TODAY IN BASEBALL courtesy of National Pastime
1995 – Greg Harris becomes the first post-1900 major leaguer to pitch ambidextrously. The Expos reliever, in his ninth inning appearance, blanks the Reds, facing four batters, two as a right-hander, his natural side, and the other two as a southpaw.
2003 – Ron Santo, the team’s radio color commentator, joins Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Billy Williams, becoming third player to have his number retired by the Cubs. The nine-time All-Star third baseman, who spent 14 of his 15-year career with Chicago (1960-73), will have his uniform #10 below Ernie Banks’ on the left-field foul pole.
2003 – Following an emotional closing ceremony, the Braves beat the Phillies 5-2 in the final game at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The two hour festivities at the intersection of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue include the introduction of the All-Vet team and a eulogy given by Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas, who receives a standing ovation from the 58,554 enthusiastic fans in attendance.
And finally…in 2008, on the last day of the season, 39 year-old Yankee right-hander Mike Mussina (20-9) becomes the oldest pitcher to win 20 games in a season for the first time. The 18-year career veteran tosses six shutout innings against the Red Sox in New York’s 6-2 Fenway Park victory.
PLAYERS BORN TODAY
Jack Fournier (1889), Grant Jackson (1942), Todd Worrell (1959) and Ryan Zimmerman (1984)
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