Pre-Roll:
Hey everyone, welcome to the weekly show where we look back and forward at some of the biggest news stories affecting the sport we love. Whether it's a broken home run record, a famous player’s birth, or a significant franchise trade, we'll have it all covered.
This Week’s Historical Moments
March 27, 1902
The Chicago Daily News coins the nickname “Cubs” for the city’s National League club, which until that time had gone by the “Colts.” A column in the paper mentioned how the team’s manager was devoting his strongest efforts on the new “cubs” teamwork this year - referring to the team’s many young players. In time, the Cubs became the official nickname for the group instead of the Colts.
March 28, 1990
A plan to allow starting pitchers to earn victories with only three innings pitched (because of the abbreviated spring training period) was scrapped, but teams were allowed to open the regular season with 27-man rosters instead of the allowed maximum of 25.
March 29, 1867
1867 - Denton True Young was born in Gilmore, Ohio. He would earn the nickname “Cy” for his cyclone-like pitching motion. He won (and lost) more games than any pitcher in history, with a 511-316 record and a 2.63 ERA over 22 seasons. He wons 20 or more games 15 times and topped the 30-win mark five times.
March 30, 1988
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Eddie Milner is suspended for the 1988 season by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth after suffering a relapse of his cocaine problem, ending Milner's major league career.
March 31, 1996
The first-ever March Opening Day occurred in Seattle, Washington, when the Mariners faced off against the Chicago White Sox.
April 1, 1996
National League umpire John McSherry collapsed and died behind home plate seven pitches into the season opener between Cincinnati and Montreal. McSherry, who weighed close to 400 pounds, had postponed a physical until after the opener. The Reds-Expos game was postponed until the next day.
Forgotten Moments from Baseball’s Past
Babe Ruth’s Disappointing Final Season
In 1935, Babe Ruth made a bold prediction that he would hit at least 40 home runs during the upcoming season while playing for the Boston Braves. At 40 and past his prime, many people doubted whether Ruth could still perform at the highest level. However, Ruth worked hard to prepare for the season and started strong, hitting three home runs in the first two games.
Despite his strong start, Ruth struggled throughout the rest of the season and was eventually released by the Braves in June. He ended up with only six home runs in 72 at-bats, far short of his prediction. Ruth's disappointing performance in 1935 has largely been forgotten compared to his legendary accomplishments earlier in his career, but it remains an interesting footnote in baseball history.
Current News
1) The MLB is Releasing a 3D Watch Option to Select Games
Major League Baseball released a new feature in their MLB Gameday app called "3D Beta", which allows fans to watch baseball games in 3D. The feature is currently available for a limited number of games, but it is expected to be rolled out to all games in the near future.
The 3D Beta feature uses data from the MLB Statcast system to create a 3D field model, allowing fans to watch the game from any angle. The feature also includes a 3D mini-map, which enables fans to track the ball's location and players on the field.
The 3D Beta feature has been praised by fans and critics alike. Some fans have said it is the best way to watch baseball games, while others have said it is a revolutionary way to experience the game. Critics have praised the feature for its accuracy and realism, but they have also said it can overwhelm some fans.
Overall, the 3D Beta feature is an excellent addition to MLB Gameday. It allows fans to watch the game in a new and exciting way, and it will surely become a popular feature among fans.
Read the full article from PC Magazine.
2) The “MLB The Show” Video Game Breaks Barriers by Including Negro Leagues players
MLB The Show 23, a video game, will include Negro League players for the first time. The game will feature eight legends, including:
Satchel Paige
Jackie Robinson
Josh Gibson
Buck O’Neil
Rube Foster
Hilton Smith
Hank Thompson
and Martin Dihigo
Once users select a player, they will experience an entertaining narrative journey through short informational videos, followed by gameplay reflecting important moments in that player’s career.
The inclusion of Negro League players in MLB The Show 23 is a great way to honor the history of Black baseball. It is also a great way to introduce a new generation of fans to the Negro Leagues.
Read more in this article from NBC News or watch the video overview below.
3) The MLB Unveils New Replay Technology
The MLB unveiled its new replay rules for the 2023 season. A new sprawling replay facility allows umpires to monitor two games virtually at once. A replay operator helps the umpires review calls sent to them during their assigned games.
If a close play is spotted that may need review, an on-site official notifies the replay facility to review footage from television feeds.
“Us having access to all the angles at the ballpark is what leads us to be faster and faster every year,” said Jim Sensale, director of replay operations. “We’re hoping to have the call before they even come to headset.”
As for the new MLB replay rules for the 2023 season, here’s how the new changes will work:
Managers will no longer be able to challenge calls that are upheld by the replay official.
Managers will be given 20 seconds to decide whether to challenge a call.
If a manager challenges a call and it is overturned, the manager will retain the challenge.
If a manager challenges a call and it is upheld, the manager will lose their challenge.
The replay official can initiate a review if they believe a call has been missed.
The changes are designed to speed up the game and reduce the number of unnecessary reviews. The new rules will also give managers more control over when they challenge calls.
Conclusion
That's all for this edition of This Week in Baseball History. Be sure to check back next week for more memorable moments, current news, and updates from around the league!
TWIBH: 3/27-4/2