Today in Baseball History: April 3rd

2006 On April 3, 2006, Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies hits a double on opening day to extend his hitting streak. Rollins had hit safely in his final 36 games of the 2005 season. Two days later, Rollins extends the streak (the longest in franchise history) to 38 games, before it is ended.

1991 On April 3, 1991, the Chicago White Sox sign injured free agent outfielder Bo Jackson to a one-year contract worth $700,000. The Kansas City Royals had released Jackson on March 15, citing his inability to play baseball due to a football-related hip injury.

1989 On April 3, 1989, Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners makes his major league debut. The rookie outfielder doubles in his first at-bat against Dave Stewart of the Oakland A's.

1987 On April 3, 1987, the Chicago Cubs trade seemingly over-the-hill pitcher Dennis Eckersley to the Oakland A's for three minor leaguers. Eckersley will emerge as the game's dominant closer, saving 291 games over the next eight seasons, and earning election to the Hall of Fame in 2004.

1985 On April 3, 1985, the American and National League playoff formats are changed to best-of-seven formats. The League Championship Series had been played as a best-of-five since its inception in 1969.

1974 On April 3, 1974, the Los Angeles Dodgers make one of the best trades in franchise history, acquiring minor league infielder-outfielder Pedro Guerrero from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. The 17-year-old Guerrero will make his major league debut in 1978 and will compile 100-RBI seasons for the Dodgers in 1982 and '83…

1969 On April 3, 1969, first baseman Donn Clendenon ends his retirement and reports to the Montreal Expos. Clendenon will eventually be traded twice during the season-first to the Houston Astros and then to the New York Mets. Clendenon will hit 12 home runs for the Mets and help them win the World Series…

1966 On April 3, 1966, the New York Mets sign University of Southern California star Tom Seaver to his first contract, including a $50,000 bonus. Seaver had been selected by the Atlanta Braves in the January draft, but Commissioner Spike Eckert voided the deal when he signed a contract after USC's season had already begun. The Mets beat out the Indians and the Phillies in a lottery for Seaver's services.

1938 On April 3, 1938, Goose Goslin returns to the Washington Senators for his third stint with the team. Goslin, who had batted a career-low .238 in 1937, had been released by the Detroit Tigers.

1919 On April 3, 1919, one of the most bizarre off-the-field incidents in baseball history takes place in Jacksonville, Florida. New York Yankees outfielder Frank "Ping" Bodie competes against an ostrich named "Percy" in a spaghetti-eating contest! Ping wins the competition when Percy passes out after his 11th plate of pasta.