Interleague play
From BR Bullpen
Interleague play was an innovation in Major League Baseball during the 1997 season. Prior to 1997, teams from the American League and National League would play only in spring training, the All Star Game, and during the World Series. During this time, the leagues had gained a unique identity and prided themselves on being a member of their league.
Contents |
[edit] Previous Plans
The idea for the leagues to play each other, began in 1933 when Bill Veeck Sr. suggested that teams play the other league for six weeks in the summer. The plan received some support but Veeck died later that year and his plan was shelved.
With the Washington Senators moving to Minnesota, there was talk of putting a National League team in New York, creating two nine-team leagues. With the imbalance, there would be one interleague series each day of the season. This plan is shelved when the American League expands by two teams in 1961 and the National League follows in 1962.
When the American League adopted the designated hitter in 1973, they also voted for interleague play but the plan was rejected by the National League. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn formed a committee to study the matter.
[edit] Notable Firsts
- First Game: San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers, June 12, 1997
- First Pitch: Darren Oliver
- First Batter: Darryl Hamilton
- First Hit: Hamilton, led off the game with a single
- First Run: Damon Buford
- First Home Run: Stan Javier
- First Home Run by an American League Pitcher: Bobby Witt vs. Dodgers, June 30, 1997
[edit] Results
Through the 2006 season, the American League holds a 1249-1202 edge in interleague competition.
[edit] Trivia
The following American League pitchers have homered in interleague play:
- Bobby Witt, 1997
- Dave Burba, 1998
- Dwight Gooden, 1999
- Esteban Yan, 2000
- Mark Hendrickson, 2003
- Jason Davis, 2004
- Zack Greinke, 2005
- Jason Johnson, 2005
- C.C. Sabathia, 2005
- Josh Beckett, 2006
- Kris Benson, 2006
To date, no American League pitcher has homered more than once in interleague play.
[edit] Further Reading
- Gary Gillette and Pete Palmer: "Interleague Attendance Boost Mostly a Mirage", in The Baseball Research Journal, Society for American Baseball Research, Cleveland, OH, # 35 (2007), pp. 106-108.
