Last Updated: March 20th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1977: Rangers’ Len Randle Attacks Manager Frank Lucchesi
On March 28, 1977, the baseball world witnessed a startling incident when Texas Rangers infielder Len Randle confronted his manager, Frank Lucchesi. The dispute, fueled by Randle’s displeasure over losing his starting position, escalated to violence, with Randle physically assaulting Lucchesi. This confrontation led to Lucchesi sustaining severe injuries.
1978: A’s Release Dick Allen, Ending His Career
On March 28, 1978, the Oakland Athletics parted ways with Dick Allen, a decision that effectively closed the chapter on his notable career. Allen, who brought formidable power to the plate, was well-known for both his batting skills and the clashes he had with team management. When it was all said and done, Allen ended his fifteen-year career with a .292 batting average, 351 home runs, and 1,119 RBIs.
1985: Sports Illustrated Publishes Sidd Finch Hoax
In a masterstroke of fiction that captured the imaginations of baseball fans, Sports Illustrated revealed the story of Sidd Finch on March 28, 1985. George Plimpton spun the tale of this enigmatic pitcher who could allegedly deliver a fastball at a staggering speed of 168 mph, a feat that, if true, would have shattered all known pitching records. The story, blending detailed descriptions with fictional testimonials, successfully duped readers and left many wondering about the limits of human athletic performance.
1990: MLB Scraps Victory Rule Change, Allows 27-Man Roster
In 1990, Major League Baseball made the decision to maintain the longstanding rule that starting pitchers need to pitch a minimum of five innings to qualify for a win. This decision came after a brief consideration of reducing the requirement to just three innings. Instead, MLB teams received the allowance to carry an expanded 27-player roster at the beginning of the regular season. This shift in roster policy marked a significant adaptation for teams, influencing how they approached both player development and in-game tactics.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Celebrating the legacy of players born on March 28.
1909: Lon Warneke
Lon Warneke, a right-handed pitcher hailing from Mount Ida, Arkansas, was known as “The Arkansas Hummingbird”. Warneke pitched for the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1930s and 1940s, earning five All-Star selections.
1919: Vic Raschi
Born in 1919, Vic Raschi was a key member of the New York Yankees’ rotation during their dominant run in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Nicknamed “The Springfield Rifle,” his powerful arm helped lead the Yankees to six World Series titles.
1961: Glenn Davis
Glenn Davis would go on to become one of the best power hitters of the late ’80s with the Houston Astros, winning two Silver Slugger Awards and appearing in three All-Star Games.