Today in Baseball History: April 4th

2001 On April 4, 2001, Hideo Nomo of the Boston Red Sox pitches the second no-hitter of his career - a 3-0 whitewash of the Baltimore Orioles. In making his Red Sox' debut, Nomo becomes only the fourth pitcher in major league history to hurl no-hitters in both leagues, joining Jim Bunning, Nolan Ryan, and Cy Young in exclusive company.

2001 On April 4, 2001, in his first start in a Red Sox uniform, Hideo Nomo tosses a no-hitter against the Orioles in Baltimore. It"s the first no-hitter by a Red Sox hurler since Dave Norehead in 1965, but the second no-hitter for Nomo, who threw one for the Dodgers in 1996.

1999 On April 4, 1999, Hall of Famer Early Wynn dies at the age of 79 from complications caused by a stroke. Known for his toughness on the mound, the highly competitive Wynn won exactly 300 games over a 23-year career with the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.

1994 On April 4, 1994, the Cleveland Indians inaugurate Jacobs Field with a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Eddie Murray hits a home run for the Indians, who played their last game at Municipal Stadium in 1993.

1994 On April 4, 1994, journeyman outfielder Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes of the Chicago Cubs blasts three home runs on Opening Day. Victimizing New York Mets right-hander Dwight Gooden, Rhodes becomes the first player in history to hit home runs in his first three at-bats of the season. In spite of Rhodes' unexpected home run barrage, the Cubs lose the game, 12-8…

1988 On April 4, 1988, George Bell of the Toronto Blue Jays becomes the first major leaguer to hit three home runs on Opening Day. Bell's home runs, all coming against Kansas City Royals ace Bret Saberhagen, help the Jays to a 5-3 win…

1988 On April 4, 1988, the New York Mets set an Opening Day record by clouting six home runs in a 10-6 win over the Montreal Expos. Kevin McReynolds and Darryl Strawberry each bang out a pair of home runs at Olympic Stadium. Estimates place Strawberry's second home run at 525 feet…

1977 On April 4, 1977, the Pittsburgh Pirates make a seemingly minor trade that will pay major dividends. The Bucs acquire outfielder Mike Easler from the California Angels for minor league pitcher Randy Sealy. Easler will contribute mightily to the Pirates' World Championship in 1979.

1974 On April 4, 1974, Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron blasts an historic three-run home run against Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jack Billingham on Opening Day. The home run is the 714th of Aaron's Hall of Fame career, tying him with the legendary Babe Ruth for the most home runs in major league history.

1911 On April 4, 1911, automobile maker Hugh Chalmers introduces the concept of a "Most Valuable Player." Chalmers announces that he will award a new car to the player in each league who is selected MVP by a vote of baseball writers.