Last Updated: March 20th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1909 Contract Jumping Suspension
In a decisive move to maintain integrity within baseball, the National Commission clamped down on players who walked away from signed contracts. Athletes found to have breached their agreements faced a hefty five-year suspension. Furthermore, those who opted to play in renegade leagues not sanctioned by organized baseball were slapped with an additional three-year ban, intensifying the consequences for “contract jumping” and deterring players from such actions.
1968: Seattle’s A.L. Club Named The Pilots
In 1968, baseball enthusiasts in Seattle were abuzz with the arrival of a new American League franchise. This expansion team took on the moniker the “Pilots,” a nod to the region’s aviation history. They heralded the beginning of Major League Baseball in Seattle.
1969: Chico Salmon Traded To Baltimore Orioles
On March 31, 1969, the Seattle Pilots sent versatile infielder Chico Salmon to the Baltimore Orioles. Salmon’s addition to Baltimore proved instrumental as the team secured three straight American League pennants through 1971. His tenure with the Orioles ended after the 1972 season, rounding off a valuable utility player’s career in a championship-winning team.
1995: End Of The Longest Sports Strike
On March 31, 1995, the U.S. District Court brought an end to the most extended strike in baseball history. Initiated by the players in August 1994, the work stoppage lasted 232 days, resulting in the cancellation of the World Series for the first time in 90 years and leading to a reshaped 1995 season comprising of only 144 games instead of the regular 162. The intervention came in the form of an injunction from future Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, which found the team owners had engaged in unfair labor practices.
1996: First March Opening Day
For the first time in its history, Major League Baseball broke with tradition by holding an Opening Day in March. This adjustment meant teams had to prepare for meaningful games on a tighter preseason schedule, and fans got to enjoy the national pastime a bit sooner.
1998: Rude Welcome For Expansion Teams
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Arizona Diamondbacks debuted to a challenging start in Major League Baseball. In their inaugural games, both teams suffered defeats, despite individual players making a mark; Wade Boggs hit a home run for Tampa Bay, and Travis Lee of the Diamondbacks recorded both a hit and a home run.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Today we celebrate the birthdays of notable baseball players whose careers left an imprint on the sport.
1918: Marv Grissom
An All-Star pitcher, Marv Grissom debuted in 1946 with the St. Louis Cardinals and played a pivotal role in the New York Giants’ 1954 World Series victory.
1961: Tracy Jones
Tracy Jones made his mark in the majors with a career spanning from 1986 to 1991. Known for his speed, Jones stole 31 bases for the Cincinnati Reds during the 1987 season.
1964: Chris Cron
Chris Cron had a brief stint in MLB with the California Angels in 1991, before moving on to a managerial career in the minors, helping to shape future talent.
1975: Ryan Rupe
Pitcher Ryan Rupe, known for his tenure with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, contributed to the majors from 1999 to 2003.