Today in Baseball History: April 5th

1995 On April 5, 1995, the New York Yankees acquire relief ace John Wetteland from the Montreal Expos for minor league outfielder Fernando Seguignol, a player to be named later, and cash. Wetteland will help the Yankees to the World Championship in 1996.

1993 On April 5, 1993, the expansion Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins play their first games ever. After Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio throws out the first ball at Joe Robbie Stadium, the Marlins defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-3. In the meantime, the Rockies lose to Dwight Gooden and the New York Mets, 3-0…

1983 On April 5, 1983, Tom Seaver makes his first appearance for the Mets since 1977. Seaver defeats the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-0, on Opening Day at Shea Stadium. For Seaver, it's his 14th Opening Day assignment, tying the record set by Walter Johnson…

1982 On April 5, 1982, Jim Kaat of the St. Louis Cardinals sets a major league record for pitchers by playing in his 24th consecutive season. The 43-year-old left-hander pitches one inning in the Cardinals' 14-3 defeat of the Houston Astros…

1977 On April 5, 1977, the New York Yankees acquire shortstop Bucky Dent from the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Oscar Gamble, pitcher Lamarr Hoyt and a minor leaguer. Dent will solidify New York's middle infield and help the Yankees reach the World Series in 1977 and '78.

1975 On April 5, 1975, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire outfielder Bill Robinson from the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Wayne Simpson. The journeyman outfielder, a disappointment during his early years with the New York Yankees, will develop into a key player for the Pirates and will help them win the World Championship in 1979, when he hits 24 home runs…

1972 On April 5, 1972, the New York Mets acquire outfielder Rusty Staub from the Montreal Expos for a package of three players: Ken Singleton, Tim Foli, and Mike Jorgensen. Staub will help the Mets to the National League pennant in 1973.

1971 On April 5, 1971, the Washington Senators play the final home opener in team history. Dick Bosman beats the Oakland A's, 8-0, before a crowd of 45,000 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium. After the season, owner Bob Short will move the Senators to Texas, where they will play under the name "Rangers."

1953 On April 5, 1953, minor league outfielder Herb Gorman suffers a heart attack during a Pacific Coast League game and dies while being transported to the hospital. Gorman, a member of the San Diego Padres, is stricken during the sixth inning of a game against the Hollywood Stars.