
What happened today in team history?
1987 – Thon walks out on training camp
After starting camp 0-for-8 with three errors, Astros infielder Dickie Thon walked out on training camp, citing blurred vision as the reason for his poor performance. A one-time All-Star, Thon was entering his seventh year with the club, which ended up being his last, as he signed with the San Diego Padres during the next offseason.
2002 – Dierker comes by
During Spring Training in 2002, the Astros got a surprise visit from former player and manager Larry Dierker. His first time back since his retirement in 1976, the 13-year Astro still cited it as “weird” to not be at Spring Training after 37 years.
What else happened on this day?
2003
Milwaukee Brewers TV/Radio announcer Bob Uecker is chosen by the hall of fame to receive the Ford C. Frick Award.
2018
New rule changes are added to minor league baseball. These include a pitch clock, limited number of mound visits and the introduction to the runner on second during extra innings.
2019
New rule changes are added to the MLB. These include shortening time between innings, lowering the number of mound visits, making a hard deadline for trades, a shift in the procedure for electing All-Stars and participants in the Home Run Derby and adding a three-batter minimum for relief pitchers.