2008 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Major League Baseball
- Regular Season Champions
| League | Eastern Division Champions | Central Division Champions | Western Division Champions | Wild Card Qualifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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... |
Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays The 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... |
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... |
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 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... |
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"... |
| 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... |
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... |
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... |
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... |
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... |
- World Series2008 World SeriesThe 2008 World Series was the 104th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as champions of the National League and the Tampa Bay Rays, as American League champions, competed to win four games out of a possible...
Champions – 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...
- American League Champions – Tampa Bay 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...
- National League Champions – 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...
- American League Champions – Tampa Bay Rays
- Postseason – October 1 to October 29
Click on any series score to link to that series' page.
Higher seed had home field advantage during Division Series and League Championship Series.
The American League champion has home field advantage during the World Series as a result of the AL victory in the All-Star Game
2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 79th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, home of the New York Yankees, on...
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Other champions
- Minor League BaseballMinor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
- Triple-A ChampionshipBricktown ShowdownThe Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game, previously known as the Bricktown Showdown, is a single championship game held annually between the league champions of the International League and Pacific Coast League Triple-A leagues of minor league baseball to determine an overall champion of...
: Sacramento River CatsSacramento River CatsThe Sacramento River Cats is a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics....
(Athletics)- 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...
: Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees (Yankees) - Pacific Coast LeaguePacific Coast LeagueThe Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
: Sacramento River Cats (Athletics) - Mexican League: Diablos Rojos del MéxicoDiablos Rojos del MéxicoDiablos Rojos del México is a professional baseball team in the Mexican League.This team is located in Mexico City. The team name, Diablos Rojos del México, means Mexico City Red Devils. It is often believed that they are named after the Cincinnati Reds. That is, however, not the case...
- International League
- AA
- Eastern LeagueEastern League (U.S. baseball)The Eastern League is a minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio since 1989. The Eastern League has played at the AA level since 1963. The league was founded in 1923 as the New York-Pennsylvania League...
: Trenton ThunderTrenton ThunderThe Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
(Yankees) - Southern LeagueSouthern League (baseball)The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
: Mississippi BravesMississippi BravesThe Mississippi Braves, or M-Braves as they are referred to locally, are a minor league baseball team based in Pearl, Mississippi, a suburb of Jackson. The team is the Class AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and plays in the Southern League. The team is owned and operated by Liberty Media, which...
(Braves) - Texas LeagueTexas LeagueThe Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
: Arkansas TravelersArkansas TravelersThe Arkansas Travelers, also known informally as The Travs, are a Minor League Baseball team based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Major League club....
(Angels)
- Eastern League
- A
- California LeagueCalifornia LeagueThe California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. 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...
: Stockton PortsStockton PortsThe Stockton Ports are a baseball team in Stockton, California. The Ports play in the Northern Division of the Class A – Advanced California League and are a Minor League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Their home field is Banner Island Ballpark which seats over 5,000 people and opened in...
(Athletics) - 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...
: Potomac NationalsPotomac NationalsThe Potomac Nationals are a Minor League Baseball team located in Woodbridge, Virginia. The Nationals play in the Class A Advanced Carolina League, and are an affiliate of the Washington Nationals.-History:...
(Nationals) - Florida State LeagueFlorida State LeagueThe Florida State League is a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball league operating in the state of Florida. They are one of three leagues currently operating in Class A-Advanced, the third highest of six classifications of minor leagues...
: Daytona CubsDaytona CubsThe Daytona Cubs are a minor league baseball team based in Daytona Beach, Florida. The team plays in the Florida State League , and is the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs major league club. The Cubs play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark; opened in 1914, the park seats 5,100 fans.The...
(Cubs) - Midwest LeagueMidwest LeagueThe Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
: Burlington BeesBurlington BeesThe Burlington Bees are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, that plays in the Midwest League. Their home is in Burlington, Iowa.-History:...
(Royals) - South Atlantic LeagueSouth Atlantic LeagueThe South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
: Augusta GreenJacketsAugusta GreenJacketsThe Augusta GreenJackets are a minor league baseball team that plays in Augusta, Georgia, as a Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Lake Olmstead Stadium has been the home of the GreenJackets since the 1995 season, although Augusta has fielded a team in the South Atlantic League since 1988...
(Giants) - New York-Penn League: Batavia MuckdogsBatavia MuckdogsThe Batavia Muckdogs are a minor league baseball team based in Batavia, a city in Genesee County, New York, United States. The Muckdogs are the current Short-Season A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals...
(Cardinals) - Northwest LeagueNorthwest LeagueThe Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954...
: Spokane IndiansSpokane IndiansThe Spokane Indians are a minor league baseball team located in Spokane, Washington, United States. They are a Short-Season A classification team in the Northwest League and have been a farm team of the Texas Rangers since 2003. The Indians play home games at Avista Stadium...
(Rangers)
- California League
- Rookie
- Appalachian LeagueAppalachian LeagueThe Appalachian League is a Rookie-class minor league that began play in 1937 with one year of inactivity in 1956. From 1937 to 1962, it was a Class D League. Teams are located in the Appalachian regions of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee...
: Elizabethton TwinsElizabethton TwinsThe Elizabethton Twins are a minor league baseball team in Elizabethton, Tennessee, USA. They are a Rookie-level team in the Appalachian League, and have been a farm team of the Minnesota Twins since 1974. The Twins play home games at Joe O'Brien Field...
(Twins) - Gulf Coast LeagueGulf Coast LeagueThe Gulf Coast League is a minor league baseball league which operates in Florida. It is a Rookie League, with a season running from mid-June to late August. The season is 60 games long and teams in the league are divided into three divisions, East, North and South...
: Gulf Coast PhilliesGulf Coast PhilliesThe Gulf Coast League Phillies are the Rookie Level minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.The team plays in Clearwater, Florida primarily at the Carpenter Complex. The GCL Phillies played some games at the Joe DiMaggio Complex in Clearwater in 2009 while the Carpenter Complex was...
(Phillies) - Pioneer League: Great Falls Voyagers (White Sox)
- Arizona LeagueArizona LeagueThe Arizona League is a minor league baseball league that operates in and around Phoenix, Arizona. It is a rookie-level professional baseball league run by Major League Baseball since 1989. Games are played at the spring training complexes of the team's parent organizations from mid-June until the...
: Arizona League Giants (Giants)
- Appalachian League
- Triple-A Championship
- Independent baseball leaguesIndependent baseballIndependent baseball leagues are professional baseball organizations located in the United States and Canada. They are not operated in conjunction with either a Major League Baseball team or an affiliated minor league team. Being independent allows teams to be located close to major-league teams...
- Alaska Baseball LeagueAlaska Baseball LeagueThe Alaska Baseball League is an amateur collegiate summer baseball league, with six teams located in four Alaskan cities. Players in the league must have attended one year of college and must have one year of NCAA eligibility remaining....
: Anchorage Glacier PilotsAnchorage Glacier PilotsThe Anchorage Glacier Pilots are a college summer baseball team in Anchorage, Alaska. They are part of the Alaska Baseball League, and a member of the National Baseball Congress.... - American AssociationAmerican Association (21st century)The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, based in Durham, North Carolina, is a professional baseball league founded in 2005 and independent of Major League Baseball...
: Sioux Falls Canaries - Atlantic LeagueAtlantic League of Professional BaseballThe Atlantic League of Professional Baseball is a professional, independent baseball organization located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, especially the greater metropolitan areas of the Northeast megalopolis. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League...
: Somerset PatriotsSomerset PatriotsThe Somerset Patriots are an American professional baseball team based in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey. They are a member of the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball... - Canadian-American AssociationCanadian-American Association of Professional BaseballThe Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, based in Durham, North Carolina, is a professional, independent baseball league located in the Northeastern United States and the Canadian province of Quebec. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and is...
: Sussex SkyhawksSussex SkyhawksThe Sussex Skyhawks were a professional baseball team that played at Skylands Park in Augusta, New Jersey. The team was part of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, an independent minor baseball league also referred to as the Can-Am League, from their inaugural season in 2006... - Frontier LeagueFrontier LeagueThe Frontier League, based in Sauget, Illinois, is a professional, independent baseball organization located in the Midwestern United States, Western Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. It operates mostly in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and is not affiliated with either...
: Windy City ThunderBoltsWindy City ThunderBoltsThe Windy City ThunderBolts are a professional baseball team based in the Chicago suburb of Crestwood, Illinois, in the United States. The ThunderBolts are a member of the East Division of the Frontier League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball... - Golden Baseball LeagueGolden Baseball LeagueThe Golden Baseball League, based in San Ramon, California, was an independent baseball league. It later merged with the Northern League and the United Baseball League to form the North American League in the western United States, western Canada and Mexico....
: Orange County Flyers - Northern League: Kansas City T-BonesKansas City T-BonesThe Kansas City T-Bones are a professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Kansas, in the United States. The T-Bones are a member of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
- United League BaseballUnited League BaseballUnited League Baseball was an independent baseball league that operated in Texas. It later merged with the Northern League and the Golden Baseball League to form the North American League.- History :...
: Amarillo DillasAmarillo DillasThe Amarillo Dillas were a professional baseball team based in Amarillo, Texas, in the United States. The Dillas were a member of United League Baseball, an independent professional league which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
- Alaska Baseball League
- Amateur
- College
- College World Series2008 College World SeriesThe 2008 College World Series was held June 14 through June 25, in Omaha, Nebraska. Eight NCAA Division I college baseball teams met after having played their way through a 64-team bracket to play at historic Rosenblatt Stadium...
: Fresno State2008 Fresno State Bulldogs baseball teamThe 2008 Fresno State Bulldogs baseball team represented California State University, Fresno in the NCAA Division I baseball season of 2008. They played their home games at Beiden Field in Fresno, California. The team was coached by Mike Batesole who was in his fifth season at Fresno State... - NCAA Division II: Mount Olive CollegeMount Olive CollegeMount Olive College is a private liberal arts college located in Mount Olive, North Carolina. Founded in 1951, the college is supported by the Original Free Will Baptist Convention of North Carolina...
- NCAA Division III: Trinity CollegeTrinity College (Connecticut)Trinity College is a private, liberal arts college in Hartford, Connecticut. Founded in 1823, it is the second-oldest college in the state of Connecticut after Yale University. The college enrolls 2,300 students and has been coeducational since 1969. Trinity offers 38 majors and 26 minors, and has...
- NAIANational Association of Intercollegiate AthleticsThe National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
: Lewis-Clark State CollegeLewis-Clark State CollegeLewis–Clark State College is a public undergraduate college located in Lewiston, Idaho. It was founded in 1893, and has an annual enrollment of approximately 3,500 students. The college offers over 83 degrees and is well-known for its Criminal Justice, Education, Nursing, and Technical programs.-...
- College World Series
- Little League World Series2008 Little League World SeriesThe Little League World Series, was held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It began on August 15 and ended August 24. Eight teams from the United States and eight from throughout the world competed to decide the winner of the 62nd installment of the Little League World Series...
: Waipahu, Hawaii
- College
- International
- National teams
- Summer OlympicsBaseball at the 2008 Summer OlympicsBaseball at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was held from August 13 to August 23. All games were played at Wukesong Baseball Field, a temporary venue constructed at the Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center...
at BeijingBeijingBeijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, ChinaChinaChinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
: South Korea (gold); 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...
(silver); 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...
(bronze) - World Junior Baseball Championship2008 World Junior Baseball ChampionshipThe 2008 World Junior AAA Championship was held in Edmonton, Canada from July 25 through August 3, 2008.-Knockout stage:-Fifth through eighth place:-Final standings:-External links:**...
: South Korea
- Summer Olympics
- International club team competitions
- Caribbean Series2008 Caribbean SeriesThe L edition of the Caribbean Series was played in . It was held from February 2 through February 7, featuring the champions teams from Mexico, Yaquis de Obregón; Venezuela, Tigres de Aragua, and two teams from Dominican Republic: Águilas Cibaeñas [1] and Tigres del Licey [2]...
: Tigres del LiceyTigres del LiceyTigres del Licey is a professional baseball team founded in 1907 based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It is one of the two franchises of the Capital city of the country, the oldest and one of the most successful teams in the Dominican league, having won 22 Dominican titles and 10 Caribbean...
, Dominican RepublicDominican RepublicThe Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries... - European CupEuropean Cup (baseball)The European Cup is an annual baseball tournament, sanctioned and created by the Confederation of European Baseball . The tournament features the top teams of the professional baseball leagues in Europe....
: KinheimKinheimKinheim is a baseball and softball team based in Haarlem, the Netherlands. The title sponsor of the club is currently Corendon so that the official name of the team is Corendon Kinheim. They are current Dutch champions....
, NetherlandsNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders... - Asia Series2008 Asia SeriesThe 2008 Asia Series was contested on November 13–16 by the champions of Nippon Professional Baseball's Japan Series, the Korea Professional Baseball's Korean Series, Chinese Professional Baseball League's Taiwan Series, and the championship of the China Baseball League of the People's Republic of...
: Saitama Seibu Lions, Japan
- Caribbean Series
- Domestic leagues
- AustraliaAustralian Baseball FederationThe Australian Baseball Federation is the national governing body of Baseball in Australia. Baseball is played in all the mainland states and territories, but it struggles for popularity due to the popularity of many other sports, including the comparable sport of cricket, in which Australia has...
– Claxton ShieldClaxton Shield 2008The 74th Claxton Shield was held from 28 December 2007 to 10 February 2008. The 2008 Shield was conducted on a Home and Away series made up of 2 Divisions; Eastern Division: Australian Provincial, New South Wales Patriots and the Queensland Rams, Southern Division: Perth Heat, Victoria Aces and...
: Perth HeatPerth HeatThe baseball team Perth Heat is a team in the current Australian Baseball League and a foundation member of the now-defunct Australian Baseball League... - China Baseball LeagueChina Baseball LeagueThe China Baseball League or Chinese Baseball League or CBL is a professional baseball league under the administration of Chinese Baseball Association, founded in 2002.-Teams:...
: Tianjin LionsTianjin LionsThe Tianjin Lions or Tianjing Fierce Lions are a team in the China Baseball League that began play in 2002. Their home field is Tian Ti Dodger Stadium in Tianjin.... - Cuban National SeriesCuban National SeriesThe Cuban National Series is the primary domestic amateur baseball competition in Cuba. Formed after the dissolution of the Cuban League in the wake of the Cuban Revolution, the Series is a part of the Cuban national baseball system.-League structure:...
: Santiago de Cuba - Dominican League: Águilas CibaeñasÁguilas CibaeñasThe Águilas Cibaeñas are a team in the Dominican Republic's winter baseball league. Founded in and based in Santiago, they have won 5 Caribbean Series and 20 national titles. The Águilas have a large fan base in the Dominican Republic...
- France – Division EliteDivision ÉliteThe Division Élite is the highest level of baseball in France. Its clubs compete for the Championnat de France de baseball.- Organization :...
: Rouen Baseball 76Rouen Baseball 76The Rouen Baseball 76 is a French club of baseball founded in 1986. The Huskies compete in the Division Élite and the home games are disputed with Ground Pierre Rolland with Rouen... - Holland Series2008 Holland SeriesThe 2008 Holland Series involved the defending champions Corendon Kinheim being defeated by the Amsterdam Pirates in three straight games. The first two games were postponed due to heavy rainfall...
: Amsterdam PiratesAmsterdam PiratesAmsterdam Pirates is a baseball and softball team in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was founded as an expansion of the soccer club S.V. RAP. In the first years it was known as the RAP Pirates, but after a few years the club changed its name according to American tradition and became the Amsterdam... - Italy – Serie A1Serie A1 (baseball)The Italian Baseball League is a professional baseball league that is governed by FIBS , which has its headquarters in Rome...
: San Marino - Japan Series2008 Japan SeriesThe 2008 Japan Series was the 59th edition of Nippon Professional Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff between the respective champions of the Central League's and the Pacific League's Climax Series . The Series began on Saturday, November 1, 2008, and went the full seven games...
: Saitama Seibu Lions- Central LeagueCentral LeagueThe or is one the two professional baseball leagues that constitute Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship plays against the winner of the Pacific League in the annual Japan Series. It currently consists of six teams from around the country,The Central 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...
(Climax Series Champion – Yomiuri Giants) - Pacific LeaguePacific LeagueThe or is one of the two professional baseball leagues constituting Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship competes against the winner in the Central League for the annual Japan Series...
: Saitama Seibu Lions (Climax Series Champion – Saitama Seibu Lions) - Eastern League (Minor)Eastern League (Japanese baseball)The is one of the two minor leagues of Japanese professional baseball. The league is owned and managed by the Central League.-History:The league was created in 1955, and contained the minor league teams of the seven professional teams that had their homefields in the Eastern region of Japan...
: Tokyo Yakult SwallowsTokyo Yakult Swallowsis a professional baseball team in Japan's Central League.The Swallows are named after their corporate owners, the Yakult Corporation. From 1950 to 1965, the team was owned by the former Japanese National Railways and called the Kokutetsu Swallows; the team was then owned by the newspaper Sankei... - Western League (Minor)Western League (Japanese baseball)The is one of the two minor leagues of Japanese professional baseball. The league is owned and managed by the Pacific League.-History:The league was created in 1952 as the Kansai Farm League, and contained the minor league teams of the seven professional teams that had their homefields in the...
: Fukuoka Softbank 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...
- Central League
- 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....
: SK WyvernsSK WyvernsSK Wyverns Baseball Club is a South Korean professional baseball team founded in 2000. Based in Incheon, they play their home games at Munhak Baseball Stadium.Their current manager is Man Soo Lee .-History:... - Mexican Pacific League: Yaquis de ObregónYaquis de ObregónThe Yaquis de Obregón is a Mexican baseball team of the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico .The team was founded on October 8, 1970, and its home stadium is the Estadio Tomás Oroz Gaytán. They have been champions of the league on five occasions. The first time was at the 1965–1966 season with Manuel...
- Taiwan SeriesTaiwan 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... - Venezuelan LeagueVenezuelan Professional Baseball LeagueThe Venezuelan Professional Baseball League or Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional is the highest level baseball league in Venezuela.-Brief history:Baseball exploded in Venezuela in 1941, following the world championship in Havana....
: Tigres de AraguaTigres de AraguaThe Tigres de Aragua are a baseball team that plays in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.Founded in 1965, they play at the Estadio José Perez Colmenares in Maracay...
- Australia
- National teams
Awards and honors
- Baseball Hall of Fame honorsBaseball Hall of Fame balloting, 2008Elections to the Baseball Hall of Fame for 2008 proceeded according to revised rules enacted in 2001 and further revamped in 2007. The Baseball Writers Association of America held an election to select from among recent players...
- Rich "Goose" GossageRich GossageRichard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
is elected by the BBWAA in his ninth year of eligibility. Executives Barney DreyfussBarney DreyfussBernhard "Barney" Dreyfuss was an executive in Major League Baseball who owned the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise from 1900 to 1932....
, Bowie KuhnBowie KuhnBowie Kent Kuhn was an American lawyer and sports administrator who served as the fifth Commissioner of Major League Baseball from February 4, , to September 30,...
and Walter O'MalleyWalter O'MalleyWalter Francis O'Malley was an American sports executive who owned the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers team in Major League Baseball from to . He served as Brooklyn Dodgers chief legal counsel when Jackie Robinson broke the racial color barrier in...
and managers Billy SouthworthBilly SouthworthWilliam Harrison Southworth was an American right fielder, center fielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Playing in and and from to , he batted left-handed and threw right-handed. Southworth managed in and from through...
and Dick WilliamsDick WilliamsRichard Hirschfeld "Dick" Williams was an American left fielder, third baseman, manager, coach and front office consultant in Major League Baseball. Known especially as a hard-driving, sharp-tongued manager from 1967–69 and 1971–88, he led teams to three American League pennants, one National...
are also inducted following their election by the Veterans CommitteeVeterans CommitteeThe Veterans Committee is the popular name of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Committee to Consider Managers, Umpires, Executives and Long-Retired Players, a committee of the U.S...
. - Larry WhitesideLarry WhitesideLawrence W. Whiteside , nicknamed "Sides," was a pioneering African American journalist known for his coverage of baseball for a number of American newspapers, most notably The Boston Globe.-Early life and career:...
, sportswriter for The Boston GlobeThe Boston GlobeThe Boston Globe is an American daily newspaper based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe has been owned by The New York Times Company since 1993...
from 1973 until 2004, receives the J. G. Taylor Spink Award. - Dave NiehausDave NiehausDavid Arnold Niehaus was an American sportscaster. He was the lead play-by-play announcer for the American League's Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in until his death after the 2010 season. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus with the Ford C. Frick Award, the...
, broadcaster for 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...
since 1977, receives the Ford C. Frick AwardFord C. Frick AwardThe Ford C. Frick Award is presented annually by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in the United States to a broadcaster for "major contributions to baseball." It is named for Ford Christopher Frick, former Commissioner of Major League Baseball...
.
- Rich "Goose" Gossage
- MVP Awards
- American League – Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
(BOS) - National League – Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
(STL)
- American League – Dustin Pedroia
- Cy Young Awards
- American League – Cliff LeeCliff LeeClifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
(CLE) - National League – Tim LincecumTim LincecumTimothy Leroy Lincecum is an American professional baseball starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He was nicknamed "The Freak" and "Big Time Timmy Jim" and "The Franchise." He throws right-handed and bats left-handed....
(SFG)
- American League – Cliff Lee
- Rookie of the Year Awards
- American League Evan LongoriaEvan LongoriaEvan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
(TBR) - National League Geovany SotoGeovany SotoGeovany Soto is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Chicago Cubs.-Professional career:...
(CHC)
- American League Evan Longoria
- Manager of the Year Awards
- American League – Joe MaddonJoe MaddonJoseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
(TBR) - National League – Lou PiniellaLou PiniellaLouis Victor Piniella is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He has been nicknamed "Sweet Lou," both for his swing as a major league hitter and, facetiously, to describe his demeanor as a player and manager...
(CHC)
- American League – Joe Maddon
- Silver Slugger Awards
American League
DH: Aubrey HuffAubrey HuffAubrey Lewis Huff III is a Major League Baseball first baseman with the San Francisco Giants. He debuted in 2000 with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and later played for the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers. He is the starting first baseman for the San Francisco Giants who won the...
(BAL)
C: Joe MauerJoe MauerJoseph Patrick Mauer is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins. He is the only catcher in Major League history to win three batting titles...
(MIN)
1B: Justin MorneauJustin MorneauJustin Ernest George Morneau is a Canadian Major League Baseball first baseman for the Minnesota Twins. At 6 feet 4 inches and 225 lbs, Morneau was originally drafted as a catcher by the Twins in 1999. He converted to first base in the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 2003...
(MIN)
2B: Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
(BOS)
3B: 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...
(NYY)
SS: 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...
(NYY)
OF: Josh Hamilton (TEX)
OF: Carlos QuentinCarlos QuentinCarlos Josè Quentin is an American outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. In 2008 and in 2011, Quentin was selected as an All-Star.-Early career:...
(CWS)
OF: Grady SizemoreGrady SizemoreGradius "Grady" Sizemore III is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
(CLE)
National League
P: Carlos Zambrano
Carlos Zambrano
Carlos Alberto Zambrano is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. Zambrano, who stands 6' 5" and weighs 260 pounds, was signed by the Cubs as a free agent in 1997 and made his debut in 2001...
(CHC)
C: Brian McCann (ATL)
1B: Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols
José Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
(STL)
2B: Chase Utley
Chase Utley
Chase Cameron Utley is a second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. A native of the Greater Los Angeles area, he was raised in the city of Long Beach. He was a star baseball player at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, before moving on to UCLA...
(PHI)
3B: David Wright (NYM)
SS: Hanley Ramírez
Hanley Ramirez
Hanley Ramirez is a shortstop in Major League Baseball for the Miami Marlins. Ramírez was named 2006 NL Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2009, Ramírez won the NL batting title and is a three-time All-Star starter...
(FLO)
OF: Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun
Ryan Joseph Braun is an American right-handed Major League Baseball left fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers. A perennial standout, he was ranked No...
(MIL)
OF: Matt Holliday
Matt Holliday
Matthew Thomas Holliday , nicknamed "Big Daddy", is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Holliday was originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the seventh round of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft.Holliday is a five-time All-Star and Silver Slugger...
(COL)
OF: Ryan Ludwick
Ryan Ludwick
Ryan Andrew Ludwick is a Major League Baseball right fielder. His brother Eric played four seasons in Major League Baseball as a pitcher.-High school, college, and minor leagues:Ludwick attended Durango High School in Las Vegas, Nevada....
(STL)
- Gold Glove AwardGold Glove AwardThe Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
s
American League
P: Mike MussinaMike MussinaMichael Cole Mussina , nicknamed Moose, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees ....
(NYY)
C: Joe MauerJoe MauerJoseph Patrick Mauer is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins. He is the only catcher in Major League history to win three batting titles...
(MIN)
1B: Carlos PeñaCarlos PeñaCarlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...
(TBR)
2B: Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
(BOS)
3B: Adrián BeltréAdrián BeltréAdrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
(SEA)
SS: Michael Young (TEX)
OF: Torii HunterTorii HunterTorii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...
(LAA)
OF: Grady SizemoreGrady SizemoreGradius "Grady" Sizemore III is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
(CLE)
OF: 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...
(SEA)
National League
P: Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux
Gregory Alan Maddux , nicknamed "Mad Dog" and "The Professor", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years , a feat matched only by Randy Johnson...
(SDP/LAD)
C: Yadier Molina
Yadier Molina
Yadier Benjamin Molina known affectionately by fans as "Yadi", is a Major League Baseball catcher who plays for the St. Louis Cardinals.Molina was the third catcher to play in two World Series before age 25, along with Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra. He is considered one of the best defensive...
(STL)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
Adrián González
Adrian Gonzalez is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.Gonzalez was the first overall pick in the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Florida Marlins. He was traded to the Texas Rangers, and later to the San Diego Padres, where he...
(SDP)
2B: Brandon Phillips
Brandon Phillips
Brandon Emil Phillips is a second baseman for Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds. The Raleigh, North Carolina native was selected in the second round of the 1999 draft by the former Montreal Expos after signing a letter of intent to play both baseball and football at the University of Georgia...
(CIN)
3B: David Wright (NYM)
SS: Jimmy Rollins
Jimmy Rollins
James Calvin "Jimmy" Rollins , nicknamed "J-Roll", is an All-Star and former MVP shortstop, who most recently played for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball's National League....
(PHI)
OF: Carlos Beltrán
Carlos Beltrán
Carlos 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...
(NYM)
OF: Nate McLouth
Nate McLouth
Nathan Richard McLouth is a Major League Baseball player. Primarily a center fielder, McLouth bats from the left side and throws from the right. He is 5' 11" tall and weighs 185 pounds...
(PIT)
OF: Shane Victorino
Shane Victorino
Shane Patrick Victorino is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed.-Career:...
(PHI)
Others
- Hank Aaron AwardHank Aaron AwardThe Hank Aaron Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball players selected as the top hitter in each league, as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media. It was introduced in 1999 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron's surpassing of Babe Ruth's career home run mark...
– Kevin YoukilisKevin YoukilisKevin Edmund Youkilis , also known as "Youk" , is an American professional baseball player with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
(AL, BOS) / Aramis RamírezAramis RamírezAramis Nin Ramírez is an All-Star Major League Baseball third baseman for the Chicago Cubs.He started his professional career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1998, before being traded to the Cubs in 2003. On November 12, 2006, Ramírez signed a five-year deal with the Cubs...
(NL, CHC) - Hutch AwardHutch AwardThe Hutch Award is given annually to an active Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire of Fred Hutchinson...
– Jon LesterJon LesterJonathan Tyler Lester is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
(BOS) - Players Choice AwardPlayers Choice AwardThe Players Choice Awards are annual Major League Baseball awards, given by the Major League Baseball Players Association .The Players Choice Awards are given following a secret ballot by players. Four awards go to a player in each league, while two awards each go to one player in all of Major...
– Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
(STL) - Roberto Clemente AwardRoberto Clemente AwardThe Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team", as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media. It is named for Hall of Fame...
– Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
(STL) - Tony Conigliaro AwardTony Conigliaro AwardThe Tony Conigliaro Award is a national award instituted in 1990 by the Boston Red Sox to honor the memory of their former star Tony Conigliaro. It is given annually to a Major League Baseball player who best overcomes an obstacle and adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and...
– Rocco BaldelliRocco BaldelliRocco Dan Baldelli is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. Because of his excellent size and speed, and in reference to his hometown, he was nicknamed, "The Woonsocket Rocket," early in his professional career...
(TBR) - TSN Awards
- MLB Player of the Year – Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
(STL) - Pitcher of the Year – Cliff LeeCliff LeeClifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
(AL, CLE) / Tim LincecumTim LincecumTimothy Leroy Lincecum is an American professional baseball starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He was nicknamed "The Freak" and "Big Time Timmy Jim" and "The Franchise." He throws right-handed and bats left-handed....
(NL, SFG) - Reliever of the Year – Francisco Rodriguez (AL, LAA) / Brad LidgeBrad LidgeBradley Thomas "Brad" Lidge is a reliever who is currently a free agent. Nicknamed "Lights Out", he is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with at least 200 appearances in their career...
(NL, PHI) - Rookie of the Year – Evan LongoriaEvan LongoriaEvan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
(AL, TBR) / Geovany SotoGeovany SotoGeovany Soto is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Chicago Cubs.-Professional career:...
(NL, CHC) - Comeback Player of the Year – Cliff LeeCliff LeeClifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
(AL, CLE) / Fernando TatisFernando TatisFernando Tatís, Jr. is a Major League Baseball utility player, who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Texas Rangers , St. Louis Cardinals , Montreal Expos , Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets...
(NL, NYM) - Manager of the Year – Joe MaddonJoe MaddonJoseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
(AL, TBR) / Fredi GonzalezFredi GonzálezFredi Jesus González is the current manager of the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball. Gonzalez is also the former manager of the Florida Marlins 2007–2010. For the four years prior to 2007, he was third base coach for the Atlanta Braves.-Biography:Gonzalez grew up in Miami, Florida, where he...
(NL, FLO)
- MLB Player of the Year – Albert Pujols
January
- January 6 – 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...
appears on CBS's 60 Minutes60 Minutes60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
, denying that he ever used performance enhancing drugs. - January 8 – CloserCloser (baseball)In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
Rich "Goose" Gossage and his former manager with the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe 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...
, Dick WilliamsDick WilliamsRichard Hirschfeld "Dick" Williams was an American left fielder, third baseman, manager, coach and front office consultant in Major League Baseball. Known especially as a hard-driving, sharp-tongued manager from 1967–69 and 1971–88, he led teams to three American League pennants, one National...
, are elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. - January 29 – 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...
agree to deal Johan SantanaJohan SantanaJohan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
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...
for outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Carlos GómezCarlos GómezCarlos Argelis Gómez Pena, nicknamed "Go-Go", is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.-Minor leagues:...
and pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
s Deolis GuerraDeolis GuerraDeolis Alexander Guerra is a minor league right-handed pitcher in the Minnesota Twins' organization currently assigned to the Twins' Double-A affiliate, the New Britain Rock Cats....
, Philip HumberPhilip HumberPhilip Gregory Humber is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox.-Early life:Humber attended Carthage High School in Carthage, Texas...
& Kevin MulveyKevin MulveyKevin John Mulvey is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Minnesota Twins.-Early life:Mulvey is a New Jersey native...
.
February
- February 1 – Chuck KnoblauchChuck KnoblauchEdward Charles "Chuck" Knoblauch is a retired Major League Baseball player. He played all or part of twelve seasons in the majors, from until , for the Minnesota Twins , New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals...
spoke to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigating the use of performance enhancing drugs in Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. - February 2 – The deal between the Mets and Twins for Johan Santana is finalized.
- February 4 – 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...
pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Andy PettitteAndy PettitteAndrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees...
meets for nearly three hours in a closed-door interview in Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
with lawyers from a congressional committee investigating the use of performance enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball. After the Mitchell ReportMitchell Report (baseball)The Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball, informally known as the "Mitchell Report", is the result of former Democratic United States Senator from Maine...
's release in December, Pettitte confirmed Brian McNameeBrian McNameeBrian Gerard McNamee is a former New York City police officer, personal trainer, and strength and conditioning coach in Major League Baseball who is most notable for testifying against former New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens at a 2008 United States Congressional hearing that concerned the...
's testimony that the hurler had twice used human growth hormone during the season while recuperating from injury. - February 13 – 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...
testified under oath at a Congressional hearing that he has never used performance-enhancing drugs.
March
- March 15 – 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...
and San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe 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...
play to a 3–3 tie in the first major league game ever played in ChinaChinaChinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. The game is played at Wukesong StadiumBeijing Wukesong Culture & Sports CenterThe MasterCard Center is an indoor arena for the 2008 Summer Olympics basketball preliminaries and finals. Ground was broken on March 29, 2005 and construction was completed on 11 January 2008. The stadium has a capacity of 18,000 and covers an area of 63,000 square metres...
in BeijingBeijingBeijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, site of the baseball competition for the 2008 OlympicsBaseball at the 2008 Summer OlympicsBaseball at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was held from August 13 to August 23. All games were played at Wukesong Baseball Field, a temporary venue constructed at the Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center...
. The teams meet again the next day, with the Padres winning 6–3. - March 17 – The Dodgers depart their DodgertownHolman Stadium (Vero Beach)Holman Stadium is a baseball stadium in Vero Beach, Florida, built in 1953 to accommodate spring training for the Dodgers as part of a complex called Dodgertown. In addition to the Dodgers' spring games, it was also the home of the Vero Beach Devil Rays of the Florida State League, through the...
complex in Vero Beach, FloridaVero Beach, FloridaVero Beach is a city in Indian River County, Florida, USA. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 estimates, the city had a population of 16,939. It is the county seat of Indian River County...
after 60 years of use. Hall of Fame manager Tommy LasordaTommy LasordaThomas Charles Lasorda is a former Major League baseball player and manager. marked his sixth decade in one capacity or another with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the longest non-continuous tenure anyone has had with the team, edging Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully...
manages the team in its final week's games, as regular manager Joe TorreJoe TorreJoseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
is with the portion of the club that traveled to China. - March 18 – 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...
play an exhibition at Virginia TechVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech , is a public land-grant university with the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia with other research and educational centers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, and internationally.Founded in...
's English FieldEnglish FieldEnglish Field is a baseball stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia. It is the home field of the Virginia Tech Hokies college baseball team. It was opened in 1989 and has a capacity of 1033 in chair back seats plus additional grass-covered bank seating along the left field line known as "The Hill".-...
to commemorate the April 2007 campus shootingsVirginia Tech massacreThe Virginia Tech massacre was a school shooting that took place on April 16, 2007, on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, United States. In two separate attacks, approximately two hours apart, the perpetrator, Seung-Hui Cho, killed 32 people...
. - March 25 – 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...
takes place on the earliest date in history, with 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"...
defeating 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....
6–5 in 10 innings in TokyoTokyo 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...
, 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...
. - March 29 – Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their move to Los Angeles, the Dodgers play an exhibition against the Red Sox at their first Los Angeles home, the Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles Memorial ColiseumThe Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a large outdoor sports stadium in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, at Exposition Park, that is home to the Pacific-12 Conference's University of Southern California Trojans football team...
, losing 7–4 before an announced crowd of 115,300. - March 30 – In the first ever game played at Nationals Park, on Opening NightOpening 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...
, President George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
throws out the first pitch and Ryan ZimmermanRyan ZimmermanRyan Wallace Zimmerman is a Major League Baseball third baseman with the Washington Nationals. A 6-foot 3-inch player from the University of Virginia and Kellam High School, Zimmerman has been a member of the Nationals since his debut on September 1, 2005...
hits a walk-off home run to give the Washington NationalsWashington NationalsThe Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
a 3–2 win over 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....
. - March 31:
- A statue of 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...
great Ernie BanksErnie BanksErnest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
is unveiled outside 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...
. - Japanese sensation Kosuke FukudomeKosuke Fukudomeis a Japanese professional baseball outfielder.Prior to arriving in the United States, Fukudome played nine seasons for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League...
makes his major league debut with the Cubs, hitting a double on his first pitch. He later ties the game with a three-run homer in the 9th inning. - The independent South Coast LeagueSouth Coast LeagueThe South Coast League of Professional Baseball , based in Conyers, Georgia, was a professional, independent baseball organization located in the Southeastern United States. It operated in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and was not affiliated with either. It folded...
suspends its operations after only one season of play.
- A statue of Chicago Cubs
April
- April 2 – With his 194th consecutive game without an error, Red Sox first baseman Kevin YoukilisKevin YoukilisKevin Edmund Youkilis , also known as "Youk" , is an American professional baseball player with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
surpasses Steve GarveySteve GarveySteven Patrick Garvey , nicknamed "Mr. Clean" because of the squeaky clean image he held throughout his career in baseball, is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and current Southern California businessman...
's major league record (set from 1983 to 1985) for an errorless streak at first base; the streak began on July 5, . He is given the first base bag from the game against the Athletics. - April 4 – the Florida State LeagueFlorida State LeagueThe Florida State League is a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball league operating in the state of Florida. They are one of three leagues currently operating in Class A-Advanced, the third highest of six classifications of minor leagues...
's Fort Myers MiracleFort Myers MiracleThe Fort Myers Miracle is the Class A Advanced minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club, currently managed by Jake Mauer. Home games are played at the Lee County Sports Complex in Hammond Stadium, which has a capacity of 7,500, and opened in...
take the field in Lee County Sheriff's Office caps in a game against the Sarasota Reds in honor of fallen Lieutenant Mark Niedermeyer. On March 21, Lieutenant Niedermeyer, a 14-year LCSO veteran, collapsed and died on the field during LCS's annual charity arena footballArena footballArena football is a variety of gridiron football played by the Arena Football League . It is a proprietary game, the rights to which are owned by Gridiron Enterprises, and is played indoors on a smaller field than American or Canadian outdoor football, resulting in a faster and higher-scoring game....
game against Lee County firefighters. Following the game (won 6–3 by the Miracle), the team autographed the hats, and they were auctioned off. The auction raised $2,500, with all proceeds raised from the hat auction going directly to Lieutenant Niedermeyer's family. - April 8:
- Chase UtleyChase UtleyChase Cameron Utley is a second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. A native of the Greater Los Angeles area, he was raised in the city of Long Beach. He was a star baseball player at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, before moving on to UCLA...
of the Phillies ties a major league record by being hit by pitches three times in a 5–2 win over the Mets. - Plácido PolancoPlácido PolancoPlácido Enrique Polanco is a Major League Baseball player who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies and has also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers. He is a third baseman, but in the past has played second base and shortstop...
's record streaks of 186 games and 911 chances at second base without an error come to an end with a throwing error in the third inning of the Tigers' 5–0 loss to the Red Sox; his last error was on July 1, .
- Chase Utley
- April 9 – Iván RodríguezIván RodríguezIván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
becomes the first catcher in major league history to collect 2,500 hits, reaching the milestone with a single in the eighth inning of the Tigers' 7–2 win over the Red Sox. - April 11 – 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...
set a team record by hitting six home runs in their 10–6 win over the Astros. - April 12 – The home run ball which Barry BondsBarry BondsBarry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
hit for his record 762nd (and possibly final) home run is auctioned for $376,612 to an anonymous bidder. - April 13 – Joe CredeJoe CredeJoseph Taylor Crede is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. Crede attended high school at Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri which he led to 3 district championships and two final four berths as a pitcher...
and Paul KonerkoPaul KonerkoPaul Henry Konerko is an American professional baseball first baseman who has played for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball since 1999. He previously played with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds . Konerko helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the...
both hit grand slams as the White Sox beat the Tigers 11–0. - April 15 – José López becomes the 12th player in major league history to collect three sacrifice flies in one game, in the Mariners' 11–6 win over the Royals.
- April 17:
- At Petco ParkPETCO ParkPetco Park is an open-air ballpark in downtown San Diego, California, USA. It opened in 2004, replacing Qualcomm Stadium as the home park of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Before then, the Padres shared Qualcomm Stadium with the NFL's San Diego Chargers...
, 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...
defeat the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe 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...
2–1 in 22 innings, in a game that lasts 6 hours 16 minutes and ends at 1:21 am after Troy TulowitzkiTroy TulowitzkiTroy Trevor Tulowitzki , nicknamed Tulo, is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Colorado Rockies.Tulowitzki's arm, range and instincts at shortstop are highly regarded...
's RBI double with two out in the top of the inning drives in an unearned run. Inning-wise, the game is the longest in the majors since another 22-inning contest on August 21, , the longest in the history of both teams and the longest in Petco Park's 5-year history. - 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...
, Mark TeixeiraMark TeixeiraMark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
and Brian McCann hit consecutive home runs in the fifth inning of the Braves' 8–0 win over the Marlins.
- At Petco Park
- April 21 – Chase UtleyChase UtleyChase Cameron Utley is a second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. A native of the Greater Los Angeles area, he was raised in the city of Long Beach. He was a star baseball player at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, before moving on to UCLA...
ties a Phillies record by homering in his fifth consecutive game. - April 22 – John SmoltzJohn SmoltzJohn Andrew Smoltz is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and active sportscaster. He is best known for his prolific career of more than two decades with the Atlanta Braves, in which he garnered eight All-Star selections and received the Cy Young Award in 1996...
becomes the 16th major league pitcher to record 3,000 strikeouts3000 strikeout clubIn Major League Baseball , the 3,000 strikeout club is a term applied to the group of pitchers who have struck out 3,000 or more batters in their careers. Walter Johnson was the first to reach 3,000, doing so in 1923, and was the only pitcher at this milestone for 50 years until Bob Gibson recorded...
, retiring Nationals pitcher John LannanJohn LannanJohn Edward Lannan is a left-handed starting pitcher in the Washington Nationals organization....
in the third inning 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...
, but Lannan earns the victory as Washington wins 6–0. - April 23 – 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...
become the second major league franchise to record 10,000 victories (joining the Giants), with a 7–6 win over the Rockies in 10 innings. - April 24 – A David OrtizDavid OrtizDavid Américo Ortiz Arias , known as David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. Previously, Ortiz played with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox...
Red Sox jersey which was exhumed from the construction site of New Yankee Stadium eleven days earlier after a foiled jinx attempt is auctioned for $175,100, with the proceeds going to a Red Sox-affiliated charity.
May
- May 2:
- Miguel TejadaMiguel TejadaMiguel Odalis Tejada was a Major League Baseball infielder who has played for the San Francisco Giants, the San Diego Padres, the Houston Astros, the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland Athletics...
, Lance BerkmanLance BerkmanWilliam Lance Berkman is an American professional baseball outfielder and right fielder with the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball....
and Carlos LeeCarlos LeeCarlos Noriel Lee is a first basemen in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed....
hit consecutive home runs in the sixth inning of the Astros' 7–4 win over the Brewers. - José Reyes falls a home run short of the cycle when he is thrown out at the plate, while trying to stretch his second triple of the game into an inside-the-park home run, in the eighth inning of the Mets' 7–2 win over the Diamondbacks.
- Miguel Tejada
- May 6:
- Gavin FloydGavin FloydGavin Christopher Floyd is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. He stands 6' 5" tall, weighs 220 pounds, and throws and bats right-handed.-Philadelphia Phillies:...
of the White Sox takes a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Twins before giving up a double to Joe MauerJoe MauerJoseph Patrick Mauer is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins. He is the only catcher in Major League history to win three batting titles...
with one out; Floyd and Bobby JenksBobby JenksRobert Scott "Bobby" Jenks is an American professional baseball relief pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
settle for a combined 7–1 one-hitter. - Lance BerkmanLance BerkmanWilliam Lance Berkman is an American professional baseball outfielder and right fielder with the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball....
has five hits in the Astros' 6–5 win over the Nationals, tying the team record for a nine-inning game.
- Gavin Floyd
- May 7:
- Carlos GómezCarlos GómezCarlos Argelis Gómez Pena, nicknamed "Go-Go", is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.-Minor leagues:...
of the Twins hits for the cycle in a 13–1 win against the White Sox. - 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....
hit seven home runs, including three by Joey VottoJoey VottoJoseph Daniel "Joey" Votto, is a Canadian Major League Baseball first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. He is the 2010 NL MVP, the recipient of the National League Hank Aaron Award for 2010, and won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's athlete of the year in 2010.-Early life:Votto was born on...
, in a 9–0 victory over the Cubs; 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...
surrenders four homers in the second inning.
- Carlos Gómez
- May 9:
- James Shields of the Rays pitches a 2–0 one-hitter against the Angels, allowing only Brandon WoodBrandon WoodRichard Brandon Wood is an American professional baseball infielder for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed and was born in Austin, Texas.-2003-05:...
's one-out single in the third inning; Evan LongoriaEvan LongoriaEvan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
provides the scoring with a two-run walk-off home run. - Kenny Rogers picks off his 92nd career baserunner, setting a major league record since the statistic was first kept in 1974, in the Tigers' 6–5 win over the Yankees, catching Wilson BetemitWilson BetemitWilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds...
in the second inning; the mark was previously held by Mark LangstonMark LangstonMark Edward Langston is an American former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched for the Seattle Mariners , Montreal Expos , California and Anaheim Angels , San Diego Padres , and Cleveland Indians...
.
- James Shields of the Rays pitches a 2–0 one-hitter against the Angels, allowing only Brandon Wood
- May 10:
- In his fifth try, Greg MadduxGreg MadduxGregory Alan Maddux , nicknamed "Mad Dog" and "The Professor", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years , a feat matched only by Randy Johnson...
of the Padres becomes the ninth pitcher to win 350 career games, with a 3–2 decision against the Rockies. - Ben SheetsBen SheetsBen M. Sheets is an American baseball starting pitcher who is currently a free agent. He is a four-time All-Star, but has been hampered with injury problems throughout his career.-Prep and college:...
breaks Teddy HigueraTeddy HigueraTeodoro Higuera Valenzuela is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for nine years for the Milwaukee Brewers of the American League.-Early career:...
's team record of 1,081 career strikeouts in the Brewers' 5–3 loss to the Cardinals.
- In his fifth try, Greg Maddux
- May 11 – 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....
bat out of order in the ninth inning of their 8–3 loss to the Mets; David Ross mistakenly hits instead of Corey PattersonCorey PattersonDonald Corey Patterson is an American professional baseball free agent outfielder in Major League Baseball. He is the older brother of outfielder Eric Patterson.-Amateur career:...
to lead off the inning, and Patterson is ruled out after Ross lines out to right field. Ross then bats correctly, singling to center. - May 12 – Indians second baseman Asdrúbal CabreraAsdrúbal CabreraAsdrúbal José Cabrera is a switch-hitting infielder for the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball.After coming up through the Seattle Mariners organization, he was acquired by the Indians on June 30, 2006, in exchange for Eduardo Perez...
turns the 14th 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...
in major league history in the second game of a home doubleheader against the Blue Jays. He makes a diving catch of Lyle OverbayLyle OverbayLyle Stefan Overbay is an American professional baseball first baseman who is a free agent.-Amateur career:...
's fifth-inning line drive for the first out, steps on second to double up Kevin MenchKevin MenchKevin Ford Mench is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:...
, then tags out Marco ScutaroMarco ScutaroMarcos Hernandez "Marco" Scutaro is a Venezuelan professional baseball shortstop with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. A native of Yaracuy State, Venezuela, Scutaro formerly played with the New York Mets , Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays...
, who had just passed second base. Cleveland loses, 3–0, in 10 innings. Ron HansenRon Hansen (baseball)Ronald Lavern Hansen is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the Baltimore Orioles , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals...
, who accomplished the feat in 1968, is in attendance as a scout. - May 16:
- Jayson WerthJayson WerthJayson Richard Gowan Werth is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies. He bats and throws right-handed.-Background:Werth was born in...
hits three home runs, including a grand slam, in the Phillies' 10–3 win over the Blue Jays, tying a team record with eight runs batted in. - Josh Hamilton gets five hits in the Rangers' 16–8 win over the Astros, tying a team record for a nine-inning game, and misses the cycle by hitting two home runs but no double. In the same game, the Astros' Shawn ChacónShawn ChacónShawn Anthony Chacón is a Major League pitcher, currently a free agent. He last played in the Majors for the Houston Astros...
sets a major league record by getting no decision in his ninth consecutive start to begin the season; the streak ends when he wins his next start against the Cubs five days later.
- Jayson Werth
- May 17 – Chan Ho Park of South Korea, Hong-Chih KuoHong-Chih KuoHong-Chih Kuo is a Major League Baseball pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. When Kuo made his debut in , he became the fourth MLB player from Taiwan ....
of Taiwan and Takashi SaitoTakashi Saitois a Japanese professional baseball player.Saito previously pitched for the Yokohama BayStars in the Japanese Central League, compiling a record of 87–80 over 13 seasons...
of Japan combine to pitch the Dodgers to a 6–3 win over the Angels, marking the first time that pitchers from three different Asian countries have appeared in a game for one team. - May 18:
- After tying the record the previous night, 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...
sets a Mariners record with his 291st stolen base for the team, breaking the mark held by Julio CruzJulio Cruz (baseball player)Julio Luis Cruz , is a former professional baseball player who played second base in the major leagues from 1977-1986....
. - The Cardinals rededicate the statue of Stan MusialStan MusialStanley Frank "Stan" Musial is a retired professional baseball player who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals . Nicknamed "Stan the Man", Musial was a record 24-time All-Star selection , and is widely considered to be one of the greatest hitters in baseball...
at the west entrance to Busch StadiumBusch StadiumBusch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, of MLB...
, five days after the 50th anniversary of his 3,000th hit, with an adjacent street being renamed Stan Musial Drive.
- After tying the record the previous night, Ichiro Suzuki
- May 19:
- Jon LesterJon LesterJonathan Tyler Lester is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
of the Red Sox pitches a 7–0 no-hitter against the Royals. His first complete game in the majors, it is the fourth no-hitter by a Red Sox pitcher since 2001, the first by a Red Sox left-hander since Mel ParnellMel ParnellMelvin Lloyd Parnell is a former Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher.Parnell spent his entire ten-year career with the Boston Red Sox , compiling a 123-75 record with 732 strikeouts, a 3.50 earned run average, 113 complete games, 20 shutouts, and 1752.2 innings pitched in 289 games...
in 1956, the fourth ever by a left-hander 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"...
(and the first since Parnell's), and only the second against the Royals (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....
, 1973). It is also the fourth no-hitter caught by Jason VaritekJason VaritekJason Andrew Varitek is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. After being traded as a minor league prospect by the Seattle Mariners, Varitek has played his entire major league career for the Boston Red Sox...
, who homers in the game; he also caught the Red Sox' three previous no-hitters: Hideo NomoHideo Nomois a former right-handed pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball from Japan. He achieved early success in Japan, where he played with the Kintetsu Buffaloes from to...
(2001), Derek LoweDerek LoweDerek Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. He throws and bats right-handed. He is 6'6" and 230 pounds.-Early years:...
(2002) and Clay BuchholzClay BuchholzClay Daniel Buchholz pitches for the Boston Red Sox of major league baseball. On September 1, 2007, in just his second major league start, he recorded a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the third MLB pitcher since 1900 to throw a no-hitter in his first or second start...
(2007). Varitek's feat set a major league record (under the rules in force during his career Ray SchalkRay SchalkRaymond William Schalk was a professional baseball player, coach, manager and scout. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox for the majority of his career. Known for his fine handling of pitchers and outstanding defensive ability, Schalk was considered the...
caught four, but one was disallowed in 1991 when the definition of a no-hitter was changed). - Adam DunnAdam DunnAdam Troy Dunn , nicknamed "Big Donkey", is an American Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed....
ties a Reds record by homering in his fifth consecutive game, a 6–5 loss to the Dodgers.
- Jon Lester
- May 20 – 12-time All-Star catcher 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....
announces his retirement. - May 22 – J. D. DrewJ. D. DrewDavid Jonathan "J. D." Drew is an American professional baseball right fielder who is a free agent. He is a left-handed hitter, and began his major league career in with the St. Louis Cardinals...
and 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...
both hit grand slams in the Red Sox' 11–8 win over the Royals. - May 24 – Oakland's Justin DuchschererJustin DuchschererJustin Craig Duchscherer [DUKE-shur] is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Early career:...
and Huston StreetHuston StreetHuston Lowell Street is an American baseball relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. His father is former University of Texas quarterback James Street, and his brother Juston Street is currently a pitcher for the minor league Vancouver Canadians....
combine for a 3–0 one-hitter over the Red Sox, with Duchsherer allowing only a single by David OrtizDavid OrtizDavid Américo Ortiz Arias , known as David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. Previously, Ortiz played with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox...
with one out in the seventh inning.- Clayton KershawClayton KershawClayton Edward Kershaw is a left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball.In 2011, Kershaw won the Pitching Triple Crown and the National League Cy Young Award, becoming the youngest pitcher to accomplish either of these feats since Dwight Gooden in 1985...
makes his debut for 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...
- Clayton Kershaw
- May 25 – Playing in both games of a doubleheader as the Giants are swept by the Marlins, Omar VizquelOmar VizquelOmar Enrique Vizquel González , nicknamed "Little O", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. Vizquel has played for the Seattle Mariners , the Cleveland Indians , the San Francisco Giants , the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox...
breaks Luis AparicioLuis AparicioLuis Ernesto Aparicio Montiel is a former shortstop in professional baseball. His career in Major League Baseball spanned three decades, from through . Aparicio played for the Chicago White Sox , Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
's major league record of 2,583 career games as a shortstop. - May 27:
- In a 9–6 win over the Pirates, Adam DunnAdam DunnAdam Troy Dunn , nicknamed "Big Donkey", is an American Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed....
hits a three-run home run, his 252nd home run for the Reds, breaking Ted KluszewskiTed KluszewskiTheodore Bernard "Big Klu" Kluszewski was a Major League first baseman from 1947 through 1961. He batted and threw left-handed.-Career:...
's team record for homers by a left-handed hitter. - In their 8–2 win over the White Sox, the Indians pull off the first triple steal in the major leagues since October 1, . With the bases loaded in the sixth inning, pitcher Ehren Wasserman fakes a throw to third before throwing to first, catching Jamey CarrollJamey CarrollJamey Blake Carroll is an American professional baseball infielder for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball.Carroll was born in Evansville, Indiana. In 1992, he graduated from Castle High School in Newburgh, Indiana. He later attended and graduated from the University of Evansville...
in a rundown. First baseman Paul KonerkoPaul KonerkoPaul Henry Konerko is an American professional baseball first baseman who has played for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball since 1999. He previously played with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds . Konerko helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the...
tries to gun down David DellucciDavid DellucciDavid Michael Dellucci is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder.-High School:Dellucci graduated from Catholic High in Baton Rouge in 1991. He earned the team's Most Valuable Player honors in both baseball and football, and All-State honors for baseball...
at the plate, but his throw to catcher Toby HallToby HallToby Jason Hall is a Major League Baseball catcher who is currently with the Camden Riversharks in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball....
is off target, allowing Dellucci to score and Carroll and Grady SizemoreGrady SizemoreGradius "Grady" Sizemore III is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
to advance. - Hunter PenceHunter PenceHunter Andrew Pence is a Major League Baseball outfielder with the Philadelphia Phillies. Pence stands tall and weighs . He bats and throws right-handed.-Early life:...
gets five hits in the Astros' 8–2 win over the Cardinals, tying the team record for a nine-inning game.
- In a 9–6 win over the Pirates, Adam Dunn
- May 30 – The Red Sox set a team record with six stolen bases in their 5–2, 13-inning win over the Orioles.
- May 31:
- In a 6–3 win at Baltimore, 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...
of the Red Sox becomes the 24th major leaguer to hit 500 home runs500 home run clubIn Major League Baseball , the 500 home run club is a term applied to the group of batters who have hit 500 or more regular-season home runs in their careers. On August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth became the first member of the club. Ruth ended his career with 714 home runs, a record which stood from 1935...
, with a solo shot off Chad BradfordChad BradfordChadwick Lee "Chad" Bradford is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He was well known for his extreme submarine-style pitching, and his success in MLB despite his unconventional delivery and the slow speed at which he threw the ball led to him figuring prominently in the Michael Lewis...
in the seventh inning. - Tony La RussaTony La RussaAnthony "Tony" La Russa, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball manager and infielder, best known for his tenures as manager of the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals...
manages his 2,000th game for the Cardinals, breaking Red SchoendienstRed SchoendienstAlbert Fred "Red" Schoendienst is an American Major League Baseball coach, former player and manager, and 10-time All-star. After a 19-year playing career with the St...
's club record.
- In a 6–3 win at Baltimore, Manny Ramírez
June
- June 5 – 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 hits his 400th career home run in their 7–5 win over the Marlins, joining 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...
and 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...
as the third switch hitter to reach the milestone. - June 7:
- In the Red Sox' game against the Marlins, Kevin YoukilisKevin YoukilisKevin Edmund Youkilis , also known as "Youk" , is an American professional baseball player with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
' record streak of errorless games at first base ends at 238 games. - In the sixth inning of their 2–1 loss to the Padres, Mets pitchers tie a modern major league record by hitting three batters in one inning: Brian GilesBrian GilesBrian Stephen Giles is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. During his career he played for the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres...
, Kevin KouzmanoffKevin KouzmanoffKevin Kouzmanoff is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent.Kouzmanoff had trouble with various sports in high school. He got special help for batting practice, just to learn how to swing a bat for three years, implementing a swing...
and Khalil GreeneKhalil GreeneKhalil Thabit Greene is a Major League Baseball shortstop who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws right-handed.-High school and college:...
. The Padres also set a major league record with their fourth consecutive 2–1 win.
- In the Red Sox' game against the Marlins, Kevin Youkilis
- June 9:
- 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...
of the Reds hits his 600th career home run in their 9–4 road win over the Marlins, connecting off Mark HendricksonMark HendricksonMark Allan Hendrickson is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Baltimore Orioles. Hendrickson is also a retired National Basketball Association power forward who played 114 NBA games before becoming a pitcher full-time. He is one of just 12 athletes to play in both...
in the first inning. He becomes only the sixth member of the 600 home run club, joining 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...
, Hank Aaron, 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...
, 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....
and Barry BondsBarry BondsBarry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
. - Nick SwisherNick SwisherNicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
hits home runs from both sides of the plate as the White Sox beat the Twins 7–5.
- Ken Griffey, Jr.
- June 16 – The final Hall of Fame Game, between the Cubs and Padres, is cancelled due to rain.
- June 17:
- At 3:15 AM Eastern Time, 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...
announce the firing of manager Willie RandolphWillie RandolphWillie Larry Randolph is a former Major League Baseball second baseman and manager, most recently the third base coach for the Baltimore Orioles...
and two coaches while the team is on the West Coast, and name 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...
interim manager. - Marcus ThamesMarcus ThamesMarcus Markley Thames is an American professional baseball outfielder. He has previously played for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers....
ties a Tigers record by hitting a home run in his fifth consecutive game, in a 5–1 win over the Giants.
- At 3:15 AM Eastern Time, the New York Mets
- June 18 – Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels allows the tying run in the ninth inning against the Mets, ending his club record streak of 25 consecutive saves; the Mets win 5–4 in 10 innings.
- June 20 – Elijah DukesElijah DukesElijah David Dukes, Jr. is an American professional baseball player. A right-handed outfielder, he currently plays for the Newark Bears.-High school years:...
ties a Nationals record with five hits in their 4–3 win over the Rangers, with his fifth hit driving in the winning run with two out in the bottom of the 14th and the bases loaded. - June 21:
- 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...
hits two home runs in the fourth inning of the Cubs' 11–7 win over the White Sox. - Scot ShieldsScot ShieldsRobert Scot Shields is a former American Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He played his entire baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, serving as their setup man since...
records four strikeouts in the eighth inning of the Angels' 6–2 win over the Phillies; after he retires Greg DobbsGreg DobbsGregory Stuart Dobbs is a Major League Baseball infielder. Dobbs is primarily a third baseman, but can also field the corner outfield positions and first base.-Early career:...
and Jimmy RollinsJimmy RollinsJames Calvin "Jimmy" Rollins , nicknamed "J-Roll", is an All-Star and former MVP shortstop, who most recently played for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball's National League....
, Shane VictorinoShane VictorinoShane Patrick Victorino is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed.-Career:...
reaches first on a wild pitch in the dirt. After issuing a walk, Shields strikes out Ryan HowardRyan HowardRyan James Howard is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies. Nicknamed "The Big Piece", Howard stands and weighs . He bats and throws left-handed....
to end the inning.
- Jim Edmonds
- June 22 – Mark TeixeiraMark TeixeiraMark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
hits three home runs in the Braves' 8–3 win over the Mariners. - June 23 – Félix HernándezFélix HernándezFélix Abraham Hernández , nicknamed "King Félix", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners....
of the Seattle Mariners became the first American League pitcher since the designated hitterDesignated hitterIn baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
rule went into effect in to hit 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...
, off New York Mets ace Johan SantanaJohan SantanaJohan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
, in Seattle's 5–2 victory. it is also the first home run ever by a Mariners pitcher. - June 24:
- The Baseball Hall of Fame dedicates a revised plaque for 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...
to include recognition of his cultural impact. - The Pirates beat the Yankees 12–5, becoming the final major league team to get its first regular season win against the Yankees.
- The Baseball Hall of Fame dedicates a revised plaque for Jackie Robinson
- June 25:
- Fresno StateFresno State BulldogsThe Fresno State Bulldogs represent California State University, Fresno in 19 NCAA Division I sports. The teams have been members of the Western Athletic Conference since 1992. Before that, it had been a member of the Big West Conference since 1969...
defeats GeorgiaGeorgia BulldogsThe Georgia Bulldogs are the athletic teams of the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and are members of the Southeastern Conference...
to win the 2008 College World Series2008 College World SeriesThe 2008 College World Series was held June 14 through June 25, in Omaha, Nebraska. Eight NCAA Division I college baseball teams met after having played their way through a 64-team bracket to play at historic Rosenblatt Stadium...
, becoming the lowest seeded team to win an NCAA postseason tournament and bringing the school its first NCAA men's team title. With a final record of 47–31, they finish with the most losses of any CWS champion. - Shawn ChacónShawn ChacónShawn Anthony Chacón is a Major League pitcher, currently a free agent. He last played in the Majors for the Houston Astros...
of the Astros grabs general manager Ed WadeEd WadeEd Wade is the former General Manager of the Houston Astros.-Early career in baseball:Wade started his baseball career in 1977 as an intern in the Phillies public relations department. In 1977, he was named public relations assistant for the Astros and was promoted to public relations director in...
by the neck and throws him to the ground during a confrontation, resulting in his release five days later. - In a 5–4 loss to the Nationals, 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...
breaks 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...
's Angels record of 986 career runs; he had tied the mark five days earlier. Also in the game, Washington's Aaron BooneAaron BooneAaron John Boone is a former Major League Baseball infielder whose famous home run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield won the 2003 American League Championship Series for the New York Yankees. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington...
becomes the fourth member of his family to collect 1,000 hits, joining his grandfather Ray, father Bob and brother Bret.
- Fresno State
- June 26 – Matt GarzaMatt GarzaMatthew Scott Garza is a United States professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:He attended Washington Union High School and Fresno State.-Minnesota Twins:...
of the Rays pitches a 6–1 one-hitter over the Marlins, giving up only a home run by Hanley RamírezHanley RamirezHanley Ramirez is a shortstop in Major League Baseball for the Miami Marlins. Ramírez was named 2006 NL Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2009, Ramírez won the NL batting title and is a three-time All-Star starter...
to lead off the seventh inning. - June 27:
- Carlos DelgadoCarlos DelgadoCarlos Juan Delgado Hernández is a retired Puerto Rican professional baseball player. With 473 home runs and 1,512 RBI, he holds the all-time home run and RBI records among Puerto Rican players....
sets a Mets record with nine RBI in their 15–6 win at Yankee Stadium over the Yankees, in the first game of a crosstown split doubleheader; the second game is played at Shea Stadium. The previous mark of eight RBI was set by 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...
in a 1976 game. - 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...
set a team record with 18 runners left on base, but still beat the Padres 5–2.
- Carlos Delgado
- June 28 – Jered WeaverJered WeaverJered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...
and José ArredondoJosé ArredondoJosé Juan Arredondo is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
of the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos 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...
combine to no-hit 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...
over eight innings, but lose 1–0 when the Dodgers score in the fifth inning on two errors, a stolen base and a sacrifice fly. The game is not officially recognized by Major League Baseball as a no-hitter. - June 30 – Nick SwisherNick SwisherNicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
homers from both sides of the plate for the second time in the month, including a grand slam batting right-handed, as the White Sox beat the Indians 9–7.
July
- July 2 – Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
has four hits as the Red Sox lose 7–6 to the Rays, missing the cycle when he hits his second double of the game in the eighth inning, forgoing the necessary single. - July 3 – Jon LesterJon LesterJonathan Tyler Lester is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
of the Red Sox pitches a 7–0 shutout over the Yankees, becoming the first Boston left-hander since July 27, to throw a shutout at Yankee Stadium. - July 4:
- 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...
homers in the Reds' 3–0 win over the Nationals, becoming the 18th major leaguer to hit for over 5,000 total bases. - The Rockies come back from trailing 13–4 in the fourth inning to beat the Marlins 18–17 on Chris IannettaChris IannettaChristopher Domenic Iannetta is an American professional baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball.-High school:...
's single in the bottom of the ninth; the game sets a record for most combined runs in a contest decided on a walk-off hit, and the Marlins become the sixth team since 1900 to score 17 runs but lose. - In Boston's 6–4 win over the Yankees, Kevin YoukilisKevin YoukilisKevin Edmund Youkilis , also known as "Youk" , is an American professional baseball player with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
hits a drive to left field that pops out of Johnny DamonJohnny DamonJohnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
's glove, bounces a few times on top of the wall and then stops there for a few seconds before rolling onto the field for a two-run triple. - Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
hits his 300th home run in the Cardinals' 2–1 loss to the Cubs.
- Ken Griffey, Jr.
- July 5 – In the Yankees' 2–1 win over the Red Sox, a combined seven batters are hit, tying the modern major league record; 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...
is hit three times, tying the individual mark. - July 6:
- The Braves beat the Astros 7–6 in 17 innings, the longest game ever 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...
; Mark TeixeiraMark TeixeiraMark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
's single with the bases loaded and none out drives in the winning run. - The Brewers tie club records with nine doubles and twelve extra base hits in their 11–6 win over the Pirates.
- The Braves beat the Astros 7–6 in 17 innings, the longest game ever at Turner Field
- July 7:
- Hiroki KurodaHiroki Kurodais a professional baseball player from Osaka, Japan who is currently a free agent. He is a starting pitcher, who most recently pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers .-Early days:...
of the Dodgers pitches a 3–0 one-hitter against the Braves; Mark TeixeiraMark TeixeiraMark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
, leading off the eighth inning with a double, is the only baserunner. - Francisco Rodriguez earns his record 35th save before the All-Star break in the Angels' 9–6 win over the Rangers, breaking John SmoltzJohn SmoltzJohn Andrew Smoltz is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and active sportscaster. He is best known for his prolific career of more than two decades with the Atlanta Braves, in which he garnered eight All-Star selections and received the Cy Young Award in 1996...
's 2003 mark.
- Hiroki Kuroda
- July 8 – Ian KinslerIan KinslerIan Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
ties a Rangers record by scoring in his 11th consecutive game. - July 10 – John LackeyJohn LackeyJohn Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...
of the Angels gives up 15 hits in the team's 11–10, 11-inning win over the Rangers, tying the team record set by Paul HartzellPaul HartzellPaul Franklin Hartzell is a former professional baseball player who played six seasons for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball....
on September 9, . - July 12:
- 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...
, Carlos MuñizCarlos MuñizCarlos Javier Muñiz is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Mets organization.Muñiz made his major league debut on September 25, . He threw 1.1 innings and gave up 2 earned runs....
, Aaron HeilmanAaron HeilmanAaron Michael Heilman is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. Heilman was drafted by the New York Mets out of Notre Dame in 2001. He came up through the Mets system as a starting pitcher but was converted to a relief pitcher in 2005...
, Scott SchoeneweisScott SchoeneweisScott David Schoeneweis is an American Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher who is currently a free agent.In the five seasons from 2003–07, Schoeneweis allowed only one home run to left-handed batters...
and Billy WagnerBilly WagnerWilliam Edward Wagner , nicknamed "Billy the Kid", is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He pitched for the Houston Astros , the Philadelphia Phillies , the New York Mets , the Boston Red Sox , and the Atlanta Braves...
combine for a one-hitter in the Mets' 3–0 win over the Rockies, with Martínez allowing only Brad HawpeBrad HawpeBradley Bonte Hawpe is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman.-High school and college:...
's single in the fourth inning. - Andruw JonesAndruw JonesAndruw Rudolf Jones is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is a free agent.Jones made his debut during the 1996 season. In the 1996 World Series, Jones became the youngest player to ever homered in the postseason...
ties a Dodgers record by striking out five times in their 5–3, 11-inning loss to the Marlins.
- Pedro Martínez
- July 13 – CC Sabathia hits a home run in the Brewers' 3–2 win over the Reds, becoming the first pitcher since Earl Wilson in 1970 to hit home runs in both leagues in one season; Sabathia had previously homered on June 21 during an Indians road win against the Dodgers.
- July 15 – 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 the 79th All-Star Game2008 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 79th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, home of the New York Yankees, on...
at Yankee StadiumYankee StadiumYankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
, 4–3; the AL puts the winning run in scoring position in every inning from the 10th through 13th, finally scoring Justin MorneauJustin MorneauJustin Ernest George Morneau is a Canadian Major League Baseball first baseman for the Minnesota Twins. At 6 feet 4 inches and 225 lbs, Morneau was originally drafted as a catcher by the Twins in 1999. He converted to first base in the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 2003...
on Michael Young's sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the 15th inning. The game ties the All-Star record for most innings, and is the longest All-Star Game by time at 4 hours, 50 minutes. NL second baseman Dan UgglaDan UgglaDaniel Cooley Uggla is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball....
sets an All-Star record with three errors, and the teams combine for record totals of stolen bases (7), pitchers (23) and strikeouts (34). It is the AL's first victory in the 11 All-Star Games which have gone to extra innings. - July 19 – 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...
homers in the Dodgers' 3–2 loss to the Diamondbacks, making him the 48th major league player to collect 1,500 RBI, with Nap LajoieNap LajoieNapoléon "Nap" Lajoie , also known as Larry Lajoie, was an American Major League Baseball second baseman. He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island...
and Rogers HornsbyRogers HornsbyRogers Hornsby, Sr. , nicknamed "The Rajah", was an American baseball infielder, manager, and coach who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball . He played for the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Boston Braves , Chicago Cubs , and St. Louis Browns...
being the only other second basemen to reach the milestone. - July 20 – The White Sox unveil a statue of Harold BainesHarold BainesHarold Douglas Baines is a former right fielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played for five American League teams from 1980 to 2001. He is best known for his three stints with the Chicago White Sox, the team on which he now serves as coach...
at U.S. Cellular FieldU.S. Cellular FieldU.S. Cellular Field is a baseball ballpark in Chicago, Illinois. Owned by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, it is the home of the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball's American League. The park opened for the 1991 season, after the White Sox had spent 81 years at old Comiskey Park...
, the seventh statue on the ballpark's outfield concourse. - July 21 – In the Diamondbacks' 2–0 win over the Cubs, 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....
records his 2,000th strikeout with the team, becoming the first pitcher in history to do so with two different clubs; he also runs his career record against the Cubs to 13–0, with Sal MaglieSal MaglieSalvatore Anthony Maglie was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He played from 1945-1958 for the New York Giants, Cleveland Indians, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals. Maglie was known as "Sal the Barber", because he gave close shaves—that is, pitched inside to...
being the only other pitcher to post 10 wins without a defeat against Chicago. - July 22:
- Rick VandenHurkRick VandenHurkHenricus Nicolas "Rick" VandenHurk is a Dutch baseball starting pitcher who plays for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball and the Netherlands national baseball team....
, Joe NelsonJoe NelsonJoseph George Nelson is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He is known mainly for his "Vulcan" change up.-High school:...
, Renyel PintoRenyel PintoRenyel Eligio Pinto is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He made his major league debut on May 18, .-Career:...
and Matt Lindstrom of the Marlins combine for a 4–0 one-hitter against the Braves, with Nelson allowing only a single by 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...
leading off the sixth inning. - Rookie Brad ZieglerBrad ZieglerBrad Gregory Ziegler is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Minor leagues:...
of the A's pitches two scoreless innings to extend his career-opening shutout streak to 23⅔ innings, breaking the AL record of 22 set by Boston's Dave "Boo" FerrissDave FerrissDave Meadow Ferriss is a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He was born in Shaw, Mississippi, a small town in the Mississippi Delta...
in .
- Rick VandenHurk
- July 23 – In the Angels' 14–11 win over the Indians, Casey KotchmanCasey KotchmanCasey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
gets five hits, tying the team record for a nine-inning game, and Howie KendrickHowie KendrickHoward "Howie" Joseph Kendrick III is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Early life:...
ties another team mark with three doubles among his four hits; Jeff MathisJeff MathisJeffrey Stephen Mathis is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and made his major league debut on August 12, 2005...
also collects four hits, including his first career grand slam, marking the first time in team history that three players have done so in a nine-inning contest. - July 24 – 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...
break their 1996 club record by getting a home run in their 20th consecutive game; the streak ends in the next day's 3–1 loss to the Astros. - July 26 – Skip SchumakerSkip SchumakerJared Michael "Skip" Schumaker is a Major League Baseball Outfielder and Second Baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals.-Biography:...
ties a Cardinals record with six hits in their 10–8, 14-inning win over the Mets, and is on base when Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
provides the winning margin with a two-run home run in the top of the 14th, his fifth hit of the game. - July 27:
- Two days after tying the previous mark, Brad ZieglerBrad ZieglerBrad Gregory Ziegler is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Minor leagues:...
of the A's sets a major league record with 27 consecutive shutout innings to begin his career, breaking the record of 25 set by George McQuillanGeorge McQuillanGeorge Watt McQuillan , born in Brooklyn, New York, was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies , Cincinnati Reds , Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians ....
with the Phillies. - The Phillies allow the Braves to take a 5–0 lead, then move ahead 12–5 before holding off a rally to win 12–10; it is the first time since August 3, that a team has scored the game's first five runs and last five runs yet lost.
- Two days after tying the previous mark, Brad Ziegler
- July 28 – Greg MadduxGreg MadduxGregory Alan Maddux , nicknamed "Mad Dog" and "The Professor", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years , a feat matched only by Randy Johnson...
of the Padres earns an 8–5 win over the Diamondbacks, ending his career-worst streak of 14 starts without a victory. - July 29 – John LackeyJohn LackeyJohn Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...
of the Angels takes a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Red Sox before allowing a Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
single and Kevin YoukilisKevin YoukilisKevin Edmund Youkilis , also known as "Youk" , is an American professional baseball player with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
home run with one out, and settles for a two-hit 6–2 win. - July 30 – Kelly ShoppachKelly ShoppachKelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
of the Indians hits two home runs and three doubles in a 14–12, 13-inning loss to the Tigers, tying the major league record of five extra base hits in a game; his 9th-inning homer ties the game, though he strikes out with the bases loaded and none out in the bottom of the 12th. The game also ties the modern record for most combined players collecting four or more hits, with the Tigers' Curtis GrandersonCurtis GrandersonCurtis Granderson is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees in 2010, he played with the Detroit Tigers . A center fielder, Granderson is known for being a five-tool player...
also collecting five while Ben FranciscoBen FranciscoLouis Ben Francisco is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. He bats and throws right handed.-Early life:...
and Asdrúbal CabreraAsdrúbal CabreraAsdrúbal José Cabrera is a switch-hitting infielder for the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball.After coming up through the Seattle Mariners organization, he was acquired by the Indians on June 30, 2006, in exchange for Eduardo Perez...
of the Indians and Gary SheffieldGary SheffieldGary Antonian Sheffield , nicknamed "Sheff", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for eight major league ball clubs from 1988 to 2009, primarily as an outfielder.-Biography:...
of the Tigers each get four. - July 31:
- Major deals made before the trading deadline include Manny RamirezManny 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...
being sent from the Red Sox to the Dodgers, and 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...
being traded from the Reds to the White Sox, one day after Iván RodríguezIván RodríguezIván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
was sent from the Tigers to the Yankees. - Twins manager Ron GardenhireRon GardenhireRonald Clyde "Gardy" Gardenhire is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and current manager of the Minnesota Twins.He is six feet tall and weighed 175 pounds during most of his baseball career....
is ejected for arguing a strikeout call in the seventh inning of a 10–6 win over the White Sox, prompting a game delay of several minutes as fans throw baseballs and hats onto the field; Gardenhire is later suspended for one game.
- Major deals made before the trading deadline include Manny Ramirez
August
- August 2 – In their 9–7 win over the White Sox, the Royals tie a club record by having five players collect three hits each: Mike AvilesMike AvilesMichael Anthony Avilés [ah-ve-les' ] is a Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Education and college career:Avilés was born in New York City, to a Puerto Rican family...
, Esteban GermánEsteban GermanEsteban Germán Guridi is a Dominican professional baseball second baseman who is a free agent. Germán has played for the Kansas City Royals, the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers.-Major league baseball career :...
, Billy ButlerBilly Butler (baseball)Billy Ray Butler is a Major League Baseball Designated Hitter for the Kansas City Royals. He has also played first base, left field and right field...
, Miguel OlivoMiguel OlivoMiguel Eduardo Olivo Peña is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners. He bats and throws right-handed.-Career:...
and Ross GloadRoss GloadRoss Peter Gload is a first baseman and outfielder who is currently a free agent.-High school/college career:...
. - August 3 – Royals catcher Miguel OlivoMiguel OlivoMiguel Eduardo Olivo Peña is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners. He bats and throws right-handed.-Career:...
charges White Sox pitcher D. J. CarrascoD. J. CarrascoDaniel J. "D. J." Carrasco is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently with the New York Mets.-Career:...
on the mound after being hit by a pitch in the fifth inning; although the Royals were leading 6–0 and had the bases loaded, forcing in a run, Olivo insists that it was an intentional move. A brawl ensues, followed by a hit Chicago batter in the seventh inning, resulting in ejections for Olivo, both pitchers and both managers, and suspensions for all but Carrasco; although he states that it was not the case in this instance, Chicago manager Ozzie GuillénOzzie GuillénOswaldo José "Ozzie" Guillén Barrios is a Venezuelan-American former Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Miami Marlins. He managed the Chicago White Sox from 2004 to 2011 before asking for his release at the end of the 2011 season....
draws criticism afterward for indicating that he sometimes has ordered batters to be hit. - August 4 – The Mariners score ten runs in the seventh inning, coming back to beat the Twins 11–6; Raúl IbáñezRaúl IbáñezRaúl Javier Ibáñez is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.Over his career, Ibáñez, who did not make 500 plate appearances until the age of thirty, has batted .280 with 377 doubles, 252 home runs and 1054 runs batted in over sixteen Major League seasons...
ties an AL record with six RBIs in the inning, including a grand slam, breaking the Mariners record of five set by 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...
on April 29, . - August 5 – In Tampa Bay's 8–4 win over the Indians, Evan LongoriaEvan LongoriaEvan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
sets a team record for rookies with his 22nd home run, breaking Jonny GomesJonny GomesJonathan Johnson "Jonny" Gomes is an American professional baseball outfielder.-Early years:...
' mark set in 2005. - August 6 – Ryan LudwickRyan LudwickRyan Andrew Ludwick is a Major League Baseball right fielder. His brother Eric played four seasons in Major League Baseball as a pitcher.-High school, college, and minor leagues:Ludwick attended Durango High School in Las Vegas, Nevada....
ties a Cardinals record by homering in his fifth consecutive game, in their 9–6 win over the Dodgers. - August 10:
- With 45 games remaining in the season, the Tampa Bay 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...
set a franchise record with their 71st victory, an 11–3 road win over the Mariners. - Ian KinslerIan KinslerIan Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
gets five hits in the Rangers' 15–7 win over the Orioles, tying the team record for a nine-inning game. - Greg DobbsGreg DobbsGregory Stuart Dobbs is a Major League Baseball infielder. Dobbs is primarily a third baseman, but can also field the corner outfield positions and first base.-Early career:...
of the Phillies collects his 21st pinch hit of the season, breaking the team record set by Doc MillerDoc MillerRoy Oscar "Doc" Miller was a Major League Baseball outfielder from -. He played for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies. His interment was located in North Bergen's Garden State Crematory.-External links:...
in 1913.
- With 45 games remaining in the season, the Tampa Bay Rays
- August 12:
- The Red Sox beat the Rangers 19–17, blowing a 10–0 first-inning lead when the Rangers take a 15–14 lead in the sixth inning but coming back to win with four runs in the eighth. David OrtizDavid OrtizDavid Américo Ortiz Arias , known as David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. Previously, Ortiz played with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox...
hits a pair of three-run homers in the first-inning barrage, Marlon ByrdMarlon ByrdMarlon Jerrard Byrd , popularly known as The Position or The Possish or Sish, is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs...
ties a Texas record with five hits in a nine-inning game, and Scott Feldman of the Rangers becomes the first pitcher since August 3, to give up 12 runs without being charged with the loss. - Four days after tying the record, Brad ZieglerBrad ZieglerBrad Gregory Ziegler is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Minor leagues:...
sets an Oakland record with 38 consecutive shutout innings, breaking Mike TorrezMike TorrezMichael Augustine Torrez is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Career:Torrez had an 18-year career from 1967 to 1984. He played for the St...
's 1976 mark of 37.
- The Red Sox beat the Rangers 19–17, blowing a 10–0 first-inning lead when the Rangers take a 15–14 lead in the sixth inning but coming back to win with four runs in the eighth. David Ortiz
- August 13 – In the sixth inning of their 6–2 loss to the Astros, Giants pitchers tie a modern major league record by hitting three batters in one inning: Humberto QuinteroHumberto QuinteroHumberto Quintero [oom-BERR-to kin-TAIR-o] is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Houston Astros. Quintero was outrighted to the Round Rock Express in June 2007 after Eric Munson was promoted to the Houston Astros. Previously, Quintero played with the San Diego Padres...
, Ty WiggintonTy WiggintonTy Allen Wigginton is an American professional baseball infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. He is known as a utility player, having platooned as an infielder and an outfielder during his career. He bats and throws right-handed...
and Mark LorettaMark LorettaMark David Loretta is a retired Major League Baseball infielder. Loretta played for the Milwaukee Brewers , Houston Astros , San Diego Padres , Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers...
. - August 14:
- In the Rays' 7–6 victory over the host Athletics, B. J. UptonB. J. UptonMelvin Emmanuel "B. J." Upton is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Upton is a graduate of Greenbrier Christian Academy....
hits an RBI double in the ninth inning off reliever Brad ZieglerBrad ZieglerBrad Gregory Ziegler is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Minor leagues:...
to end his record scoreless streak at 39 innings. Ziegler, who began the season in the minors, posted numerous records including the most shutout innings by any pitcher to start a major league career (including the eighth inning of this game), and ties the major league single-season record for consecutive scoreless innings by a reliever, set by Cleveland's Al BentonAl BentonJohn Alton Benton was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who played with the Philadelphia Athletics , Detroit Tigers , Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox ....
in 1949. - In their 9–2 win over the visiting Royals, the White Sox become the sixth team in major league history to hit four consecutive home runs, with 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 :...
, Paul KonerkoPaul KonerkoPaul Henry Konerko is an American professional baseball first baseman who has played for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball since 1999. He previously played with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds . Konerko helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the...
, Alexei RamírezAlexei RamírezAlexei Fernando Ramírez is a Major League Baseball second baseman and shortstop for the Chicago White Sox...
and Juan UribeJuan UribeJuan C. Uribe Tena is a Dominican Republic professional baseball infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. He began his career in 1997 when he was signed to the Colorado Rockies, and played with the team until December 3, 2003 when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox...
connecting in the sixth inning. Chicago's Carlos QuentinCarlos QuentinCarlos Josè Quentin is an American outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. In 2008 and in 2011, Quentin was selected as an All-Star.-Early career:...
is hit by a pitch for the sixth straight game, marking the longest such streak in the major leagues since at least 1920; the streak ends the next day. - Mark KotsayMark KotsayMark Steven Kotsay is an American professional baseball outfielder with the San Diego Padres...
becomes the first Braves player to hit for the cycle since 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...
in 1987. His 7th-inning double that completes the cycle against the Cubs is also Kotsay's 1,500th career hit. - In the Reds' 3–1 win over the Pirates, Francisco CorderoFrancisco CorderoFrancisco Javier Cordero is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds...
becomes the 37th pitcher to earn 200 career saves.
- In the Rays' 7–6 victory over the host Athletics, B. J. Upton
- August 15 – In the Rockies' 4–3 win over the Nationals, Willy TaverasWilly TaverasWilly Taveras is a Major League Baseball center fielder.-Houston Astros:Taveras played in 10 games at the end of the Astros season, mostly as a pinch runner....
steals his 54th base of the year, breaking Eric Young's team record set in 1996. - August 16 – Miguel MonteroMiguel MonteroMiguel Angel Montero is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Arizona Diamondbacks:...
and Chris Young both hit grand slams in the Diamondbacks' 11–5 win over the Astros, marking the first such occurrence in team history. - August 17:
- Needing only a triple to hit for the cycle, Melvin MoraMelvin MoraMelvin Mora , affectionately nicknamed Melmo or Melvy, is a Venezuelan professional baseball infielder who is a free agent...
instead hits an additional double and home run in his last two at bats as the Orioles win 16–8 at Detroit. - Alex RíosAlex RíosAlexis Israel "Alex" Ríos is a Puerto Rican-American Major League Baseball outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. He bats and throws right-handed.-Professional career:...
gets five hits in the Blue Jays' 15–4 win over the Red Sox, tying a team record with four doubles; Toronto also sets a new team record with ten doubles. - After Craig BiggioCraig BiggioCraig Alan Biggio is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, catcher, and outfielder. He played his entire 20-year baseball career with the Houston Astros . He ranks 21st all-time with 3,060 career hits, and is the ninth player in the 3000 hit club to get all his hits with the same team. He...
's number is retired by the Astros in a pre-game ceremony, Roy OswaltRoy OswaltRoy Edward Oswalt is an American Major League Baseball pitcher and Olympic gold medalist who is currently a free agent. Oswalt, a slender six-foot right-handed starting pitcher, is currently in his eleventh major league season...
and José ValverdeJosé ValverdeJosé Rafael Valverde is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. His nickname is Papa Grande...
combine for a 3–0 two-hitter against the Diamondbacks, with Stephen DrewStephen DrewStephen Oris Drew is a shortstop in Major League Baseball who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the younger brother of Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew and former major leaguer Tim Drew....
's singles in the third and ninth innings being the only blemishes. - In the Mariners' 11–8 loss at Minnesota, Seattle's R. A. DickeyR. A. DickeyRobert Allen "R. A." Dickey is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Mets. He was previously with the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers organizations...
ties a modern major league record by throwing four wild pitches in the fifth inning. - In the Rays' 7–4 win at Texas, Josh Hamilton of the Rangers is walked intentionally with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, only the fifth known use of the strategy since 1900.
- Needing only a triple to hit for the cycle, Melvin Mora
- August 19 – Ricky NolascoRicky NolascoCarlos Enrique "Ricky" Nolasco is an American Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Miami Marlins. He is listed as 6'2" and 220, and made his major league debut on April 5,...
of 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...
pitches a 6–0 two-hitter against the Giants, ending Florida's major league record streak of 301 games without a complete game since September 16, ; he allows only a disputed infield single off the shortstop's glove in the first inning, as well as a ninth-inning double. - August 20 – Francisco Rodriguez earns his 48th save in the Angels' 5–4 win over the Rays, breaking his own 2006 team record.
- August 23 – South Korea upsets 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...
3–2 to win the gold medal at the Summer OlympicsBaseball at the 2008 Summer OlympicsBaseball at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was held from August 13 to August 23. All games were played at Wukesong Baseball Field, a temporary venue constructed at the Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center...
in BeijingBeijingBeijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
. The sport will not return at the 2012 Summer Olympics2012 Summer OlympicsThe 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the "London 2012 Olympic Games", are scheduled to take place in London, England, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012...
in LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. - August 28 – The use of instant replayInstant replayInstant replay is the replaying of video footage of an event or incident very soon after it has occurred. In television broadcasting of sports events, instant replay is often used during live broadcast, to show a passage of play which was important or remarkable, or which was unclear on first...
begins in Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
.
September
- September 1 – The Diamondbacks' Stephen DrewStephen DrewStephen Oris Drew is a shortstop in Major League Baseball who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the younger brother of Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew and former major leaguer Tim Drew....
becomes the first 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 Chase FieldChase FieldChase Field is a baseball stadium located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona and is the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. It opened in , just in time for the Diamondbacks' first game as an expansion team...
, helping Arizona rally past the Cardinals 8–6. Hours later in Texas, the Mariners' Adrián BeltréAdrián BeltréAdrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
duplicates the feat in Seattle's 12–6 win over the Rangers. Both Drew and Beltré collect five hits in their respective efforts. This marks the first time two players hit for the cycle on the same day since September 17, 19201920 in baseball-Champions:*World Series: Cleveland Indians over Brooklyn Robins -MLB statistical leaders:-American League final standings:-National League final standings:-Negro National League final standings:-East final standings:...
, when Bobby VeachBobby VeachRobert Hayes "Bobby" Veach was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball who played fourteen seasons for the Detroit Tigers , Boston Red Sox , New York Yankees and Washington Senators ....
of the Tigers and George BurnsGeorge Burns (outfielder)George Joseph Burns was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career as the leadoff hitter for the New York Giants. A soft-spoken person, he was nicknamed "Silent George" by his teammates, and he was said to be one of the best pool players ever to play major...
of the New York Giants did it, according to the Elias Sports BureauElias Sports BureauThe Elias Sports Bureau is an American company that provides historical research and statistical services in the field of professional sports.In 1913, Al Munro Elias and his brother Walter established the Al Munro Elias Bureau in New York City...
.
- September 3 – In the Yankees' 8–4 win over the Rays, a home run hit by New York's 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...
is the first ever to be reviewed by instant replay. Though the ball is initially ruled a home run, Tampa Bay manager Joe MaddonJoe MaddonJoseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
argues the ball was close enough to the left field foul pole to necessitate a review. After a conversation among the umpires, crew chief Charlie RelifordCharlie RelifordCharles Harold Reliford is a former umpire in American Major League Baseball. After working in the National League from 1989 to 1999, he worked worked throughout both leagues from 2000 to 2009. He wore uniform number 18...
agree to the review and eventually uphold the home run call.
- September 8:
- Pinch-hitting for Houston, Mark SaccomannoMark SaccomannoMark Edison Saccomanno is a first baseman in the Florida Marlins organization. At 17, Saccomanno was awarded the Klein Forest High School Golden Glove award. He was also selected to the 17-and-under AAU National All-Tournament Team. At 18, was named Second-Team All-District 16-5A as a shortstop...
homers on the first pitch he sees in the major leagues to help the Astros beat the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates, 3–2. Saccomanno becomes the 22nd player to hit a home run on his first pitch in the majors. The Cleveland Indians' Kevin KouzmanoffKevin KouzmanoffKevin Kouzmanoff is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent.Kouzmanoff had trouble with various sports in high school. He got special help for batting practice, just to learn how to swing a bat for three years, implementing a swing...
was the last to do it, according to the Elias Sports BureauElias Sports BureauThe Elias Sports Bureau is an American company that provides historical research and statistical services in the field of professional sports.In 1913, Al Munro Elias and his brother Walter established the Al Munro Elias Bureau in New York City...
. Kouzmanoff accomplished the feat against the Texas Rangers on September 2, 20062006 in baseball-Headline Event of the Year:*The 2006 World Baseball Classic final 4 teams are Japan, Cuba, Korea and the Dominican Republic, with the United States at 3–3 failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Under the leadership of manager Sadaharu Oh and veterans Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka, Japan ...
, becoming the first major leaguer to hit 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...
on his first pitch. - Gary SheffieldGary SheffieldGary Antonian Sheffield , nicknamed "Sheff", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for eight major league ball clubs from 1988 to 2009, primarily as an outfielder.-Biography:...
, four home runs short of the coveted 500 mark, provides another milestone for Major League Baseball. His second home run of the night is the 250,000th in major league history, and the Tigers beat the visiting Athletics 14–8. Sheffield collects five RBI, including his 13th career grand slam. Both homers come against Gio GonzalezGio GonzalezGiovany A. Gonzalez is a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics.-Early life:...
; the rookie pitcher also puts himself in the history books when he hit Mike HessmanMike HessmanMichael Steven Hessman is a third baseman who plays for the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball's Pacific League...
with pitches twice in the second inning. It is only the fifth time in modern baseball history that a batter has been hit twice in the same inning, the second time in the American League. The first was Brady AndersonBrady AndersonBrady Kevin Anderson is an American former outfielder with the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball...
on May 23, 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 he was hit twice in the first inning by Mike MorganMike MorganMichael Thomas Morgan is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He competed for twelve different teams over 25 years, and is one of only 29 players in baseball history to date to have played Major League baseball over four decades...
. - Angels center fielder Torii HunterTorii HunterTorii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...
gets caught in a rundownRundownA rundown, also called a pickle, is a situation in the game of baseball that occurs when the baserunner is stranded between two bases and is in jeopardy. When the base runner attempts to advance to the next base, he is cut off by the defensive player who has a live ball and attempts to return to...
between third and home, and is tagged out relatively easily by Yankees catcher Ivan "Pudge" RodriguezIván RodríguezIván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
. Hunter trips slightly over the bat at home plate, and bumps Pudge after the play. Rodriguez, in turn, shoves Hunter while walking toward the mound. That prompts Hunter to shove Rodriguez, resulting in a bench-clearing brawlBench-clearing brawlA bench-clearing brawl, sometimes known as a basebrawl or a rhubarb, is a form of ritualistic fighting that occurs in sports, most notably baseball and ice hockey, in which every player on both teams leave their dugouts, bullpens, or benches and charge the playing area in order to fight one...
. Both Hunter and Rodriguez are suspended two games by Major League Baseball, and neither appeals the suspension. Angels pitcher John LackeyJohn LackeyJohn Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...
receives an undisclosed fine by MLB for his involvement.
- Pinch-hitting for Houston, Mark Saccomanno
- September 10 – With a 4–2 win over the Yankees and an 8–7 loss by the second-place Rangers to the Mariners, the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos 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...
clinch their seventh American League WestAmerican League WestThe American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
division title, becoming the earliest team to clinch that division in its history. - September 12 – Marlins third baseman Jorge CantúJorge CantúJorge Luís Cantú Guzmán is an American professional baseball first baseman.Cantú bats and throws right-handed. He was born in McAllen, Texas, went to Sharyland High School, but was raised and makes his home in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico.-Tampa Bay Devil Rays:Cantú was spotted by a scout while...
launches his team into the record books at Dolphin StadiumDolphin StadiumSun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
, when he connects for his 25th home run of the season off pitcher Shairon MartisShairon MartisShairon B. Martis is a Dutch-Antillean professional baseball pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He pitched for The Netherlands in the 2006 World Baseball Classic...
in a 2–1 Marlins victory over the Nationals. Cantú joins first baseman Mike Jacobs (32), second baseman Dan UgglaDan UgglaDaniel Cooley Uggla is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball....
(30) and shortstop Hanley RamírezHanley RamirezHanley Ramirez is a shortstop in Major League Baseball for the Miami Marlins. Ramírez was named 2006 NL Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2009, Ramírez won the NL batting title and is a three-time All-Star starter...
(29) as the Marlins became the first team in major league history to boast four infielders with at least 25 homers apiece during a regular season. - September 13:
- Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez records his 58th save of the season, breaking the single-season record set by Bobby ThigpenBobby ThigpenRobert Thomas "Bobby" Thigpen is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He is noted for setting the major league record of 57 saves during the season, which has since been broken by Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Francisco Rodríguez...
in . - 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"...
, Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
goes 3 for 5 with two doubles in the Red Sox' 7–5 victory over the Blue Jays in the second game of a doubleheader. Pedroia becomes the third player in Red Sox history to accumulate 200 hits and 50 doubles in a season. The others were Tris SpeakerTris SpeakerTristram E. Speaker , nicknamed "Spoke" and "The Grey Eagle", was an American baseball player. Considered one of the best offensive and defensive center fielders in the history of Major League Baseball, he compiled a career batting average of .345 , and still holds the record of 792 career doubles...
and Wade BoggsWade BoggsWade Anthony Boggs is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He spent his 18-year baseball career primarily with the Boston Red Sox, but also played for the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays...
. Pedroia also becomes the eighth player in team's history with 50 doubles in a season, giving him 69 extra-base hits this season, to move into a first-place tie with 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...
on Boston's all-time list for extra bases in a season by a second baseman. - Hanley RamírezHanley RamirezHanley Ramirez is a shortstop in Major League Baseball for the Miami Marlins. Ramírez was named 2006 NL Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2009, Ramírez won the NL batting title and is a three-time All-Star starter...
hits his 30th home run, which combine with his 33 stolen bases to make him the second player in Marlins history to have a 30–30 season30-30 clubThe 30–30 club is a grouping of Major League Baseball players who have reached the 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases plateaus in the same season....
. Ramírez and the Marlins rolled to their fourth consecutive victory, a 4–2 win over the visiting Nationals. Preston WilsonPreston WilsonPreston James Richard Wilson is a retired professional baseball outfielder. He played in the major leagues from 1998-2007. He is both the nephew and stepson of former New York Mets star Mookie Wilson...
was the first Marlin player to achieve the feat, with 31 homers and 36 steals in . - As a consequence of Hurricane IkeHurricane IkeHurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954...
striking the HoustonHouston, TexasHouston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
area, two games of a series between the Astros and Cubs, originally scheduled to be played at Houston's Minute Maid ParkMinute Maid ParkMinute Maid Park is a ballpark in Downtown Houston, Texas, United States that opened in 2000 to house the Major League Baseball Houston Astros....
, are relocated to Milwaukee's Miller Park, to be played September 14 and 15.
- Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez records his 58th save of the season, breaking the single-season record set by Bobby Thigpen
- September 14 – Carlos ZambranoCarlos ZambranoCarlos Alberto Zambrano is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. Zambrano, who stands 6' 5" and weighs 260 pounds, was signed by the Cubs as a free agent in 1997 and made his debut in 2001...
of the Cubs pitches a 5–0 no-hitter against the Astros in a game relocated to Miller Park in Milwaukee. This is the first no-hitter in MLB history thrown at a neutral site, the second no-hitter of the 2008 season, the first of Zambrano's career, and the first for the Cubs since 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...
. Zambrano had been diagnosed with rotator cuffRotator cuffIn anatomy, the rotator cuff is the group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder. The four muscles of the rotator cuff, along with the teres major muscle, the coracobrachialis muscle and the deltoid, make up the seven scapulohumeral muscles of the human body.-Function:The...
tendinitis on September 4. - September 15:
- 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...
and Target CorporationTarget CorporationTarget Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
announce that the naming rightsNaming rightsIn the private sector, naming rights are a financial transaction whereby a corporation or other entity purchases the right to name a facility, typically for a defined period of time. For properties like a multi-purpose arena, performing arts venue or an athletic field, the term ranges from three...
to the Twins' new stadiumTarget FieldTarget Field is a baseball park located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the home ballpark of the Minnesota Twins, the city's Major League Baseball franchise. It is the franchise's sixth ballpark and third in Minnesota. The Twins moved to Target Field for the 2010 Major League Baseball...
set to open in have been sold to the Minneapolis-based retail giant for undisclosed financial terms. - The Brewers, citing a late-season slump amid a postseason race, dismiss manager Ned YostNed YostEdgar Frederick "Ned" Yost III is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the Kansas City Royals. He is the former manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.-Playing career:...
and name third base coach Dale SveumDale SveumDale Curtis Sveum is a former Major League Baseball player and the current manager of the Chicago Cubs.-Playing career:A talented athlete, Sveum was an All-State and All-American quarterback while attending Pinole Valley High School, in addition to being a fine baseball player...
as interim manager.
- The Minnesota Twins
- September 17 – 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...
of the Mariners records his 200th hit of the season. This marked the eighth consecutive season he reached the milestone, breaking the AL record previously held by Wade BoggsWade BoggsWade Anthony Boggs is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He spent his 18-year baseball career primarily with the Boston Red Sox, but also played for the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays...
and tying the major league record set by "Wee" Willie KeelerWillie KeelerWilliam Henry Keeler in Brooklyn, New York, nicknamed "Wee Willie", was a right fielder in professional baseball who played from 1892 to 1910, primarily for the Baltimore Orioles and Brooklyn Superbas in the National League, and the New York Highlanders in the American League.- Biography :Keeler's...
from –. - September 19 – Rays first baseman Carlos PeñaCarlos PeñaCarlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...
is awarded a home run after the original ruling of a ground-rule double due to fan interference is overturned by umpire Gerry Davis following an instant replay consultation during an 11–1 Rays victory over the Twins. This marks the first time in major league history that the instant replay rule is used to overturn a call. - September 20:
- 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...
win their second straight National League CentralNational League CentralThe National League Central Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. This division was created in 1994, by moving two teams from the Western Division and three teams from the Eastern Division of the National League...
division championship with a 5–4 victory over the arch-rival Cardinals. - The Tampa Bay 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...
clinch their first postseason berth in franchise history with a 7–2 victory over the Twins.
- The Chicago Cubs
- September 21 – The Yankees defeat the Orioles 7–3, in the final game played at Yankee StadiumYankee StadiumYankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
. Andy PettitteAndy PettitteAndrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees...
is the winning pitcher and teammate José Molina belts the last home run in the storied ballpark. - September 23 – 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"...
' 5–4 victory over the Indians eliminates the Yankees from AL Wild Card contention and assures the Red Sox of a playoff berth. The Yankees' elimination ends a streak of 13 consecutive postseason appearances, the second longest such streak in MLB history. - September 24 – 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...
clinch the National League WestNational League WestThe National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of the three divisions of Major League Baseball's National League. It was created in 1969 when the previously undivided National League expanded its membership to twelve teams, positioning half of them in an Eastern division and the other...
title when the second-place Diamondbacks are defeated by the Cardinals 12–3. - September 25 – In the second inning of a 12–3 loss to 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...
at Busch Memorial StadiumBusch Memorial StadiumBusch Memorial Stadium, also known as Busch Stadium, was a multi-purpose sports facility in St. Louis, Missouri that operated from 1966 to 2005....
, Mark ReynoldsMark Reynolds (baseball)Mark Andrew Reynolds is a third baseman/first baseman in Major League Baseball who plays for the Baltimore Orioles. He is known both for his power-hitting abilities and for his record-breaking strike out totals...
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...
strikes out for the 200th time on the season, breaking Ryan HowardRyan HowardRyan James Howard is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies. Nicknamed "The Big Piece", Howard stands and weighs . He bats and throws left-handed....
's single-season record of 199 strikeouts in . He would end the season with 204 strikeouts. - September 26 – The Tampa Bay 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...
clinch the American League East division title when the second-place Red Sox lose 19–8 to the Yankees. The Red Sox simultaneously clinch the Wild Card spot. - September 27 – 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...
clinch the National League East divisional title when they beat the Nationals 4–3. Brad LidgeBrad LidgeBradley Thomas "Brad" Lidge is a reliever who is currently a free agent. Nicknamed "Lights Out", he is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with at least 200 appearances in their career...
earns his 41st save in 41 attempts. - September 28
- 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...
win the National League wild card berth by defeating the Cubs 3–1 while the Mets simultaneously lose 4–2 to the Marlins. It is the first postseason appearance by the Brewers since 1982. The Mets, in their final game ever 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...
, are eliminated from the postseason on the final day of the regular season for the second straight year. - Mike MussinaMike MussinaMichael Cole Mussina , nicknamed Moose, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees ....
of the Yankees wins his 20th game of the season. At 39, he is the oldest pitcher to get his first 20-win season. - The Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos 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...
finish with a 100–62 record, to finish the regular season with the majors' best record. The Angels also enter in the baseball record books as the only team since to win 100 games in a season without a 30-home run hitter, a 100-RBI producer, or a 20-game winning pitcher, according to the Elias Sports BureauElias Sports BureauThe Elias Sports Bureau is an American company that provides historical research and statistical services in the field of professional sports.In 1913, Al Munro Elias and his brother Walter established the Al Munro Elias Bureau in New York City...
.
- The Milwaukee Brewers
- September 29 – One day after the originally scheduled final day of the regular season, the White Sox, one-half game behind the Twins in the AL Central standings, are forced to make up a game with the Tigers that had previously been cancelled earlier in the season. The White Sox defeat the Tigers 8–2, forcing a one game playoff with the Twins for the division title.
- September 30 – 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...
defeat the Twins 1–0 in a one-game playoff for the AL Central division title. The White Sox and crosstown Cubs both reach the postseason in the same year for the first time since .
October
- October 4 – 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...
complete a three-game sweep of 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...
to advance 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...
. Because of that, the Chicago Cubs extend their World Series victory drought to 100 years, making it a first in American sports history.
- October 5
- 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...
defeat 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...
to win their best-of-five NLDSNational League Division SeriesIn Major League Baseball, the National League Division Series determine which two teams from the National League will advance to the National League Championship Series...
3–1. - 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"...
CF Jacoby EllsburyJacoby EllsburyJacoby McCabe Ellsbury ; born September 11, 1983) is an American professional baseball center fielder with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball....
hits the first three-run single in major league postseason history off of P Joe SaundersJoe SaundersJoseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...
of the Angels of Anaheim. The hit comes with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the second inning of Game 3 of the ALDS2008 American League Division Series-Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox:-Game 1, October 1:Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CaliforniaIn a re-match of last year's ALDS, starters Jon Lester and John Lackey were sharp early on, each tossing a couple of scoreless innings. The Angels finally got on the board in the third, when...
. Ellsbury hit a blooper on the shallow center field grass just behind second base that three Angels fielders let drop between them. Since the runners were moving with two outs, all three come in to score and Ellsbury stops at first base. Anaheim went on to win the game, however, 5–4 in 12 innings. The win for the Angels snaps an 11-game postseason losing streak to Boston, a major league record.
- The Philadelphia Phillies
- October 6
- The Tampa Bay 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...
advance to the ALCS2008 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Friday, October 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FloridaBoston won a pitcher's duel on a sac fly by Jed Lowrie in the fifth and an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the eighth. Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was nearly unhittable in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS. He held the Rays hitless...
for the first time in their 11-season history by downing 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...
in Game 4. - 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"...
defeat the Los Angeles Angels in Game 4 to clinch their fourth ALDS2008 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Friday, October 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FloridaBoston won a pitcher's duel on a sac fly by Jed Lowrie in the fifth and an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the eighth. Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was nearly unhittable in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS. He held the Rays hitless...
title in the last six seasons.
- The Tampa Bay Rays
- October 8 – The 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...
defeat the Hanshin TigersHanshin TigersThe are a Nippon Professional Baseball team based in Koshien, Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, and are in the Central League. Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd., the subsidiary of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc., owns the Hanshin Tigers directly...
3–1 in between their last regular season meet. The Giants, which never lead in the league in this season and once was 13 game-behind of Hanshin Tigers (on July 9), take the lead for the first time. Giants was in M2 after the game. Giants won the League Champion two days later after they won a game against Tokyo Yakult SwallowsTokyo Yakult Swallowsis a professional baseball team in Japan's Central League.The Swallows are named after their corporate owners, the Yakult Corporation. From 1950 to 1965, the team was owned by the former Japanese National Railways and called the Kokutetsu Swallows; the team was then owned by the newspaper Sankei...
while Tigers lost to Yokohama BayStarsYokohama BayStarsThe are a professional baseball team in the Japanese Central League. Home field is the Yokohama Stadium, located in central Yokohama. The clubhouse is located near the stadium....
. It was the grestest comeback victory since 1996.
- October 16
- The Philadelphia Phillies2008 Philadelphia Phillies seasonThe Philadelphia Phillies' 2008 season was the 126th in the history of the franchise. The team finished with a regular season record of 92–70, first in the National League East. In the post-season, the Phillies won the World Series; this was the first major sports championship for...
win their sixth National League Championship and advance to the World Series2008 World SeriesThe 2008 World Series was the 104th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as champions of the National League and the Tampa Bay Rays, as American League champions, competed to win four games out of a possible...
with a 5–1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers2008 Los Angeles Dodgers seasonThe 2008 Los Angeles Dodgers season features the Dodgers celebrating their Golden Anniversary in Southern California under new manager Joe Torre as they won the National League West for the first time since 2004, and returned to the postseason after missing the playoffs in 2007. They swept the...
in the Game Five of the 2008 National League Championship Series2008 National League Championship Series-Game 1:Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDerek Lowe and Cole Hamels faced each other at Citizens Bank Park for Game 1. In the first inning, Manny Ramírez missed a home run by mere feet to center field and settled for an RBI double to give LA a 1–0 lead,...
. - Trailing 7–0 in the bottom of the seventh inning and facing a 3–1 series deficit, 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"...
come back to defeat the Tampa Bay 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...
8–7. It is the largest successful postseason comeback since Game 4 of the 1929 World Series1929 World SeriesIn the 1929 World Series, the Philadelphia Athletics beat the Chicago Cubs in five games.The famous "Mack Attack" occurred in 1929, named for manager of the Athletics, Connie Mack, in which the Athletics overcame an eight-run deficit by scoring ten runs in the seventh inning of Game 4...
, and the largest ever for a team facing elimination.
- The Philadelphia Phillies
- October 19 – The Tampa Bay Rays2008 Tampa Bay Rays seasonThe Tampa Bay Rays' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history, marked the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Bay Rays", as revealed on November 8, 2007. The change in name also came with a change in logo and uniforms, with new team colors of Columbia...
advance to the World Series for the first time in their history, beating the Boston Red Sox2008 Boston Red Sox seasonThe Boston Red Sox' 2008 season began on March 25, in Tokyo, Japan for the MLB Japan Opening Day 2008. The Red Sox were attempting to become the first repeat World Series Champions since the 1999–2000 New York Yankees and also be the first repeat Champions of the 21st century. They also tried to...
3–1 in Game Seven of the 2008 American League Championship Series2008 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Friday, October 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FloridaBoston won a pitcher's duel on a sac fly by Jed Lowrie in the fifth and an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the eighth. Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was nearly unhittable in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS. He held the Rays hitless...
.
- October 25 – Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
of the Cardinals is named the 2008 winner of the Roberto Clemente AwardRoberto Clemente AwardThe Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team", as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media. It is named for Hall of Fame...
. He had also been named Players ChoicePlayers Choice AwardThe Players Choice Awards are annual Major League Baseball awards, given by the Major League Baseball Players Association .The Players Choice Awards are given following a secret ballot by players. Four awards go to a player in each league, while two awards each go to one player in all of Major...
Player of the Year for the second time, having also won in 20032003 in baseball-Headline event of the year:*The Florida Marlins become World Series champions, holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team, 4 games to 2.-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Florida Marlins...
, the Player's Choice Award's NL Outstanding Player and The Sporting NewsThe Sporting NewsSporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
Major League Player of the Year.
- October 26 – Pitcher Joe BlantonJoe BlantonJoseph Matthew Blanton is a starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.-College career:...
of the Phillies hits a home run in Game 4 of the World Series2008 World SeriesThe 2008 World Series was the 104th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as champions of the National League and the Tampa Bay Rays, as American League champions, competed to win four games out of a possible...
, becoming the first pitcher to hit a home run in the World Series since 1974.
- October 27 – Game 5 of the 2008 World Series2008 World SeriesThe 2008 World Series was the 104th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as champions of the National League and the Tampa Bay Rays, as American League champions, competed to win four games out of a possible...
in Philadelphia is suspended due to rain in the middle of the sixth inning with the Phillies and Rays tied 2–2 and the Phillies leading the series 3 games to 1. It is the first suspended game in World Series history.
- October 29 – Game 5 of the World Series is resumed at Citizens Bank ParkCitizens Bank ParkCitizens Bank Park is a 43,647-seat baseball park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, and home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Citizens Bank Park opened on April 3, 2004, and hosted its first regular season baseball game on April 12 of the same year, with the...
in the bottom of the sixth inning after having been suspended October 27 because of rain. The Phillies win the game 4–3 to win their first title since 1980. Pitcher Cole HamelsCole HamelsColbert Michael "Cole" Hamels is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Hamels throws a four-seam fastball, a circle changeup, a curveball, and a cut fastball, which he added in 2010...
is named World Series MVP.
November
- November 9 – The Saitama Seibu Lions beat the 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...
3–2 in Game 7 in 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....
, winning the series 4–3.
- November 12:
- Manager of the Year honors go to Joe MaddonJoe MaddonJoseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
of the Tampa Bay Rays and Lou PiniellaLou PiniellaLouis Victor Piniella is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He has been nicknamed "Sweet Lou," both for his swing as a major league hitter and, facetiously, to describe his demeanor as a player and manager...
of the Chicago Cubs. Maddon had led the American League team not just to the first winning record in franchise history, but also to the World Series. Piniella had guided Chicago to the best record in the National League. It is Piniella's third time winning the honor, having been honored in and while in the American League. - The Oakland Athletics trade former closer Huston StreetHuston StreetHuston Lowell Street is an American baseball relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. His father is former University of Texas quarterback James Street, and his brother Juston Street is currently a pitcher for the minor league Vancouver Canadians....
, starter Greg SmithGreg Smith (pitcher)Gregory Thomas Smith is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Baseball career:Smith attended Louisiana State University, where he played for the LSU Tigers baseball team...
and prospect Carlos GonzálezCarlos González (baseball)Carlos Eduardo González is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Colorado Rockies.-Minor leagues:...
to the Colorado Rockies for former batting champion Matt HollidayMatt HollidayMatthew Thomas Holliday , nicknamed "Big Daddy", is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Holliday was originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the seventh round of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft.Holliday is a five-time All-Star and Silver Slugger...
.
- Manager of the Year honors go to Joe Maddon
- November 16
- The Saitama Seibu Lions beat the 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...
1–0 in the finals of Asia SeriesAsia SeriesThe Asia Series is an international baseball tournament in East Asia that was first held between November 10 and November 13, 2005, in Tokyo. The tournament was sponsored by Konami corporation from 2005 to 2007 and was known as the Konami Cup in that period.It is played among the annual champions...
. The Japan's side retains the title four years in a row. This is also the last game of the brief history of Asia Series, as the series has been replaced by a single exhibition game between Japan and Korea's Champion in 2009 due to profit issue. - The Kobe 9 Cruise, a team from the Kansai Independent Baseball LeagueKansai Independent Baseball LeagueThe is a professional baseball league in Japan. Its debut season was in .The league's activities became public in 2008. Plans to form the league were announced at a press conference on March 6. On July 30, the names of the four teams were released....
launching in 2009, drafts 16-year-old knuckleballer Eri YoshidaEri Yoshidais a high-school student at Kawasaki-kita Senior High School in Kawasaki, who at the age of 16 became the first female drafted by a Japanese professional baseball team, Kobe 9 Cruise of Kansai Independent Baseball League, to play alongside male teammates....
with the 7th pick. She is the first ever female player playing at a professional level baseball league in Japan alongside male players; she officially signs with the team on December 2.
- The Saitama Seibu Lions beat the Uni-President Lions
- November 17
- Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
wins his second NL MVP Award for the Cardinals. He had won the award in . - It is announced that baseball's legends and old-timers will play in a new Hall of Fame Classic game beginning in 2009. The inaugural Hall of Fame Classic will be held on Father's Day, June 21. The game replaces the Hall of Fame Game, which was discontinued this year after 68 years.
- Albert Pujols
- November 18
- Red Sox second baseman Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
wins the AL MVP Award, after establishing single-season franchise records by a second baseman for runs, hits, doubles, batting average, total bases, and extra-base hits. Pedroia also becomes just the eighth player in AL history to earn MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger awards in the same season. - The Mariners appoint Don WakamatsuDon WakamatsuWilbur Donald "Don" Wakamatsu is a former Major League Baseball catcher and manager. He was the manager of the Seattle Mariners for the season, as well as the majority of the season...
as their new manager for the season; he becomes the first Asian-American to manage a major league team.
- Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia
December
- December 4 – Pitcher Junichi TazawaJunichi Tazawais a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:After he finished his high school career in Yokohama, Tazawa was not drafted by any of Nippon Professional Baseball's 12 teams, and joined the company team of Nippon Oil in the corporate...
becomes the first Japanese prospect to skip the Nippon Professional Baseball draft and sign directly with a Major League Baseball team. Tazawa inks a three-year, $3.3 million deal with 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"...
. A member of Japan's squadJapan national baseball teamThe Japan national baseball team is the national baseball team representing Japan in international competitions. They are one of the more successful baseball teams in the world, having won the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009...
in the 2007 Baseball World Cup2007 Baseball World CupThe XXXVII International Baseball Federation Baseball World Cup was held in the Republic of China from November 6 through November 18, 2007. Four stadiums hosted...
, he is projected to start 2009 at Double-A.
- December 10:
- In a three-team, 12-player blockbuster trade, 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...
receive pitchers J. J. Putz and Sean GreenSean Green (baseball)Sean William Green is an American professional baseball pitcher. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky.-Biography:Green grew up in east Louisville, Kentucky, in the Fincastle community....
and outfielder Jeremy ReedJeremy ReedJeremy Thomas Reed is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent.Reed graduated from Bonita High School in 1999, and went on to play college baseball at Long Beach State University...
from 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...
in exchange for OF Endy ChávezEndy ChávezEndy de Jesus Chávez is a Major League Baseball outfielder.Chávez bats and throws left-handed and is considered to have good fielding skills, speed, and the ability to hit to all parts of the field...
, Ps Aaron HeilmanAaron HeilmanAaron Michael Heilman is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. Heilman was drafted by the New York Mets out of Notre Dame in 2001. He came up through the Mets system as a starting pitcher but was converted to a relief pitcher in 2005...
and Jason VargasJason VargasJason Matthew Vargas is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. He has played parts of two seasons in the major leagues with the Florida Marlins, part of one season in the major leagues with the New York Mets and the last two seasons with the Seattle Mariners.-College...
, three minor-leaguers, and 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...
OF Franklin GutiérrezFranklin GutiérrezFranklin Rafael Gutiérrez , nicknamed "Guti" & "Death To Flying Things", is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Seattle Mariners...
, while Mets P Joe Smith and Seattle infielder Luis ValbuenaLuis ValbuenaLuis Adan Valbuena is a Venezuelan professional baseball second baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball.-Career:Valbuena began his professional career in the Seattle Mariners organization in 2005...
will be sent to Cleveland. Hours before completing the trade, the Mets signed a $37 million, three-year contract with closer Francisco Rodríguez, who set a new major league record with 62 saves in the regular season. - 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...
acquire pitcher Edwin JacksonEdwin JacksonEdwin Jackson is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Early life:Jackson's father, Edwin Jackson, Sr., a military cook, was stationed in Germany at the time of his birth. Jackson is one of 27 major league players who were born in Germany...
from the Tampa Bay 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...
in exchange for outfielder Matt JoyceMatt Joyce (baseball)Matthew R. Joyce is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Early life:Joyce began his career at North Brandon Little League in Brandon, Florida....
.
- In a three-team, 12-player blockbuster trade, the New York Mets
- December 22 – A California appeals court has ruled against the city of Anaheim in its battle to restore the name Anaheim Angels to its major league baseball team. The 4th District Court of Appeal ruled late Friday against the city, which claimed that team owner Arte Moreno violated the city-owned stadium lease agreement when he changed the name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
January
- January 1 – Chuck DanielChuck DanielCharles Edward Daniel was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Detroit Tigers during the season. Listed at 6'2", 195., Daniel batted and threw right-handed...
, 74, pitcher for the 1957 Detroit Tigers, and the only major leaguer to come out of the University of the Ozarks - January 2 – Gerry StaleyGerry StaleyGerald Lee Staley was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who excelled both as a starter and reliever. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the Minor League draft. He pitched regularly from 1947 on, then was traded to Cincinnati for the 1955 season...
, 87, All-Star pitcher for six teams from 1947–1961 who won 19 games for the 1951 Cardinals and led AL in games as a reliever for the 1959 White Sox - January 2 – Richard J. Thompson, 52, baseball historian and author who was a SABR member for more than 25 years and authored the book The Ferrell Brothers of Baseball
- January 4 – Bill RamseyBill RamseyWilliam Thrace Ramsey, Jr. was an American professional baseball player who was an outfielder for the Boston Braves for a single Major League Baseball season in 1945....
, 87, outfielder for the 1945 Boston Braves - January 8 – Steve RidzikSteve RidzikStephen George Ridzik was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for five teams from to , primarily the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Senators....
, 78, pitcher for five teams from 1950 to 1966 - January 13 – Johnny PodresJohnny PodresJohn Joseph Podres was an American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, 75, All-Star pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers who was MVP of the 1955 World Series and also pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers' 1959 and 1963 World Series champions; led NL in ERA, shutouts and winning percentage once each - January 14 – Don CardwellDon CardwellDonald Eugene Cardwell was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for five National League teams from 1957 to 1970...
, 72, pitcher for five NL teams who threw a no-hitter in his first start with the Cubs in 1960 - January 17 – John McHaleJohn McHaleJohn Joseph McHale was an American first baseman and executive in Major League Baseball who served as the general manager of three teams: the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, and Montreal Expos...
, 86, executive who served as general manager of the Tigers, Braves and Expos between 1957 and 1986; previously a reserve first baseman on Detroit's 1945 World Series champions - January 18 – Jean WeaverJean WeaverJean Weaver was a utility player who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 8", 138 lb., Weaver batted and threw right-handed. She was born in Metropolis, Illinois...
, 74, female pitcher for the AAGPBL 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... - January 18 - Al MontreuilAl MontreuilAllan Arthur Montreuil was an American Major League Baseball second baseman who played 5 games for the 1972 Chicago Cubs....
, 64, second baseman for the 1972 Chicago Cubs - January 22 – Lance ClemonsLance ClemonsLance Levis Clemons was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City Royals , St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox ....
, 60, relief pitcher for the Royals, Cardinals and Red Sox from 1971 to 1974 - January 24 – Art FrantzArt FrantzArthur Frank Frantz was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1969 to 1977...
, 86, American League umpire from 1969 to 1977 who was crew chief for the 1975 World Series; also worked the 1972 and 1976 ALCS and 1974 All-Star Game - January 27 – Bing DevineBing DevineVaughan Pallmore "Bing" Devine was an American front office executive in Major League Baseball. In the prime of his career, as a general manager, the executive who is responsible for all baseball operations, Devine was a major architect of four National League champions and three World Series...
, 90, who transformed the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets into World Series champions in the 1960s in a career spanning seven decades as a baseball executive - January 27 – Ken Hunt, 69, pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds 1961 NL champions who won the TSN Rookie Pitcher Award in the same season
February
- February 2 – Ed VargoEd VargoEdward Paul Vargo was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1960 to 1983. He officiated in the World Series, National League Championship Series and All-Star Game four times each, and also worked a number of other historic games. His 3,554 total games...
, 79, National League umpire from 1960 to 1983 who officiated in the World Series, NLCS and All-Star Game four times each - February 14 – Hal Erickson, 88, star pitcher in the minors for the Quebec Braves in the late 1940s who later became a 33-year-old rookie with the 1953 Tigers
- February 19 – Bob HowsamBob HowsamRobert Lee Howsam was an executive in American professional sport who, in 1959, played a key role in establishing two leagues — the American Football League, which succeeded and merged with the National Football League, and baseball's Continental League, which never played a game but forced...
, 89, general manager of the Reds from 1967 to 1977 who built the "Big Red Machine" dynasty that won four NL pennants; previously general manager of the Cardinals, and owner of minor league teams in Denver - February 25 - Roy WiseRoy Wise (baseball)Roy Ogden Wise was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1944 Pittsburgh Pirates season, playing in two games on May 12 and May 13....
, 84, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1944.
March
- March 6 – Deacon DonahueDeacon DonahueJohn Stephen Michael Donahue was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Philadelphia Phillies. Listed at 6' 0", 180 lb., Donahue batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Chicago, Illinois.Donahue was one of several players who only appeared in the...
, 87, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1943–44 - March 8 – Ossie AlvarezOssie AlvarezOswaldo Álvarez González was a Cuban professional baseball player. He played two seasons in Major League Baseball, 1958 and 1959, for the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers....
, 74, Cuban infielder for the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers from 1958 to 1959 who later became a minor league manager - March 15 – Niles JordanNiles JordanNiles Chapman Jordan [Sonny] was a starting pitcher who played in Major League Baseball during the and seasons...
, 84, pitcher in 1951 and 1952 with the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds - March 16 – Bob PurkeyBob PurkeyRobert Thomas Purkey was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball known for his use of the knuckleball. From through , Purkey played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Cincinnati Redlegs/Reds and St. Louis Cardinals...
, 78, All-Star pitcher for the Reds who was 23–5 in 1962 after losing 3–2 in Game 3 of the 1961 World Series - March 21 – Roy FosterRoy Foster (baseball player)Roy Foster was an American left and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians from -. Born in Bixby, Oklahoma, he batted .268 with 23 home runs and 60 runs batted in as a 1970 rookie, and received one vote for the American League's Rookie of the Year Award. He...
, 62, outfielder for the Indians from 1970 to 1972 who won the 1970 TSN Rookie of the Year Award - March 27 – Billy ConsoloBilly ConsoloWilliam Angelo Consolo was an American shortstop and coach in Major League Baseball who played for five different teams between and , most notably the Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins....
, 73, shortstop for five teams from 1953 to 1962 who later served as the Tigers dugout coach for 14 seasons
April
- April 4 – Jerry CriderJerry CriderJerry Stephen Crider was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox . Listed at 6' 2", 180 lb., Crider batted and threw right-handed...
, 66, pitcher for the 1969 Twins and the 1970 White Sox. - April 5 – Walt MastersonWalt MastersonWalter Edward Masterson III was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers...
, 87, All-Star pitcher for the Senators and Red Sox from 1939 to 1953 who started the 1948 All-Star Game; baseball coach at George Mason University in 1980–81. - April 8 – Hersh LyonsHersh LyonsHerschel Englebert Lyons was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played one game for the St. Louis Cardinals in ....
, 92, pitcher who appeared in one game for the 1941 Cardinals. - April 12 - Jim GoodwinJim Goodwin (baseball)James Patrick Goodwin was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Listed at 6' 1", 170 lb., he batted and threw left handed.Born in St...
, 81, pitcher for the 1948 Chicago White Sox. - April 14 – Tommy HolmesTommy HolmesThomas Francis Holmes was an American right and center fielder and manager in Major League Baseball who played nearly his entire career for the Boston Braves...
, 91, All-Star right fielder for the Boston Braves from 1942 to 1951 who hit .302 lifetime and set a modern NL record in 1945 with a 37-game hitting streak; later a New York Mets executive. - April 19 – John MarzanoJohn MarzanoJohn Robert Marzano commonly referred to as Johnny Marz was an American catcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1987 to 1998 for the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners, generally as a backup catcher...
, 45, backup catcher for the Red Sox and Mariners who played for division champions with both teams, batting .287 for the 1997 Mariners; member of the 1984 US Olympic team. - April 27 – Art Johnson, 88, pitcher for the Boston Bees/Braves from 1940 to 1942.
May
- May 1 – Buzzie BavasiBuzzie BavasiEmil Joseph "Buzzie" Bavasi was an American executive in Major League Baseball who played a major role in the operation of three franchises from the late 1940s through the mid-1980s....
, 93, general manager of the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 1951–68 who assembled teams that won eight NL pennants and the club's first four World Series titles; later the first GM of the San Diego Padres, and GM of the California Angels teams that won the club's first two division titles - May 5 – Cal HoweCal HoweCalvin Earl Howe was an American professional baseball player who appeared in one game in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs during the season. Listed at and , Howe batted and threw left-handed. He was born in Rock Falls, Illinois.In his one relief appearance, on...
, 83, pitcher who played briefly for the 1952 Chicago Cubs - May 12 - Janet RumseyJanet RumseyJanet Jeree Rumsey was a pitcher who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 8", 135 lb., she batted and threw right handed....
, 76, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League All-Star pitcher who hurled the last no-hitter in the league's history - May 20 – Herb HashHerb HashHerbert Howard Hash was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1940 to 1941 for the Boston Red Sox. He was born in Woolwine, Virginia, and attended the University of Richmond; he is a member of the University's Hall of Fame.Hash made his debut for the Red Sox on...
, 97, pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in 1940 and 1941 - May 25 – Geremi GonzálezGeremi GonzálezGeremis Segundo González Acosta was a Venezuelan right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs , Tampa Bay Devil Rays , Boston Red Sox , New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers . In his rookie season he led the Cubs with 11 wins, but he was unable to continue that...
, 33, Venezuelan pitcher for five teams between 1997 and 2006, who led the 1997 Cubs with 11 wins in his rookie season - May 30 – Ray HoffmanRay HoffmanRaymond Lamont Hoffman was a third baseman who played briefly for the Washington Senators during the season. Listed at 6'o", 175 lb., Hoffman batted left-handed and threw right-handed. He was born in Detroit, Michigan....
, 90, third baseman for the 1942 Washington Senators
June
- June 10 – Eliot AsinofEliot AsinofEliot Asinof was an American writer of fiction and nonfiction best known for his writing about baseball. His most famous book was Eight Men Out, a nonfiction reconstruction of the 1919 Black Sox scandal.-Biography:...
, 88, writer on baseball best known for his nonfiction book 8 Men Out about the 1919 Black Sox scandal - June 13 – Tim RussertTim RussertTimothy John "Tim" Russert was an American television journalist and lawyer who appeared for more than 16 years as the longest-serving moderator of NBC's Meet the Press. He was a senior vice president at NBC News, Washington bureau chief and also hosted the eponymous CNBC/MSNBC weekend interview...
, 58, broadcast journalist who was a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame's board of directors since 2003 - June 15 – John BuzhardtJohn BuzhardtJohn William Buzhardt was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros from through . His best season came in when he won 13 games and lost only 8 with the White Sox. He...
, 71, pitcher for five teams from 1958 to 1968 who earned 49 of his 71 victories with the White Sox - June 16 – Bert ShepardBert ShepardRobert Earl "Bert" Shepard was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who pitched in one game for the Washington Senators in 1945 after having had his right leg amputated after his fighter plane was shot down in Germany during World War II while he was serving as a pilot in the...
, 87, pitcher who appeared in one game for the 1945 Senators despite having had his right leg amputated after his fighter plane was shot down during World War II
July
- July 3 – Annabelle LeeAnnabelle LeeAnnabelle Lee Harmon was a female pitcher who played from through with four different teams of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 2", 120 lb, Lee was a switch-hitter and threw left-handed...
, 86, pitcher who hurled the first 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 All-American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueAll-American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueThe All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was a women's professional baseball league founded by Philip K. Wrigley which existed from 1943 to 1954. During the league's history, over 600 women played ball.-History:...
history - July 9 – Elizabeth FabacElizabeth FabacElizabeth Fabac [Bretting] was an infielder who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 3", 115 lb., she batted and threw right handed....
, 86, who played excellent defense at second base and twice led the AAGPBL in fielding average at her position - July 10 – Steve MingoriSteve MingoriSteven Bernard Mingori was an American left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals...
, 64, relief pitcher for the Indians and Royals from 1970 to 1979 who saved Game 4 of the 1976 ALCS - July 11 – Chuck StobbsChuck StobbsCharles Klein Stobbs was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins and St...
, 79, pitcher who played for the Red Sox, White Sox, Senators, Twins and Cardinals from 1947–60 - July 12 – Bobby MurcerBobby MurcerBobby Ray Murcer was an American Major League Baseball outfielder who played for 17 seasons between 1965 and 1983, mostly with the New York Yankees, whom he later rejoined as a longtime broadcaster...
, 62, five-time All-Star outfielder, best known for his years with the Yankees, who led the AL in runs, total bases and on base percentage once each; later a popular broadcaster with the Yankees - July 13 – Dave RickettsDave RickettsDavid William Ricketts was an American catcher and coach in Major League Baseball who played parts of six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Ricketts was a reserve catcher on the 1967 World Series champion Cardinals and their 1968 pennant winners...
, 73, catcher and longtime coach for the Cardinals who played on their 1967 World Series champions and was a coach on the 1982 World Series winners - July 14 – Red FoleyRed Foley (sportswriter)Red Foley was an American sportswriter and baseball official scorer.He began working as an official scorer for Major League Baseball in 1966, and during his career presided over more than 3,000 games. From 1981 to 2001 he was an official scorer in ten World Series, serving longer than any other...
, 79, sportswriter for the New York Daily News for 34 years who was also an official scorer in 10 World Series, more than any other scorer in modern history - July 19 – Jerome HoltzmanJerome HoltzmanJerome Holtzman was an American sportswriter known for his writings on baseball who served as the official historian for Major League Baseball from 1999 until his death.-Newspaper career:...
, 82, sportswriter for Chicago newspapers from 1957 to 1999 who went on to serve as Major League Baseball's official historian until his death; instigator of the save statistic in the late 1950s, he was honored with the Hall of Fame's Spink Award in 1990 - July 27 – Russ GibsonRuss GibsonJohn Russell Gibson was an American reserve catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants between and . Listed at 6' 1", 195 lb., he batted and threw right-handed. Gibson was born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, and was a graduate of B.M.C...
, 69, catcher for the Red Sox and Giants who was a reserve on Boston's 1967 pennant winners - July 29 - Earlene RisingerEarlene RisingerHelen Earlene Risinger was a pitcher who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 6' 2", 137 lb., she batted and threw right-handed....
, 81, All-Star pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
August
- August 3 – Skip CaraySkip CarayHarry Christopher "Skip" Caray, Jr. was an American sportscaster, best known for his long career as a radio and television play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball...
, 68, broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves from 1976 to 2007 - August 6 – Karl KuehlKarl KuehlKarl Otto Kuehl was an American scout, farm system official, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. He also was the co-author of two books on the mental approach to baseball: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance and A Champion's State of Mind .Kuehl was born in Monterey...
, 70, scout and player development executive who managed the Expos for most of the 1976 season - August 12 – George GickGeorge GickGeorge Edward Gick was an American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago White Sox for one game each in the and seasons. Listed at 6' 0", 190 lb., he was a switch-hitter. He was born in Dunnington, Indiana.In his two major league appearances –...
, 92, relief pitcher in two games for the White Sox in 1937 and 1938 - August 12 – Dottie Wiltse CollinsDottie Wiltse CollinsDorothy Wiltse Collins [Dottie] was an American pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was in existence from 1943–54....
, 84, female pitcher 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...
from 1944 to 1950 who led the AAGPBLAll-American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueThe All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was a women's professional baseball league founded by Philip K. Wrigley which existed from 1943 to 1954. During the league's history, over 600 women played ball.-History:...
in strikeouts in 1945 - August 15 – Darrin WinstonDarrin WinstonDarrin Alexander Winston was a Major League Baseball player. He played two baseball seasons in the majors, both for the Philadelphia Phillies, and also played in the Montreal Expos and Pittsburgh Pirates minor league organizations. He batted right-handed and threw left-handed during his baseball...
, 42, relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997 to 1998
September
- September 2 – Todd CruzTodd CruzTodd Ruben Cruz was an American Major League Baseball player who spent all or part of six seasons in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles, from 1978 to 1984...
, 52, infielder for six different major league teams from 1978 to 1984 and a member of the 1983 World Champion Baltimore Orioles - September 7 – Don GutteridgeDon GutteridgeDonald Joseph Gutteridge was an American second and third baseman, coach and manager in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, and later managed the Chicago White Sox in 1969-1970...
, 96, infielder for four major league teams, mainly the Cardinals and Browns, who coached for the White Sox from 1955 to 1966 and managed the team in 1969–70; was the last living Browns player from the 1944 pennant winners, and the oldest living major league manager - September 24 – Mickey VernonMickey VernonJames Barton "Mickey" Vernon was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Washington Senators for the majority of his career, as well as four other teams: the Cleveland Indians , Boston Red Sox , Milwaukee Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates...
, 90, seven-time All-Star first baseman and two-time AL batting champion with the Washington Senators who set several fielding records during a 20-year major league career - September 28 - Dorothy NaumDorothy NaumDorothy Mary Naum [Parker] was a catcher, infielder and pitcher who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 4", 112 lb., she batted and threw right handed....
, 80, catcher and pitcher who played from 1946 through 1953 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League - September 30 – Ed BrinkmanEd BrinkmanEdwin Albert Brinkman was a Major League Baseball shortstop. He played fifteen years in the Major League Baseball, led the American League in games played twice, won a Gold Glove Award at shortstop, and had a career batting average of .224...
, 66, All-Star shortstop, primarily with the Senators, who held record of 72 straight errorless games by a shortstop from 1972 to 1990 and won the 1973 Gold Glove with the Tigers
October
- October 7 – Bruce Dal CantonBruce Dal CantonJohn Bruce Dal Canton , born in California, Pennsylvania, was a major league pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals , Atlanta Braves , and Chicago White Sox...
, 66, relief pitcher for the Pirates, Royals, Braves and White Sox (1967–1977) who later worked for the Braves as their pitching coach (1987–1990) and as an instructor in the Atlanta farm system (1991–2008) - October 7 – George KissellGeorge KissellGeorge Marshall Kissell was an American baseball minor league player, manager, coach, scout, and instructor, as well as a major league coach, for the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Born in Watertown, New York, he attended Ithaca College, where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in...
, 88, who had been with the St. Louis Cardinals since 1940, including a major league stint as a coach from 1969 to 1975 - October 8 – Les McCrabbLes McCrabbLester William "Buster" McCrabb was a starting pitcher who played in Major League Baseball. He batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Wakefield, Pennsylvania....
, 93, pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1939–50 who continued coaching for the team until 1954 - October 10 – Sid HudsonSid HudsonSidney Charles Hudson was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
, 93, All-Star pitcher for the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox from 1940–54; later a coach for the Senators and scout for the Rangers and Red Sox - October 11 – Kevin Foster, 39, hard thrower and good-control pitcher who played from 1993 through 2001 for the Phillies, Cubs and Rangers
- October 15 – Tom TreshTom TreshThomas Michael Tresh was a Major League Baseball infielder and outfielder who played for the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers . Tresh was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed...
, 71, outfielder for the New York Yankees from 1961–1969, and hometown Detroit Tigers in 1970, who won AL Rookie of the Year Award in 1962 and Gold Glove in 1965 - October 19 – Lou StringerLou StringerLouis Bernard Stringer was a second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for two different teams between the and seasons. Listed at 5' 11", 173 lb., Stringer batted and threw right-handed...
, 91, second baseman for the Cubs and Red Sox between the 1941 and 1950 seasons - October 25 – Rafael BatistaRafael BatistaRafael Batista Sánchez was a first baseman in Major League Baseball. He was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic....
, 61, Dominican first baseman for the Astros and Japan's Lotte Orions - October 28 – Jake CrawfordJake CrawfordRufus "Jake" Crawford was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played in 7 games for the St. Louis Browns in ....
, 80, outfielder for the 1952 St. Louis Browns
November
- November 9 – Preacher RoePreacher RoeElwin Charles Roe was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Brooklyn Dodgers .-Early years:...
, 93, All-Star pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the late 1940s and early 1950s who posted a 22–3 record for a .880 winning percentage in 1951, setting a Dodgers record that still stands for the highest WP for a 20-game winner - November 11 – Herb ScoreHerb ScoreHerbert Jude Score was a Major League Baseball pitcher and announcer.-Athletic career:Score came up as a rookie in with the Cleveland Indians...
, 75, All-Star pitcher for the Cleveland Indians in 1955–56 who won the 1955 Rookie of the Year Award after striking out 245 batters to set a rookie record (broken by 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:...
in 1984), and later went on to a career in broadcasting with the Indians - November 17 – Floyd WeaverFloyd WeaverDavid Floyd Weaver was a Major League Baseball pitcher who was born in Ben Franklin, Texas. He attended Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. On May 10, , Weaver struck out 21 batters in a nine-inning game at Grand Junction, Colorado, still a...
, 67, pitcher for the Indians, White Sox and Brewers from 1962 to 1971, who struck out 21 batters in a nine-inning game at Grand Junction, Colorado, which still a collegiate record - November 23 – Fred McAlisterFred McAlisterFred Early McAlister was an American minor league baseball player and Major League Baseball scout and front-office executive who spent 63 years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization...
, 80, scouting director for the St. Louis Cardinals organization, 1980–1993 - November 24 – Charlotte ArmstrongCharlotte Armstrong (baseball)Charlotte T. Armstrong [née: Lubman] was a pitcher who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 7", 145 lb., Armstrong batted and threw right-handed...
, 84, female pitcher and one of the AAGPBLAll-American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueThe All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was a women's professional baseball league founded by Philip K. Wrigley which existed from 1943 to 1954. During the league's history, over 600 women played ball.-History:...
pioneers - November 24 – Tom BurgessTom Burgess (baseball)Thomas Roland Burgess was a Canadian baseball player, coach and manager. An outfielder and first baseman, Burgess had two trials in Major League Baseball — a 17-game stint with the St. Louis Cardinals and a full season with the Los Angeles Angels...
, 81, Canadian first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals (1954) and Los Angeles Angels (1962), who later managed in the minors and coached for the New York Mets (1977) and Atlanta Braves (1978) - November 25 – Randy GumpertRandy GumpertRandall Pennington Gumpert was a Major League Baseball pitcher, playing for five different teams throughout his career. He was born in Monocacy, Pennsylvania. His pro career began when he was signed by the Philadelphia Athletics as a free agent before the 1936 season, at the age of 18...
, 90, All-Star pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox,Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators from 1936 to 1952, better known as the man who gave up 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...
's first home run in - November 27 – Andy TomasicAndy TomasicAndrew John Tomasic, Sr. was a Major League Baseball and NFL player. He was born in Hokendauqua, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Allentown, Pennsylvania. He attended Temple University and was inducted into their Hall of Fame.Tomasic was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 16th round of the 1942...
, 90, pitcher for the 1949 New York Giants - November 28 – Red MurffRed MurffJohn Robert Murff was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Milwaukee Braves. Listed at 6' 3", 195 lb., Murff batted and threw right-handed. He attended Gettysburg College....
, 87, relief pitcher for the Milwaukee Braves from 1956 to 1957, who later, as a scout for the New York Mets, discovered future Hall of Fame pitcher 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....
December
- December 1 – Beverly DustrudeBeverly DustrudeBeverly Dustrude [Roberson] was a second basewoman who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She batted and threw right handed....
, 82, who played second base in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League - December 2 – Ted RogersEdward Samuel RogersEdward Samuel "Ted" Rogers, Jr., OC was the President and CEO of Rogers Communications Inc., and the fifth richest person in Canada in terms of net worth. His father Edward S. Rogers, Sr...
, 75, owner of the Toronto Blue Jays, and founder of Rogers Communications Inc., Canada's largest cable television and mobile phone company - December 10 – Sal YvarsSal YvarsSalvador Anthony Yvars was a Major League Baseball catcher who played with the New York Giants from to and the St. Louis Cardinals from to . Born in Manhattan's Little Italy to a Spanish gravedigger and an Italian laundress, he was a three-sport star at White Plains High School, playing...
, 84, catcher for the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals from 1947 to 1954, well known for his outstanding defensive skills - December 14 – Nick WillhiteNick WillhiteJon Nicholas Willhite was an American professional baseball player, a left-handed pitcher. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Willhite grew up in Denver, Colorado and graduated from South High School in 1959...
, 67, pitcher who posted a 6–12 record with a 4.55 ERA in 58 games for four teams from 1963–67, and a member of the 19631963 World SeriesThe 1963 World Series matched the two-time defending champion New York Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the Dodgers sweeping the Series in four games to capture their second title in five years, and their third in franchise history....
and 19651965 World SeriesThe 1965 World Series featured the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the American League champion Minnesota Twins, who had won their first pennant since 1933 when the team was known as the Washington Senators...
Dodgers World championship teams - December 17 – Dave Smith, 53, All-Star closer whose 563 outings with the Houston Astros is tops on the club's list, and his 199 saves ranks him second
- December 19 – Dock EllisDock EllisDock Phillip Ellis, Jr. was a professional baseball player who pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, among other teams in Major League Baseball. His best season was 1971, when he won 19 games for the World Series champion Pirates and was the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star...
, 63, All-Star pitcher who posted 138–119 with a 3.46 ERA from 1968–1979, spending most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, including a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres in 1970
See also
- 2008 Major League Baseball season2008 Major League Baseball seasonThe 2008 Major League Baseball season began on March 25, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan with the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox defeating the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome 6–5 in the first game of a two-game series, and ended on September 30 with the host Chicago White Sox defeating the...
- 2008 Nippon Professional Baseball season2008 Nippon Professional Baseball seasonThe 2008 Nippon Professional Baseball season was the 59th season since the NPB was reorganized in . The regular season started on March 20 with the Pacific League opener, and on March 28 with the Central League opener. On March 25 and 26, the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics played 2 regular...
- 2008 Korea Baseball Organization season2008 Korea Baseball Organization seasonThe Korea Professional Baseball season is the 27th season in the history of the KBO. The season commenced on March 29-Season Format:*Regular Season: 126 games for each team*Semiplayoff: Regular Season 3rd place vs. Regular Season 4th place - Best of 5...