Mad Dog moves to Atlanta

On August 10, 1997, pitcher Greg “Mad Dog” Maddux signed a five year, $57.5 million contract with the Atlanta Braves after seven seasons with the Chicago Cubs. Maddux started his hall of fame career as a 20-year-old in 1986. He had two wins and four losses. His stats started to pick up in his third season with…

And there was light at Wrigley

On August 8, 1988, the Chicago Cubs became the last major league team to add lights, allowing night games as they were assisted by 91-year-old fan, Harry Grossman who said, ““Three . . . two . . . one . . . Let there be lights!” before flipping the switch. Wrigley Field was getting ready to be…

Gehrig steps in

On June 1, 1925, New York Yankee’s slugger, Lou Gehrig, played his first of 2,130 consecutive games. Gehrig’s streak ended May 2, 1939. The decision to sit out of the game was not made by management or coaches but by the Iron Horse himself for poor play. Early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now known as…

Koufax: 18 K’s, take two

On April 24, 1962, Sandy Koufax became the first major league pitcher to strike out 18 batters on two separate occasions. Koufax led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 10-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. His first 28 strikeout game on August 31, 1959 in a 5-2 Dodgers’ home victory over the…

Friendly Confines opens for pros

On April 23, 1914, the first major league game was held at Weeghman Park, now Wrigley Field, the Chicago Whales (also known as the Federals or ChiFeds) defeated  Kansas City 9-1. The Federals played in the newly forming Federal League, were intended to be the city’s third professional team, creating more competition for the Cubs and White…

Ryan strikes out 5,000

On April 22, 1989, Nolan Ryan became the first, and remains the only, Major League Baseball pitcher to strike out 5,000 batters when the Texas Ranger faced Oakland Athletics star Rickey Henderson. Ryan entered the game 14-7 with 219 strikeouts, and needed six to reach the milestone. Henderson, who retired as the all-time walks leader, led off the top…

Rose hits #1 and #4,000

On April 13, 1963, Cincinnati Reds slugger, Pete Rose tripled for his first hit as a Major League Baseball player and exactly 21 years later he hit number 4,000 as a Montreal Expo. Rose’s first hit came in the seventh inning off of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bob Friend. The Reds lost 12-4.  Rose helped the Expos…

Bonds and godfather share spotlight

On April 12, 2004, Barry Bonds tied godfather, Willie Mays with his 660th home run, third on the all-time list. Mays met Bonds on the field shortly after he finished rounding the bases with a hug and kiss. The Say Hey Kid presented his godson with an torch carried in the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Torch Relay. The…