What happened today in team history?
1994 – In-state clash
Despite both of the teams being in Florida, both the Astros and Rangers returned to Houston to play a two-game series against one another in the Astrodome. The teams split the series, with the Astros taking game one and the Rangers taking the second, before heading back to Florida to finish up Spring Training.
2009 – Astros get crushed in Spring Training
After winning their first Spring Training game, the Astros then dropped the next 19-games in a row before eventually getting a win against the Reds. This was a symbol for what was to come as starting in the 2009 season, the team would go through six-straight losing seasons from ‘09-’14.
This came after the Astros made a big splash in free agency, signing former-MVP Ivan Rodriguez to a one-year deal.
What else happened on this day?
1973
Roberto Clemente becomes the first Spanish-American to be elected into the MLB Hall of Fame.
1975
In a rare sight, the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers engage in a brawl during a Spring Training game.
1989
MLB commissioner Peter Ueberroth announces the beginning of his investigation into the acts of former All-Star Pete Rose during his time as manager of the Reds.
2000
The World Umpires Association agrees with the commissioner’s office to a consolidation. Instead of umpires being employed by either the AL or the NL, like it had been since 1901, the two sides agreed to merge into one.
2002
The MLB plans to resume games normally for the 2002 season, but plans to have “God Bless America” performed during the seventh inning stretch to honor those who fell during 9/11, with also an American flag patch on the sleeve of the 28 American teams.
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MLB announces it will suspend Spring Training and delay opening day, which was scheduled for the 26th.