Joseph "Mike" Piazza ; born September 4, 1968) is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. He played in his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and the Oakland Athletics....
's 3-run home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
off reliever Terry MulhollandTerry MulhollandTerence John Mulholland is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He threw left-handed and batted right-handed.-Early and personal life:...
. There had been 4 walks in the inning, and 9 of the 10 runs scored were with 2 outs in the inning.
- July 1 - On CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
's 133rd birthday, the Marlins' Ryan DempsterRyan DempsterRyan Scott Dempster is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Dempster bats and throws right-handed. He has been both a starter and a reliever in his career.-Professional career:...
and the Expos' Mike JohnsonMike Johnson (baseball)Michael Keith Johnson is a former professional baseball pitcher. He has pitched all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball, and has also played in Nippon Professional Baseball, the Korean Baseball Organization, and the CPBL.Johnson was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1993...
hook up in a rare matchup of Canadian starters. Dempster comes out on top as Florida defeats Montreal 6–5. Johnson hails from Edmonton, Alberta, while Dempster is a native of Sechelt, British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaBritish Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
. Theirs is the first matchup of Canadian-born starters since September 19991999 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; Mariano Rivera, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Orlando Hernández**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Eddie Pérez...
, when Dempster took on Éric GagnéÉric GagnéÉric Serge Gagné is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in 1995, Gagné began his career as a starting pitcher...
of the Dodgers.
- July 5 - Arizona outfielder Luis GonzalezLuis Gonzalez (baseball outfielder)Luis Emilio Gonzalez , nicknamed "Gonzo", is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. A Cuban-American, Gonzalez spent his best years with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was one of the most popular players in that organization's history...
becomes the first Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
to hit for the cycleHitting for the cycleIn baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
, helping his team to trip the Astros 12-9. It is the first time the feat is accomplished in new Enron Field, and Gonzalez is just the 9th player to both hit for the cycle and have a 30-or-more-game hitting streak.
- July 6 - St. Louis rookie catcher Keith McDonald hits a home run in his second at bat, becoming only the second player in major league history to hit home runs in each of his first two big league at bats. Bob NiemanBob NiemanRobert Charles Nieman was a Major League Baseball outfielder and right-handed batter who played for the St. Louis Browns , Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Baltimore Orioles , St. Louis Cardinals , Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants...
, in 19511951 in baseball-Headline Event of the Year:Baseball's Shot Heard 'Round the World gives the New York Giants the National League Pennant in the third game of a best-of-three-games tiebreaker series over the Brooklyn Dodgers.-Major League Baseball:...
, is the other.
- July 6 - Dodgers pitcher Orel HershiserOrel HershiserOrel Leonard Hershiser IV is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He is currently an analyst for Baseball Tonight and Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN and a professional poker player for...
announces his retirement.
- July 6 - The American Sportscasters Association names Dodgers legend Vin ScullyVin ScullyVincent Edward Scully is an American sportscaster, known primarily as the play-by-play voice of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team on Prime Ticket, KCAL-TV and KABC radio...
as the No. 1 sportscaster of the 20th century. Howard CosellHoward CosellHoward William Cosell was an American sports journalist who was widely known for his blustery, cocksure personality. Cosell said of himself, "Arrogant, pompous, obnoxious, vain, cruel, verbose, a showoff. I have been called all of these...
finishes second, followed by Mel AllenMel AllenMel Allen was an American sportscaster, best known for his long tenure as the primary play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees. During the peak of his career in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, Allen was arguably the most prominent member of his profession, his voice familiar to millions...
and Red BarberRed BarberWalter Lanier "Red" Barber was an American sportscaster.Barber, nicknamed "The Ol' Redhead", was primarily identified with radio broadcasts of Major League Baseball, calling play-by-play across four decades with the Cincinnati Reds , Brooklyn Dodgers , and New York Yankees...
.
- July 8 - In a New York match, the Yankees whip the Mets by identical 4-2 scores in both ends of an unusual day-night doubleheader. With the first game played at Shea StadiumShea StadiumWilliam A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
and the nightcap at Yankee Stadium, it is the first time since 19031903 in baseball300px|thumb|1903 [[1903 Boston Americans season|Boston]] vs [[1903 Chicago White Stockings season|Chicago]] at [[Huntington Avenue Grounds]]-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Boston Americans over Pittsburgh Pirates , in the first modern World Series...
that two teams played two games in different stadiums on the same day. Dwight GoodenDwight GoodenDwight Eugene Gooden , nicknamed "Doc Gooden" or "Dr. K", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in the National League in the middle and late 1980s.-Career:...
wins the first game with a six inning effort in his first start since returning to the Yankees. Roger ClemensRoger ClemensWilliam Roger Clemens , nicknamed "Rocket", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who broke into the league with the Boston Red Sox, whose pitching staff he would help anchor for 12 years. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher. He played for four different teams over...
wins the nightcap and precipitate a near-brawl when he drills Mike PiazzaMike PiazzaMichael Joseph "Mike" Piazza ; born September 4, 1968) is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. He played in his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and the Oakland Athletics....
in the helmet with an inside fastball. Piazza suffers a concussion.
- July 11 - The American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
wins its fourth consecutive All-Star GameMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, beating the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
6-3. Derek JeterDerek JeterDerek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
of the Yankees and Chipper JonesChipper JonesLarry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
of the Braves each go 3-for-3 in the contest. Jeter takes MVP honors, while James BaldwinJames Baldwin (baseball player)James J. Baldwin, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He batted and threw right-handed. In his 11-season career, he played for the Chicago White Sox , Los Angeles Dodgers , Seattle Mariners , Minnesota Twins , New York Mets , Texas Rangers , and Baltimore Orioles .Drafted by the Chicago...
of the White Sox is the winning pitcher.
- July 15 - A 1909 Honus WagnerHonus Wagner-Louisville Colonels:Recognizing his talent, Barrow recommended Wagner to the Louisville Colonels. After some hesitation about his awkward figure, Wagner was signed by the Colonels, where he hit .338 in 61 games....
baseball cardBaseball cardA baseball card is a type of trading card relating to baseball, usually printed on some type of paper stock or card stock. A card will usually feature one or more baseball players or other baseball-related sports figures...
is auctioned for a record $1.1 million on eBayEBayeBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
. Other high-priced items in the auction include a baseball autographed by the entire 1919 "Chicago Black Sox1919 World SeriesThe 1919 World Series matched the American League champion Chicago White Sox against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds. Although most World Series have been of the best-of-seven format, the 1919 World Series was a best-of-nine series...
" team, including Shoeless Joe JacksonShoeless Joe JacksonJoseph Jefferson Jackson , nicknamed "Shoeless Joe", was an American baseball player who played Major League Baseball in the early part of the 20th century...
as well as the umpires who worked the final game of the 1919 World Series, sells for $93,666, including a 15% buyer's premium. A ball signed by the 1919 Reds goes for $11,208, while a baseball autographed by Babe RuthBabe RuthGeorge Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
sells for $76,020. A contract from Shoeless Joe Jackson's sale of his Chicago pool hall to teammate Lefty WilliamsLefty WilliamsClaude Preston "Lefty" Williams was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball. He is probably best known for his involvement in the 1919 World Series fix, known as the Black Sox scandal.-Career:...
sells for $36,098. The contract, dated October 6, 1921, is for just $1.
- July 20 - In a Houston 6-2 win over Cincinnati, Reds pinch-hitter Mike Bell strikes out in his major league debut, making history by becoming part of the first third-generation family to play for the same major league team. His grandfather Gus BellGus BellDavid Russell "Gus" Bell, Jr. was an American center and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played with the Pittsburgh Pirates , Cincinnati Reds/Redlegs , New York Mets and Milwaukee Braves...
and father Buddy BellBuddy BellDavid Gus "Buddy" Bell is a former third baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. After an 18-year career with four teams, most notably the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers, he managed the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals for three seasons each...
also played for the Reds.
August
- August 4 - The Blue Jays obtain outfielder Dave MartinezDave MartinezDavid Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...
from the Rangers. Martinez becomes the 9th major leaguer to play for four teams in a season. He began the year with Tampa Bay and also played with the Cubs, in addition to Texas and Toronto. The last to do so was Dave KingmanDave KingmanDavid Arthur Kingman , nicknamed "Kong" and "Sky King", is a former Major League Baseball left fielder, first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter. The towering 6' 6" Kingman was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1970s and 1980s...
(1977). Before him, according to historian Scott Flatow, the four-in-one players were Frank HuelsmanFrank HuelsmanFrank Elmer Huelsman was a Major League Baseball left fielder. Huelsman batted and threw right-handed. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri....
(1904), Willis HudlinWillis HudlinGeorge Willis Hudlin was born in Wagoner, Oklahoma and was a Major League Baseball pitcher for, most notably, the Cleveland Indians from to...
(1940), Paul LehnerPaul LehnerPaul Eugene Lehner was an American outfielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly as a center fielder for five American League teams from 1946 through 1952. A native of Dolomite, Alabama, Lehner batted and threw left-handed...
(1951), Ted GrayTed GrayTed Glenn Gray was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played eight seasons with the Detroit Tigers , and then had short stints during the season with the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles.A native Detroiter, Gray was a star pitcher at Highland Park...
, (1955), Wes CovingtonWes CovingtonJohn Wesley Covington , was a left fielder in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers...
(1961) and Mike KilkennyMike KilkennyMichael David Kilkenny is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Born in Bradford, Ontario, Canada, the left-hander was signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent before the 1964 season. He played for the Tigers , Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres , and Cleveland Indians...
(1972).
- August 19 - In the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
' 10-8 victory over the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, Jeff BagwellJeff BagwellJeffrey Robert Bagwell , is a former American professional baseball player and coach. He played his entire fifteen-year Major League Baseball career as a first baseman for the Houston Astros and was a four-time All-Star...
has two home runs and five RBI. Bagwell becomes the first Houston player to reach 300 homers in his career.
- August 21 - Potomac's Esix SneadEsix SneadEsix Snead is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the New York Mets . Snead was known for his speed, with 507 stolen bases in only 9 minor league seasons, but only four in two brief appearances with the New York Mets.-College and St...
breaks Lenny DykstraLenny DykstraLeonard Kyle "Lenny" Dykstra , nicknamed "Nails" and "Dude", is a former Major League Baseball center fielder. Dykstra played for the New York Mets during the late 1980s before playing for the Philadelphia Phillies during the early 1990s....
's Carolina LeagueCarolina LeagueThe Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
record of 105 stolen bases by swiping his 106th. Snead has a batting average of .242 and a .338 on base percentage. It's the 10th time in the last 20 years that a minor-leaguer has stolen 100 or more bases in a season. According to Howe Sports data, the eight players who stole 100 or more bases in the minors were:- Vince Coleman (Macon, South Atlantic, 1983—145)
- Donell NixonDonell NixonRobert Donell Nixon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of four seasons in the majors, from until , playing all three outfield positions, most often in center field....
(Bakersfield, California, 1983—144) - Jeff Stone (Spartanburg, South Atlantic, 1983—123)
- Alan WigginsAlan WigginsAlan Anthony Wiggins was a Major League Baseball second baseman and left fielder. He was the first baseball player known to die of AIDS.-Early career:Wiggins was born in 1958 in Los Angeles, California...
(Lodi, California, 1980—120) - Marcus LawtonMarcus LawtonMarcus Dwayne Lawton is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born on August 18, 1965 in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was drafted by the New York Mets in 1983. and played in 10 career games with the New York Yankees in 1989, with 3 hits in 14 at bats. He played his final game on October 1,...
(Columbia, South Atlantic, 1985—111) - Esix Snead (Potomac, Carolina, 2000—106)
- Lenny Dykstra (Lynchburg, Carolina, 1983—105)
- Donell Nixon (Chattanooga, Southern, 1984—102)
- Vince Coleman (Louisville, American Association, 1983— 101)
- Albert HallAlbert Hall (baseball)Albert Hall is a former professional baseball player who played the majority of his career for the Atlanta Braves. Hall was drafted by the Braves in the 6th round of the 1977 amateur draft, and would go on to become a second-string outfielder.On September 23, 1987, he became the first Atlanta...
(Durham, Carolina, 1980—100)
- August 22
- The Dodgers defeat the Expos 14-6, as Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger player to hit two home runs in a single inning (6th).
- In the 12th inning of 6-6 tie game against the Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
at Coors FieldCoors FieldCoors Field, located in Denver, Colorado, is the home field of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. It is named for the Coors Brewing Company of Golden, Colorado, which purchased the naming rights to the park prior to its completion in 1995...
, Colorado RockiesColorado RockiesThe Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
manager Buddy BellBuddy BellDavid Gus "Buddy" Bell is a former third baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. After an 18-year career with four teams, most notably the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers, he managed the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals for three seasons each...
, out of pitchers, sends catcher Brent MayneBrent MayneBrent Danem Mayne is a former Major League Baseball catcher who has played with the Kansas City Royals , New York Mets , Oakland Athletics , San Francisco Giants , Colorado Rockies , Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers...
in to pitch. Mayne pitches a scoreless inning; the Rockies win the game in the bottom of the 12th as Adam MelhuseAdam MelhuseAdam Michael Melhuse is a former Major League Baseball catcher.-High school, college years:...
, pinch-hitting for Mayne (who was unable to swing a bat due to a sprained left wrist), singles off John RockerJohn RockerJohn Loy Rocker is a retired American Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the Atlanta Braves, the Cleveland Indians, the Texas Rangers, and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as well as the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball...
to drive in Neifi PérezNeifi PérezNeifi Neftali Pérez is a Major League baseball player who most recently played for the Detroit Tigers. He played with the Colorado Rockies , Kansas City Royals , San Francisco Giants , and the Chicago Cubs...
with the winning run. Mayne is credited with the win, becoming the first non-pitcher to win a game since Rocky ColavitoRocky ColavitoRocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
almost a full 32 years earlier, on August 25, .
- August 27 - The Anaheim AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
edge the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
10-9, as outfielder Tim SalmonTim SalmonTimothy James Salmon is a former Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
hits his 30th home run of the year in the 5th inning. Anaheim become the first team in AL history to have four players (Troy GlausTroy GlausTroy Edward Glaus is a Major League Baseball first baseman and third baseman who is currently a free agent. Previously, Glaus played with the Anaheim Angels , Arizona Diamondbacks , Toronto Blue Jays , St. Louis Cardinals , and the Atlanta Braves . Glaus lettered in baseball while attending UCLA...
, Mo VaughnMo VaughnMaurice Samuel 'Mo' Vaughn , nicknamed "The Hit Dog", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played from 1991 to 2003...
, Garret AndersonGarret AndersonGarret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
, Salmon) reach the 30-homer mark in a single season. The Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
are close with two hitters over 30 and two at 28. It's been done seven times in the NL.
September
- September 1 - For the second time in the season, pitcher Ryan RupeRyan RupeRyan Kittman Rupe is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. Rupe played in the majors for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Boston Red Sox. In , Rupe was 5-10 with a 5.60 ERA in 15 games with the Devil Rays....
of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays gives up a grand slamGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
to Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
outfielder Jermaine DyeJermaine DyeJermaine Trevell Dye is a retired American Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter. Dye played with the Atlanta Braves , Kansas City Royals , Oakland Athletics , and the Chicago White Sox . Dye won the World Series MVP with the White Sox in 2005...
. The other slam was on April 26.
- September 3 - Kenny LoftonKenny LoftonKenneth Lofton is a former Major League Baseball outfielder known for his great speed on the base paths as well as in the field, award-winning defensive play , timely hitting, and playful spirit. He batted and threw left-handed...
of the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
ties a major league record by scoring in his 18th straight game in the first inning of the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
' 12-11, 13-inning victory over the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. Red RolfeRed RolfeRobert Abial "Red" Rolfe was an American third baseman, manager and front-office executive in Major League Baseball. A native of Penacook, New Hampshire, he is one of the most prominent players to come from the Granite State...
set the record in 19391939 in baseball-Headline Event of the Year:*On May 17, 1939, Princeton University and Columbia University played the first televised baseball game. On August 26, the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers played the first televised Major League Baseball game...
for the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
.
- September 4 - At Fenway ParkFenway ParkFenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
, Carl EverettCarl EverettCarl Edward Everett III is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently an outfielder for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. A switch hitter, he played with the Chicago White Sox on their 2005 World Series winning team...
of the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
becomes only the sixth major-league switch-hitter to drive in 100 runs in both leagues when he knocks in his 100th RBI of the year. Boston wins over the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, 5-1. Everett drove in 108 runs for the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
in 1999. The other five 100-100 switch-hitters were Ted SimmonsTed SimmonsTed Lyle Simmons is an American former professional baseball player and coach. A switch-hitter, Simmons was a catcher for most of his Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals , the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves...
, Ken SingletonKen SingletonKenneth Wayne Singleton is an American former professional baseball player and current television sports commentator. He played as an outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles.-Baseball career:Born in Manhattan, New York...
, Eddie MurrayEddie MurrayEddie Clarence Murray , nicknamed "Steady Eddie", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and designated hitter. He was known as one of the most reliable and productive hitters of his era. Murray is regarded as one of the best switch hitters ever to play the game...
, Bobby BonillaBobby BonillaRoberto Martin Antonio "Bobby" Bonilla is a former player in Major League Baseball who played from 1986 to 2001. Known in his playing days as "Bobby Bo," Bonilla is of Puerto Rican descent.-Playing career:...
and J.T. Snow. Before the game, the Red Sox honor Hall of Fame catcher Carlton FiskCarlton FiskCarlton Ernest Fisk , nicknamed "Pudge" or "The Commander", is a former Major League Baseball catcher. During a 24-year baseball career, he played for both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox .Fisk was known by the nickname "Pudge" due to his 6'2", 220 lb frame...
. Fisk, who played his first nine seasons with Boston, joins Bobby DoerrBobby DoerrRobert Pershing Doerr is a former Major League Baseball second baseman and coach. He played his entire 14-year baseball career for the Boston Red Sox . He led American League second basemen in double plays five times, tying a league record, in putouts and fielding percentage four times each, and...
(1), Joe CroninJoe CroninJoseph Edward Cronin was a Major League Baseball shortstop and manager.During a 20-year playing career, he played from 1926–45 for three different teams, primarily for the Boston Red Sox. Cronin was a major league manager from 1933–47...
(4), Carl YastrzemskiCarl YastrzemskiCarl Michael Yastrzemski is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder and first baseman. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. Yastrzemski played his entire 23-year baseball career with the Boston Red Sox . He was primarily a left fielder, with part of his later career...
(8) and Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
(9) in having his number (27) be retired at Fenway.
- September 6 - Scott SheldonScott SheldonScott Patrick Sheldon is a former Major League Baseball third baseman/shortstop and right-handed batter who played for the Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers...
of the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
becomes just the third player in major league history to play all nine positions in one game when he does it in a 13-1 loss to the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
. Sheldon joins Bert CampanerisBert CampanerisDagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics...
(September 8, 19651965 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers over Minnesota Twins ; Sandy Koufax, MVP*All-Star Game, July 13 at Metropolitan Stadium: National League, 6-5; Juan Marichal, MVP-Other champions:*College World Series: Arizona State...
) and César TovarCésar TovarCésar Leonardo Tovar , nicknamed "Pepito" and "Mr. Versatility", was a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins , Philadelphia Phillies , Texas Rangers , Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees...
(September 22, 19681968 in baseball-The Year of the Pitcher:In Major League Baseball, the trend throughout the 1960s was of increased pitching dominance, caused by enforcing a larger strike zone beginning in 1963...
) as true utility players.
- September 6 - After reaching an agreement with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPMorgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPMorgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a law firm that was founded as Morgan & Lewis on March 10, 1873.-History:Morgan Lewis was founded in Philadelphia on March 10, 1873 by Charles Eldridge Morgan, Jr., a Civil War veteran, and Francis Draper Lewis, the son of a successful cotton merchant...
, Major League Baseball can now use the URL http://www.mlb.com. The law firm registered the domain name in 1994 and refused to release it, making it necessary for the sport to use http://www.majorleaguebaseball.com.
- September 10 - Randy JohnsonRandy JohnsonRandall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams....
of the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
becomes the 12th pitcher to reach the 3,000-strikeout plateau, fanning a season-high 14 in seven innings as the Diamondbacks lose to the Florida MarlinsFlorida MarlinsThe Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
4–3 in 12 innings. Johnson's 3,000 strikeout victim is Mike LowellMike LowellMichael Averett Lowell is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball third baseman. During a 13-year career, Lowell played for the New York Yankees , Florida Marlins , and the Boston Red Sox...
, who fans to end the 4th inning. In the first inning, Johnson also records his 300th strikeout for the third consecutive season and the fourth time overall. Nolan RyanNolan RyanLynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
is the only other pitcher to accomplish the feat, and is the only pitcher who has reached 300 strikeouts more times with six (19721972 in baseball-Labor strife and more moving:1972 was tainted by a players' strike over pension and salary arbitration. The strike erased the first week and a half of the season, and the Leagues decided to just excise the lost portion of the season with no makeups. As a result, an uneven number of games were...
-741974 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*1974 World Series: Oakland Athletics over Los Angeles Dodgers ; Rollie Fingers, MVP*All-Star Game, July 23 at Three Rivers Stadium: National League, 7-2; Steve Garvey, MVP-Other champions:...
, 19761976 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Cincinnati Reds over New York Yankees ; Johnny Bench, MVP*All-Star Game, July 13 at Veterans Stadium: National League, 7-1; George Foster, MVP-Other champions:*Caribbean World Series: Naranjeros de Hermosillo...
-771977 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Los Angeles Dodgers ; Reggie Jackson, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: None*National League Championship Series MVP: Dusty Baker...
and 19891989 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Oakland Athletics over San Francisco Giants ; Dave Stewart, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Rickey Henderson*National League Championship Series MVP: Will Clark...
).
- September 12 - The Diamondbacks edge the Dodgers 5-4, despite Dave HansenDave Hansen (baseball player)David Andrew Hansen in Long Beach, California, is a former Major League Baseball player, specializing as a pinch hitter. He is currently the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.-Los Angeles Dodgers:...
's major league record-breaking seventh pinch-hit home run of the season. Hansen's blast, off Curt SchillingCurt SchillingCurtis Montague "Curt" Schilling is a former American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series in and won World Series championships in with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in and with the Boston Red Sox. Schilling retired with a...
, breaks the mark set in 19321932 in baseball-Champions:*World Series: New York Yankees over Chicago Cubs *Negro League World Series: Pittsburgh Crawfords over Monroe Monarchs -Awards and honors:*MLB Most Valuable Player Award** Jimmie Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1B...
by BrooklynLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
's Johnny FrederickJohnny FrederickJohn Henry Frederick was a Major League Baseball outfielder. He played six seasons for the Brooklyn Dodgers, hitting over .300 for his career. He led off a game with a home run 10 times with the Dodgers, second in franchise history.Frederick began his professional baseball career in 1921 and broke...
.
- September 15 - Rickey HendersonRickey HendersonRickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
scores his first two at bats to pace the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
to a 10–2 win over the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. Henderson moves into second place on the all-time list of runs (2,175), one ahead of Babe RuthBabe RuthGeorge Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
and Hank Aaron.
- September 16 - The St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
defeat the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
7–6, despite Sammy SosaSammy SosaSamuel Peralta "Sammy" Sosa is a Dominican former professional baseball right fielder. Sosa played with four Major League Baseball teams over his career which spanned from 1989-2007....
's 50th home run of the season. Sosa becomes the second player to hit 50 or more in three consecutive years, joining Mark McGwireMark McGwireMark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
.
- September 19 - In the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
' 7–3 loss to the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, Ken Griffey, Jr.Ken Griffey, Jr.George Kenneth "Ken" Griffey, Jr. , nicknamed "Junior" and "The Kid", is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and during his final years, designated hitter...
pinch-hits his 400th home run. He is the first major leaguer to reach the mark as a pinch-hitter.
- September 22 - José LimaJosé LimaJosé Desiderio Rodriguez Lima was a Dominican right-handed pitcher who spent thirteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers , Houston Astros , Kansas City Royals , Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets...
of the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
sets an NL single-season record by allowing his 47th home run in the Astros' 12-5 loss to the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. The major league record for home runs allowed in a season is 50, set by the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
' Bert BlylevenBert BlylevenBert Blyleven is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to , and was best known for his curveball. Blyleven was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011...
in 19861986 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Mets over Boston Red Sox ; Ray Knight, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Marty Barrett*National League Championship Series MVP: Mike Scott...
.
- September 23 - Rafael PalmeiroRafael PalmeiroRafael Palmeiro Corrales is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and left fielder. Palmeiro was an All-American at Mississippi State University before being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1985...
hits 400th career home run.
- September 26 - Longtime broadcast partner NBC declines to renew its rights. NBC had televised baseball since 19471947 World SeriesThe 1947 World Series matched the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers, with the Yankees winning the Series in seven games for their first title since , and the eleventh championship in team history...
, with the exception of 1990-93MLB on CBSMajor League Baseball on CBS is the name of the former TV show that televised Major League Baseball games on the American television network CBS . Produced by CBS Sports, there have been several variations of the program dating back to the 1950s...
, and was the exclusive home of the World Series for 271950 World SeriesThe 1950 World Series was the 47th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as 1950 champions of the National League and the New York Yankees, as 1950 American League champions, competed to win a best-of-seven...
years1976 World SeriesThe 1976 World Series matched the defending champion Cincinnati Reds of the National League against the New York Yankees of the American League, with the Reds sweeping the Series to repeat. The Reds became the only team to sweep an entire multi-tier postseason. The Reds are also the last National...
.
- September 27 - In an Oakland 9-7 victory over the Angels, Anaheim's Darin ErstadDarin ErstadDarin Charles Erstad is the Head Coach of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team and a former Major League Baseball outfielder/first baseman. Prior to , he had played with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim franchise before signing with the Chicago White Sox in 2007...
hits a home run in the 2nd inning for his 99th RBI of the year from the leadoff spot to set a new record. Nomar GarciaparraNomar GarciaparraAnthony Nomar Garciaparra is a former Major League Baseball player. After playing parts of 9 seasons as an All-Star shortstop for the Boston Red Sox, he played third base, first base, and designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics, first base and third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and...
drove home 98 in 19971997 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Florida Marlins over Cleveland Indians ; Liván Hernández, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Marquis Grissom**American League Division Series*National League Championship Series MVP: Liván Hernández...
for the previous mark.
- September 28 at Camden Yards, the Orioles bat around in back-to-back innings and set a single-game franchise scoring record in a 23-1 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays.
- September 28 - In the final game ever played at Milwaukee's County Stadium the Brewers dropped an 8-1 decision to the Cincinnati Reds.
October-December
- October 1 - The Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
defeat the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
, 10-9, in the last game played at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
. Ironically, the Pirates had defeated the Cubs in 1970 in the last game played at their previous stadium, Forbes FieldForbes FieldForbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise...
- October 2- Shane HalterShane HalterShane David Halter is a former Major League Baseball infielder/outfielder and right-handed batter.-High school years:...
of the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
becomes the fourth player to play all nine positions in a single game as the Tigers won the game 12-11 on the final day of the regular season.
- October 8 - Bobby Jones of the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
one-hits the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
in Game 4 of the NL Division Series to advance the Mets to the NLCSNational League Championship SeriesIn Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
.
- October 14 - In Game 4 of the AL Championship Series2000 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkGame 1 at Yankee Stadium started as a pitchers' duel between Mariners' Freddy García and Yankees' Denny Neagle. Neither team would score until the top of the fifth when Mark McLemore hit a two-out ground rule double off Neagle...
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
ace Roger ClemensRoger ClemensWilliam Roger Clemens , nicknamed "Rocket", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who broke into the league with the Boston Red Sox, whose pitching staff he would help anchor for 12 years. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher. He played for four different teams over...
strikes out 15 and allows one hit –a seventh-inning double by Al MartinAl MartinAlbert Lee Martin is a former professional baseball left fielder. He played twelve seasons in Major League Baseball, mostly for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also played one season in the Korea Baseball Organization.- Early life :Martin graduated from John A...
–, in a 5–0 victory over the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
.
- October 17 - Orlando HernándezOrlando HernándezOrlando Hernández Pedroso , nicknamed "El Duque", is a former Cuban right-handed baseball pitcher....
pitches the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
to a 9-7 win in the decisive sixth game of the ALCS2000 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkGame 1 at Yankee Stadium started as a pitchers' duel between Mariners' Freddy García and Yankees' Denny Neagle. Neither team would score until the top of the fifth when Mark McLemore hit a two-out ground rule double off Neagle...
, the last Major League Baseball game televised by NBCNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
.
- October 26 - The New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
defeat the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
4-2, to win their 26th World Series2000 World Series-Game 1:Saturday, October 21, 2000 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkThe opener fell on two anniversaries. Twenty-five years prior, Boston Red Sox's catcher Carlton Fisk ended Game 6 of the 1975 World Series with his famous home run off the left field foul pole in Fenway Park in Boston to beat...
in five games. Luis SojoLuis SojoLuis Beltrán Sojo Sojo is a former Major League Baseball infielder and right-handed batter who played with the Toronto Blue Jays , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates...
hits a single in the top of the 9th inning and drives home the winning run for the Yankees. Teammates Bernie WilliamsBernie WilliamsBernabé Williams Figueroa Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and Puerto Rican musician.-Early life:...
and Derek JeterDerek JeterDerek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
hit home runs, and Jeter is named the Series MVP.
- November 18 - The Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
sign JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese star outfielder Ichiro SuzukiIchiro Suzuki, usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262...
to a three-year contract.
- December 1 - Relief pitcher Turk WendellTurk WendellSteven John "Turk" Wendell is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher from to ....
, who wears uniform number 99, agrees to a three-year deal worth $9,999,999.99 with the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
. Wendell had asked that his pact include an option year in which he would play for free, but that plan was unworkable because MLB collective bargaining agreement sets a $200,000 minimum salary.
- December 11 - The Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
sign free agent shortstop Alex RodriguezAlex RodriguezAlexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
to a record $252 million, 10-year contract. It was, at the time, the richest contract in the history of professional sports.
Movies
- Fastpitch
- Finding Buck McHenry (TV)
- Major League Baseball: All Century Team (Video)
January
- January 1 - Andy SpognardiAndy SpognardiAndrea Ettore Spognardi was a Major League Baseball infielder who played for the Boston Red Sox during the last month of the 1932 season. The 23-year-old rookie stood 5'9½" and weighed 160 lbs....
, 91, infielder for the 1931 Boston Red Sox.
- January 4 - John MilnerJohn MilnerJohn David Milner was an American first baseman and left fielder in Major League Baseball. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he grew up a huge Hank Aaron fan, even appropriating his idol's nickname, "The Hammer." He was a member of the "We Are Family" Pittsburgh Pirates team that won the World Series...
, 50, first baseman and left fielder for the Mets and Pirates who hit 20 home runs twice, including 10 career grand slams.
- January 11 - Bob LemonBob LemonRobert Granville Lemon was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976....
, 79, Hall of Fame pitcher who won 207 games including a no-hitter for the Cleveland Indians, posting seven 20-win seasons; won final game of 1948 World Series, and managed Yankees to 1978 championship.
- January 16 - By SaamBy SaamByrum Fred "By" Saam, Jr. was an American sportscaster. His primary focus in his career was announcing baseball and football games in Philadelphia.-Early life:...
, 85, broadcaster for the Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies teams from 1938 to 1975.
- January 19 - Lynn MyersLynn Myers (baseball)Lynnwood Lincoln Myers was a backup infielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly at shortstop from through for the St. Louis Cardinals. Listed at 5' 6.5", 145 lb., Myers batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Enola, Pennsylvania...
, 85, shortstop who played from 1938 to 1939 for the St. Louis Cardinals.
- January 20 - Ron HerbelRon HerbelRonald Samuel Herbel was a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher. His .029 career batting average is the lowest batting average in Major League history for a player with a minimum of 100 at-bats.-MLB debut:...
, 62, relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, who holds the dubious distinction of the lowest career batting averageBatting averageBatting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
for a minimum of 100 career at-bats (.029).
- January 26 - Bill StricklandBill Strickland (baseball)William Goss "Bill" Strickland was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the St. Louis Browns in .-External links:...
, 91, pitcher for the 1937 St. Louis Browns.
- January 26 - Frankie PackFrankie PackFrank Pack is an American Major League Baseball player who pinch hit in one game for the St. Louis Browns on June 5, .-External links:...
, 75, pinch-hitter for the 1949 St. Louis Browns.
- January 28 - Ted GullicTed GullicTedd Jasper Gullic was an outfielder in Major League Baseball. He played for the St. Louis Browns.-External links:...
, 93, outfielder who played for the St. Louis Browns between 1930 and 1933.
February
- February 3 - John LeovichJohn LeovichJohn Joseph Leovich was an American professional baseball catcher. He was born in Portland, Oregon. He played college baseball and college football for Oregon State University, and was a letterman in football in 1939 and 1940, and in baseball in 1940.In college, Leovich played in the first-ever...
, 81, backup catcher for the 1941 Philadelphia Athletics.
- February 10 - Gene LambertGene LambertEugene Marion Lambert was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies. He served in the military during World War II from 1943 to 1945.-External links:...
, 78, who pitched from 1941 to 1942 for the Philadelphia Phillies.
- February 10 - Blas MonacoBlas MonacoBlas Monaco was a Major League Baseball second baseman who played for two seasons. He played for the Cleveland Indians in 1937 and 1946, playing in 17 career games.-External links:...
, 84, second baseman who played with the Cleveland Indians in the 1937 and 1946 seasons.
- February 15 - Bob RamazzottiBob RamazzottiRobert Louis Ramazzotti was an American infielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1946-1953 with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, primarily as a second and third baseman. Born in Elanora, Pennsylvania, he died at age 83 in Altoona.-External links:*...
, 83, backup infielder who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs between 1946 and 1953.
- February 10 - Soup CampbellSoup CampbellClarence Campbell [″Soup″] was a backup outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1940 through 1941 for the Cleveland Indians. Listed at 6' 1", 188 lb., Campbell batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
, 84, outfielder who played for the Cleveland Indians from 1940 to 1941.
- February 17 - Turkey TysonTurkey TysonCecil Washington Tyson was a Major League Baseball player. The 29-year-old rookie stood 6'5½" and weighed 225 lbs....
, 85, pinch-hitter for the 1944 Philadelphia Phillies.
- February 18 - Lefty HoerstLefty HoerstFrank Joseph "Lefty" Hoerst was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched all or part of five seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies. He made his MLB debut in , pitching in six games with the Phillies while spending most of the season with the minor league Pensacola Pilots...
, 82, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies between 1940 and 1947.
- February 25 - Culley RikardCulley RikardCulley Rikard was a professional baseball player. He played three seasons in Major League Baseball, 1941, 1942, and 1947, with the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League, primarily as an outfielder....
, 85, fourth outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1941-1942 and 1947 seasons.
March
- March 2 - Danny MusserDanny MusserWilliam Daniel "Danny" Musser is a former Major League Baseball third baseman who played for the Washington Senators in 1932. He played in only one game in his entire career, collecting one hit in two at-bats....
, 94, third baseman for the 1932 Washington Senators.
- March 2 - Jack RobinsonJack Robinson (pitcher)John Edward Robinson was a relief pitcher who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 6' 0", 175 lb., Robinson batted and threw right-handed...
, 79, relief pitcher for the 1949 Boston Red Sox.
- March 7 - Jack SanfordJack SanfordJohn Stanley Sanford was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball, and later in his career a relief pitcher as well, for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and California Angels. He finished his career playing very briefly with the Kansas City...
, 70, All-Star pitcher who was named 1957 National League Rookie of the Year, and posted a 24-7 record for 1962 San Francisco Giants.
- March 13 - Harry BrightHarry BrightHarry James Bright was an American first baseman, third baseman, utilityman and scout in Major League Baseball, and a longtime player and manager in minor league baseball...
, 70, utility infielder for five different teams between 1958 and 1965, who later became a longtime player and manager in the minor leagues and also served as an scout for several major league organizations.
- March 16 - Carlos VelázquezCarlos Velázquez (baseball)Carlos Quiñones Velázquez [″Carlín″] was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Listed at 5' 11", 180 lb., he batted and threw right handed....
, 73, Puerto Rican pitcher for the 1973 Milwaukee Brewers of the American League.
- March 19 - Joanne WeaverJoanne WeaverJoanne Weaver [″Joltin' Jo″] was a right fielder who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League...
, 64, All-Star outfielder for the Fort Wayne DaisiesFort Wayne DaisiesThe Fort Wayne Daisies were a women's professional baseball team that played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League...
of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, who hit a league-lead .429 in 1954, which remains the highest professional baseball single-season average posted in modern era.
- March 19 - Dewey WilliamsDewey WilliamsDewey Edgar Williams , was a professional baseball player who played catcher in the Major Leagues from 1944-1948.-External links:...
, 84, catcher who played from 1944 through 1948 for the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds.
- March 29 - Hank Miklos, 89, relief pitcher 1944 Chicago Cubs, and one of several players who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II.
April
- April 6 - Don Johnson, 88, twice All-Star second baseman who in 1945 hit .302 with 94 runs and 58 runs batted in as leadoff hitter for the last Chicago Cubs team to win a pennant.
- April 13 - Frenchy BordagarayFrenchy BordagarayStanley George "Frenchy" Bordagaray was an American Major League Baseball outfielder and third baseman. Born in Coalinga, California, he lettered in four sports at Fresno State College before making his professional baseball debut in 1931 with the Sacramento Solons of the Pacific Coast League...
, 90, outfielder/third baseman who played for six teams during eleven seasons, most of them with the Brooklyn Dodgers, being also a member of the 1941 World Champion Yankees.
- April 14 - Bob BarthelsonBob BarthelsonRobert Edward Barthelson was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Giants in 1944. The 6'0", 185 lb. right-hander was a native of New Haven, Connecticut, where he graduated from Hillhouse High School....
, 73, pitcher for the 1944 New York Giants, and one of several players who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II.
- April 27 - Brooks LawrenceBrooks LawrenceBrooks Ulysses Lawrence was a Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals , Cincinnati Redlegs , and Cincinnati Reds ....
, 75, All-Star pitcher the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Redlegs/Reds from 1954 through 1960.
- April 28 - Jack MersonJack MersonJohn Warren Merson was a former second baseman in Major League Baseball. He was originally signed by the Washington Senators in 1940, but was released in 1941 without playing a single game for them. In 1947, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Merson as a free agent, and he made his debut with...
, 78, infielder who played from 1951 to 1953 for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox.
- April 29 - Buck VarnerBuck VarnerGlen Gann "Buck" Varner was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for one season. He played for the Washington Nationals for two games during the 1952 Washington Senators season.-External links:...
, 69, backup outfielder who played briefly for the 1952 Washington Senators.
May
- May 3 - Ed Chapman, 94, pitcher for the 1934 Washington Senators of the American League.
- May 10 - Carden GillenwaterCarden GillenwaterCarden Edison Gillenwater was a Major League Baseball center fielder. A native of Riceville, Tennessee, he played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Brooklyn Dodgers , Boston Braves , and Washington Senators .Gillenwater made his major league debut on September 22, 1940 with the St. Louis Cardinals...
, 81, backup outfielder for the Cardinals, Dodgers, Braves and Senators in the early 1940s.
- May 18 - Doyle LadeDoyle LadeDoyle Marion Lade was a Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched for the Chicago Cubs from to . Born in Fairbury, Nebraska, Lade began his baseball career when he was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent in 1941...
, 79, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs from 1946 to 1950.
- May 27 - Jane StollJane StollJane Stoll was an outfielder who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 2", 135 lb., she batted and threw right-handed....
, 71, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League outfielder, and a veteran of three-champion clubs between 1947 and 1954.
- May 31 - Hank RuszkowskiHank RuszkowskiHenry Alexander Ruszkowski was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played in parts of three seasons for the Cleveland Indians . Listed at 6' 0", 190 lb., Ruszkowski batted and threw right handed...
, 74, backup catcher for the Cleveland Indians in the mid 1950s.
June
- June 2 - Ellis ClaryEllis ClaryEllis Clary , nicknamed "Cat," was an American professional baseball player. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, he threw and batted right-handed, stood 5'8" tall, and weighed 160 pounds...
, 83, infielder for the Washington Senators and St. Louis Browns from 1942 through 1945, who later worked as a scout for 32 years.
- June 5 - Don LiddleDon LiddleDonald Eugene Liddle was an American left-handed pitcher in professional baseball who played four seasons in the Major Leagues for the Milwaukee Braves, New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals from through...
, 75, pitcher for the New York Giants during Game 1 of the 1954 World Series when teammate Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie Howard Mays, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player who played the majority of his major league career with the New York and San Francisco Giants before finishing with the New York Mets. Nicknamed The Say Hey Kid, Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his...
made his famous over-the-shoulder catch.
- June 13 - Bobby TiefenauerBobby TiefenauerBobby Gene Tiefenauer was an American professional baseball player. A knuckleball relief pitcher, he pitched for six Major League teams during a ten-year MLB career that stretched between and : the St...
, 70, knuckleball reliever who pitched for six different teams during a ten-year career that stretched between 1952 and 1968.
- June 17 - Joe AlbaneseJoe AlbaneseJoseph Peter "Joe" Albanese was a professional baseball player whose career spanned eight seasons, including a part of one in Major League Baseball with the Washington Senators . Albanese was a pitcher...
, 66, pitcher for the 1958 Washington Senators, who also had a significant career in the minor leagues.
- June 21 - Bud StewartBud StewartEdward Perry "Bud" Stewart was an American professional baseball player. He had a nine-season career in Major League Baseball as an outfielder and pinch hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Washington Senators and Chicago White Sox...
, 84, outfielder who was the American League runnerup in triples with the 1948 WashingtonSenators.
- June 23 - Bob TillmanBob TillmanJohn Robert Tillman was an American professional baseball player. A catcher, he threw and batted right-handed, stood tall and weighed ....
, 63, catcher for the Boston Red Sox and Braves teams who caught two no-hitters and had three home runs in a 1969 single game.
July
- July 14 - Georges MarandaGeorges MarandaGeorges Henri Maranda was a Major League Baseball pitcher from Levis, Quebec.He was one of three pitchers from Quebec, along with Ron Piche and Claude Raymond, who played for the minor league Louisville Colonels in 1959. In 1960 he played for the San Francisco Giants and in 1962 for the Minnesota...
, 68, Canadian pitcher who played for the San Francisco Giants in 1960 and the Minnesota Twins in 1962.
- July 20 - Jim SucheckiJim SucheckiJames Joseph Suchecki was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1950 through 1952 for the Boston Red Sox , St. Louis Browns and Pittsburgh Pirates . Listed at 5' 11", 185 lb., Suchecki batted and threw right-handed...
, 73, pitcher from 1950 through 1952 for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Browns and Pittsburgh Pirates.
August
- August 6 - Marv FeldermanMarv FeldermanMarvin Wilfred Feldman was a Major League Baseball player. Felderman played for Chicago Cubs in the 1942 season. He only played in three games in his one year career, having one hit and four strike-outs in six at-bats with one walk. He also appeared in two games as a catcher where he maintained a...
, 64, backup catcher for the 1942 Chicago Cubs.
- August 14 - Ken HeintzelmanKen HeintzelmanKenneth Alphonse Heintzelman was a professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of 13 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies ....
, 84, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies between 1937 and 1952, who led the National League in shutouts in 1949 and was a member of the Phillies pennant winners in 1953.
- August 21 - Russ Kerns, 79, pinch-hitter who played briefly for the 1945 Detroit Tigers.
- August 22 - Bill BradfordBill BradfordWilliam D. Bradford was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Kansas City Athletics during the 1956 season. Listed at 6' 2", 180 lb., Bradford batted and threw right-handed...
, 78, pitcher for the 1956 Kansas City Athletics.
- August 26 - Ed RakowEd RakowEdward Charles "Rock" Rakow was a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1960 to 1967. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....
, 65, pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Athletics, Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves in the early 1960s, who later played and coached in the Senior Professional Baseball AssociationSenior Professional Baseball AssociationThe Senior Professional Baseball Association was a winter baseball league based in Florida for players age 35 and over . The league began play in 1989 and had eight teams in two divisions and a 72 game schedule...
.
- August 27 - Bob MahoneyBob MahoneyRobert Paul "Bob" Mahoney was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns in and .-External links:...
, 72, who pitched from 1951 to 1952 for the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns.
- August 29 - Fern BellFern BellFernando Jerome Lee Bell was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for two seasons. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 89 career games from 1939 to 1940....
, 87, backup outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1939 to 1940.
- August 31 - Dolores MooreDolores MooreDolores Moore [″Dee″] was an infielder who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 7", 153 lb., she batted and threw right handed....
, 67, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League infielder.
September
- September 3 - Clyde SukeforthClyde SukeforthClyde Leroy Sukeforth , nicknamed "Sukey," was a former Major League Baseball catcher, coach, scout and manager who was best known for scouting and signing the Major Leagues' first black player in the modern era, Jackie Robinson.Sukeforth was born in Washington, Maine...
, 98, catcher for the Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers, who later scouted Jackie RobinsonJackie RobinsonJack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
and also signed Don NewcombeDon NewcombeDonald Newcombe , nicknamed "Newk", is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who played for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers , Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians .Until 2011 when Detroit Tigers Pitcher Justin Verlander did it, Newcombe was the only baseball...
and Roberto ClementeRoberto ClementeRoberto Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder. He was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. Clemente played his entire 18-year baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in...
.
- September 4 - Pinky MayPinky MayMerrill Glend "Pinky" May , is a former professional baseball player who played third base in the Major Leagues from 1939-1943. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies. After his playing days ended May served in the military during World War II from 1944 to 1945...
, 89, All-Star second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1939-1943, who led his team in seven offensive categories in 1940, including a .293 batting average and a .371 on-base percentage.
- September 7 - Nick TremarkNick TremarkNicholas Joseph Tremark was a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played from 1934-1936. He attended Manhattan College. Prior to his Major League debut, Tremark starred as an outfielder for the 1932 Paterson Pros in historic Hinchliffe Stadium's first season...
, 87, outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1934 through 1946.
- September 14 - George MyattGeorge MyattGeorge Edward Myatt was an infielder, coach and interim manager in American Major League Baseball. In 1936, Boston Red Sox general manager Eddie Collins traveled to San Diego to scout Myatt in a Pacific Coast League game, but came away more impressed with his 17-year-old teammate, a San Diegan and...
, 86, major league infielder, coach and manager during a professional career that spanned more than four decades.
- September 16 - John PerkovichJohn PerkovichJohn Joseph "Perky" Perkovich was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago White Sox.-External links:...
, 76, pitcher for the 1950 Chicago White Sox.
- September 17 - Chico SalmonChico SalmonRuthford Eduardo "Chico" Salmon was a Panamanian Major League Baseball utility player. He played for the Cleveland Indians and the Baltimore Orioles...
, 59, Panamanian infielder for the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles from 1964 to 1962, who batted a crucial pinch-hit during the 1970 World Series1970 World Series-Game 1:Saturday, October 10, 1970 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, OhioThe Jackson 5 performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the game, which almost became an embarrassment when the group realized shortly before their performance that they weren't familiar with the lyrics...
.
- September 22 - Bill SommersBill SommersWilliam Dunn "Bill" Sommers was a Major League Baseball third baseman and second baseman who played with the St. Louis Browns in .-External links:...
, 77, backup infielder for the 1950 St. Louis Browns.
- September 23 - Aurelio RodríguezAurelio RodríguezAurelio Rodríguez Ituarte, Jr. , was a third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the California Angels , Washington Senators , Detroit Tigers , San Diego Padres , New York Yankees , Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles...
, 52, Mexican third baseman, primarily for the Detroit Tigers, who won a Gold Glove and retired with the sixth most games at his position.
- September 29 - Lynn LovenguthLynn LovenguthLynn Richard Lovenguth was an American professional baseball player. The right-handed pitcher played for 16 seasons in minor league baseball, with two Major League trials for the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals...
, 77, relief pitcher for the Phillies and Cardinals between 1955 and 1957.
October
- October 1 - Charlie BrewsterCharlie BrewsterCharles Lawrence Brewster was a right-handed shortstop in Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cleveland Indians...
, 83, backup infielder who played in 69 games for the Reds, Phillies, Cubs and Indians between 1943 and 1946.
- October 4 - Chuck OertelChuck OertelCharles Frank Oertel is a former professional baseball player. He played 14 games in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles in 1958, mostly as a pinch hitter, but he did play two games in the outfield. He did hit one home run, which came against future Hall of Fame pitcher Jim...
, 69, backup outfielder for the 1958 Baltimore Orioles.
- October 22 - Hank WyseHank WyseHenry Washington Wyse was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Between and , Wyse played for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Athletics and Washington Senators . A native of Lunsford, Arkansas, he batted and threw right-handed...
. 82, All-Star pitcher who helped the Cubs to clinch the 1945 National League title after going 22-10 with a 2.68 ERA, and also the last Cubs pitcher to appear in a World Series game.
- October 23 - Benny CulpBenny CulpBenjamin Baldy Culp was a Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies .Culp is one of many ballplayers who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II...
, 86, catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies 1942 to 1944, one of many baseball players whose career was interrupted by serving in World War II.
- October 23 - Kathryn VonderauKathryn VonderauKathryn E. Vonderau was a catcher who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 7", 155 lb., she batted and threw right handed....
, 73, All-Star catcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
- October 26 - Ruth LessingRuth Lessing----Ruth Elizabeth Lessing [Tex] was a female catcher who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 5", 128 lb., she batted and threw right handed....
, 75, three-time All-Star catcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
- October 28 - Andújar CedeñoAndújar CedeñoAndújar Cedeño Donastorg was a Major League Baseball shortstop from to . Born in La Romana, Dominican Republic, he played for the Houston Astros from 1990 to , the San Diego Padres in , and in 1996 played for the Padres, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros again.He hit for the cycle in and was a...
, 31, Dominican shortstop for the Astros, Padres and Tigers from 1990 through 1996, who hit for the cycleHitting for the cycleIn baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
in a 1992 game.
November
- November 2 - Eddie CollinsEddie Collins, Jr.Edward Trowbridge Collins Jr. , was a professional baseball outfielder in the Major Leagues for parts of three seasons between and for the Philadelphia Athletics. His father was Baseball Hall of Fame member, Eddie Collins.-External links:...
, 83, backup outfielder for the Philadelphia Athletics between 1939 and 1942, who later worked in the Philadelphia Phillies' front office.
- November 5 - Willard MarshallWillard MarshallWillard Warren Marshall was a right fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1942 through 1955, Marshall played for the New York Giants , Boston Braves , Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox...
, 79, All-Star outfielder for the New York Giants, Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox from 1942 to 1955, who in 1947 tied a National League record by hitting a three-home run game, and in 1951 became the second OF in major league history to play an error-less season.
- November 5 - Harry Taylor, 81, pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Red Sox between 1946 and 1952, who started Game 4 of the 1947 World Series for the Dodgers.
- November 14 - Len GabrielsonLen Gabrielson (first baseman)Leonard Hilburne Gabrielson was a first baseman in Major League Baseball who appeared in 5 games for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1939 season....
, 85, first baseman who appeared in five games for the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1939 season.
- November 25 - Hugh AlexanderHugh Alexander (baseball)Hugh Alexander was an American baseball outfielder. He played in seven games for the Cleveland Indians in 1937, getting one hit in eleven at-bats, and striking out five times. That offseason, he lost his left hand in an oil drilling accident, ending his playing career. Alexander subsequently...
, 83, outfielder for the 1937 Cleveland Indians, who later became a scoutScout (sport)In professional sports, scouts are trained talent evaluators who travel extensively for the purposes of watching athletes play their chosen sports and determining whether their set of skills and talents represent what is needed by the scout's organization...
for 61 years after losing his left hand in an accident.
December
- December 1 - Terry WilshusenTerry WilshusenTerry Wayne Wilshusen was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for one season. He pitched in one game for the California Angels on April 7 during the 1973 California Angels season.-External links:...
, 51, pitcher for the 1973 California Angels.
- December 3 - Red NonnenkampRed NonnenkampLeo William "Red" Nonnenkamp was an outfielder in Major League Baseball who played between and for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox . Listed at 5' 11", 165 lb., Nonnenkamp batted and threw left handed. He was born in St...
, 80, utility outfielder/first baseman from 1933-1940 for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox.
- December 10 - Willard Nixon, 72, Boston Red Sox pitcher, best remembered for his mastery of the New York Yankees in the 1950s.
- December 13 - Jake JonesJake JonesJames Murrell "Jake" Jones was a first baseman in Major League Baseball who played between and for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox . Listed at 6'3", 197 lb., Jones batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Epps, Louisiana.-Career:Jones was a highly decorated World War II veteran...
, 80, slicker first baseman for the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox in the 1940s, and also a highly decorated World War II veteran for his heroic actions as an aviator.
- December 15 - Bubba FloydBubba FloydLeslie Roe "Bubba" Floyd was a Major League Baseball shortstop who played in three games for the Detroit Tigers in 1944. The 26-year-old rookie stood 5'11" and weighed 160 lbs....
, 83, shortstop for the 1944 Detroit Tigers.
- December 19 - Lou PolliLou PolliLouis Americo Polli was a professional baseball relief pitcher. Polli first played in the majors with the St. Louis Browns in , pitching 6.2 innings with a 5.40 earned run average. Polli would not play again in the major leagues until 1944, when he pitched 35.2 innings for the New York Giants,...
, 99, Italian relief pitcher for the 1932 St. Louis Browns and the 1944 New York Giants.
- December 19 - Lou ThumanLou ThumanLouis Charles Frank Thuman was an American professional baseball player who played in five games for the Washington Senators during the and seasons....
, 84, outfielder for the the Washington Senators from 1939 to 1940.
- December 27 - Roy ParteeRoy ParteeRoy Robert Partee was a backup catcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns . Listed at 5' 10" Weight: 180 lb., Partee batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Los Angeles, California to father Clair C...
, 83, backup catcher for the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns in the mid-1940s.
- December 31 - Fritz Dorish, 79, pitcher over all or parts of ten seasons (1947–1956) with the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Browns/Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox.