Today in Baseball History: Apr 7

1996 On April 7, 1996, the National League grants overweight umpire Eric Gregg a leave of absence in the aftermath of the Opening Day death of fellow umpire John McSherry, who succumbed to a massive heart attack. The NL hopes that Gregg will lose weight and improve his health during the layoff.

1984 On April 7, 1984, Detroit Tigers ace Jack Morris hurls a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox. Morris strikes out eight and walks six in shutting down the Sox at Comiskey Park.

1984 On April 7, 1984, 19-year-old phenom Dwight Gooden makes his debut for the New York Mets. Gooden earns a 3-2 win over the Houston Astros.

1979 On April 7, 1979, Ken Forsch of the Houston Astros pitches a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves. Forsch's brother, Bob, pitched a no-hitter in 1978. The Forsches become the first brothers to pitch no-hitters.

1977 On April 7, 1977, Tommy Lasorda makes his managerial debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lasorda guides the team to a 5-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants. The colorful Lasorda will gain election to the Hall of Fame in 1997…

1970 On April 7, 1970, the Milwaukee Brewers play their first home game after their recent relocation from Seattle, where they had played the 1969 season as the Pilots. The Brewers lose to the California Angels, 12-0, as major league baseball returns to Milwaukee after a five-year absence…

1969 On April 7, 1969, Bill Singer of the Los Angeles Dodgers earns the first official save in history. Making his only relief appearance of the season, Singer finishes off Don Drysdale's 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Thanks to the efforts of sportswriter Jerome Holtzman, the save had become an official statistic during the off-season…

1969 On April 7, 1969, Ted Williams makes his managerial debut for the Washington Senators. Williams loses his first game to the New York Yankees, 8-4, on Opening Day at RFK Stadium. Williams will manage the Senators for three seasons, before moving with the team to Texas in 1972.

1958 On April 7, 1958, the newly transplanted Los Angeles Dodgers erect a 42-foot screen at the Los Angeles Coliseum as part of an effort to cut down on home runs to left field, which is only 250 feet from home plate…

1918 On April 7, 1918, future Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr is born in Los Angeles, California. The hard-hitting second baseman will bat .288 in 14 seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Doerr will reach the 100-RBI mark six times during his career.