Today in Baseball History: April 25th

1995 On April 25, 1995, baseball returns after a 234-day strike. The Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers play the first game since the strike began in 1994.

1982 On April 25, 1982, the New York Yankees fire manager Bob Lemon after only 14 games and replace him with Gene Michael. The Yankees had lost eight of their first 14 under Lemon, a member of the Hall of Fame.

1981 On April 25, 1981, Seattle Mariners manager Maury Wills is suspended for two games as punishment for ordering the grounds crew to enlarge the batter’s boxes at the Kingdome. Wills had decided to tamper with the chalk lines after the Oakland A’s complained that Seattle’s Tom Paciorek repeatedly stepped out of the batter’s box while hitting.

1976 On April 25, 1976, Chicago Cubs center fielder Rick Monday saves an American flag from being burned by two fans at Dodger Stadium. During the fourth inning of the game, two fans race onto the field and head for the outfield, where they prepare to ignite an American flag. Monday runs in from center field and snatches the flag, prompting an ovation from the fans at Dodger Stadium.

1969 On April 25, 1969, San Francisco Giants catcher Jack Hiatt drives in seven runs in a 12-8 victory over the Houston Astros. Hiatt’s outburst includes a two-run homer in the first inning and a game-winning grand slam in the 13th inning. Usually a light hitter, Hiatt will finish the season with only 34 RBIs and a .196 batting average.

1957 On April 25, 1957, the major leagues adopt a new rule that prohibits baserunners from interfering with batted balls in the field of play. The rule is adopted in reaction to recent actions by several Cincinnati Reds baserunners. Earlier in the week, Don Hoak and Johnny Temple had intentionally interfered with batted balls as a way of preventing double plays.

1937 On April 25, 1937, New York Giants rookie Cliff Melton strikes out 13 batters in his major league debut, but loses a 3-1 decision to the Boston Bees. In spite of the loss, Melton will go on to win 20 games.

1933 On April 25, 1933, rookie Russ “Sheriff” Van Atta makes an incredible debut for the New York Yankees. Van Atta pitches a five-hit shutout against the Washington Senators and collects four singles in four at-bats. Yankee outfielder Earle Combs adds five hits in the Yankees’ 16-0 win.

1901 On April 25, 1901, the Detroit Tigers make an incredible comeback in their American League debut. Down 13-4 in the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers score 10 runs in their last at-bat to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers, 14-13. Frank Dillon drives in the game-winning run with a double.