Today in Baseball History: April 2nd

2007 On April 2, 2007, the Tribune Company announces that they will sell the Chicago Cubs at the conclusion of the season. The Tribune Co. had purchased the franchise for $20.5 million in 1981. Analysts predict that the company can fetch as much as $600 million for the team, which hasn"t won a World Series since 1918.

2007 On April 2, 2007, Troy Percival throws out the first pitch for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim prior to their opening day game against the Rangers. Percival, who pitched for the Angels from 1995-2004 and was one the mound when the team won the 2002 World Series, had signed a minor league contract earlier in the day to allow him to retire as a member of the organization.

1995 On April 2, 1995, the longest strike in major league history comes to an end as the owners accept the players' offer to return to work. The strike had begun on August 12, 1994.

1982 On April 2, 1982, Oakland A's pitcher Steve McCatty walks to the plate during a spring training game carrying a 15-inch toy bat. A's manager Billy Martin had ordered McCatty to use the toy bat as a protest of the rule preventing the use of the DH in National League ballparks. Umpire Jim Quick refuses to let McCatty use the bat.

1976 On April 2, 1976, the Oakland A's trade two key members from their recent World Series championship teams, sending All-Star outfielder Reggie Jackson and pitcher Ken Holtzman to the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Don Baylor and pitchers Mike Torrez and Paul Mitchell…

1972 On April 2, 1972, New York Mets manager Gil Hodges collapses just minutes after completing a round of golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, and dies of a heart attack. The popular Hodges dies just two days before his 48th birthday. Hodges had guided the Mets to their "miraculous" World Series championship in 1969.

1962 On April 2, 1962, the Minnesota Twins acquire first baseman Vic Power and pitcher Dick Stigman from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Pedro Ramos. Power will bat .290 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Twins in 1962.

1952 On April 2, 1952, New York Giants star Monte Irvin breaks his ankle sliding into third base during an exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians. The injury will force the slugging outfielder to miss most of the 1952 season.

1945 On April 2, 1945, future Hall of Famer Don Sutton is born in Clio, Alabama. Sutton will make his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966 and will win 324 games over a 23-year career.

1931 On April 2, 1931, Miss Jackie Mitchell strikes out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game held in Chattanooga. The 17-year-old girl, a member of the Chattanooga Lookouts roster, also walks Tony Lazzeri in Chattanooga's 14-4 loss to the New York Yankees.

1908 On April 2, 1908, the Mills Commission determines that Abner Doubleday originated the game of baseball. In its final report, the seven-man commission states that, "The first scheme for playing baseball, according to the best evidence obtainable to date, was devised by Abner Doubleday at Cooperstown, NY, in 1839."…