1998 Major League Baseball season

This article is about the 1998 Major League Baseball season only. For information on all of baseball, see1998 in baseball.

1998 MLB season
League	Major League Baseball
Sport	Baseball
Duration	March 31 – October 21, 1998
Number of games	162
Number of teams	30
TV partner(s)	Fox/FSN,ESPN,NBC
Draft
Top draft pick	Pat Burrell
Picked by	Philadelphia Phillies
Regular Season
SeasonMVP	AL:Juan González(TEX) NL:Sammy Sosa(CHC)
Postseason
ALchampions	New York Yankees
AL runners-up	Cleveland Indians
NLchampions	San Diego Padres
NL runners-up	Atlanta Braves
World Series
Champions	New York Yankees
Runners-up	San Diego Padres
World SeriesMVP	Scott Brosius(NYY)

Angels

Athletics

Mariners

Rangers

White Sox

Indians

Tigers

Royals

Twins

Orioles

Red
Sox

Yankees

Devil Rays

Blue
Jays

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Locations of teams for the 1998American Leagueseason
WestCentralEast

Diamondbacks

Rockies

Dodgers

Padres

Giants

Cubs

Reds

Astros

Brewers

Pirates

Cardinals

Braves

Marlins

Expos

Mets

Phillies

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Locations of teams for the 1998–1999National Leagueseasons
WestCentralEast

The1998 Major League Baseball seasonended with theNew York Yankeessweeping theSan Diego Padresin theWorld Series,after they had won a thenALrecord 114 regular season games. The Yankees finished with 125 wins for the season (regular season and playoffs combined), which remains the MLB record.

The 1998 season was marked by MLB’sexpansionto 30 teams (16 in theNL,14 in theAL), with two new teams–theArizona Diamondbacksin the National League, and theTampa Bay Devil Raysin the American League–added. To keep the leagues with even numbers of teamswhile allowing both leagues to have a new team, theMilwaukee Brewerswere moved from the American League Central Division to the National League Central Division. TheDetroit Tigerswere shifted from the American League East to the American League Central, while the Devil Rays were added to the American League East. The Diamondbacks were added to the National League West, making the NL have more teams than the AL for the first time (this arrangement would last until the end of the 2012 season, when the Houston Astros moved from the National to the American League for 2013, giving each league 15 teams).

The biggest story of the season was thehistoric chase of the single-season home run recordheld at the time byRoger Maris.Initially, theSt. Louis Cardinals'Mark McGwireandKen Griffey Jr.of theSeattle Marinersstarted the season on a pace to both break Maris' record. In June, the chase was joined by theChicago Cubs'Sammy Sosa,who broke the decades-old record ofRudy Yorkfor most home runs in a calendar month with 20 that month. Eventually, Griffey fell off the record pace, but still ended with 56 homers. Both McGwire and Sosa broke the record in September, with McGwire ultimately finishing with 70 homers to Sosa's 66. McGwire's record would last only three years, withBarry Bondshitting 73 in 2001. The 1998 season was also the first in MLB history with four playershitting 50 or more homers,withGreg Vaughnof theSan Diego Padreshitting 50. In a postscript to the record chase, both McGwire and Sosa have since been widely accused ofhaving used performance-enhancing drugsduring that period, and McGwire would admit in 2010 that he had used steroids during the record-setting season.

The defending World Series champions Florida Marlins finished last in the NL East Division at 54–108, making it the first, and only, time that a team went from winning the World Series one year to finishing with 100 or more losses and last in their division the following year.

New commissioner

On July 9, 1998, Major League Baseball Executive Council chairmanBud Seligofficially became the 9th commissioner of baseball, though he had been thede factocommissioner for nearly 6 years. During that time, the owners had tried to find a replacement for previous commissionerFay Vincentwho was forced to step down by the owners towards the end of 1992 season mainly due to the lockout he intervened in during the 1990 season.

Standings

American League

AL East

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
(1)New York Yankees	114	48	.704	—	62‍–‍19	52‍–‍29
(4)Boston Red Sox	92	70	.568	22	51‍–‍30	41‍–‍40
Toronto Blue Jays	88	74	.543	26	51‍–‍30	37‍–‍44
Baltimore Orioles	79	83	.488	35	42‍–‍39	37‍–‍44
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	63	99	.389	51	33‍–‍48	30‍–‍51

AL Central

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
(2)Cleveland Indians	89	73	.549	—	46‍–‍35	43‍–‍38
Chicago White Sox	80	82	.494	9	44‍–‍37	36‍–‍45
Kansas City Royals	72	89	.447	16½	29‍–‍51	43‍–‍38
Minnesota Twins	70	92	.432	19	35‍–‍46	35‍–‍46
Detroit Tigers	65	97	.401	24	32‍–‍49	33‍–‍48

AL West

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
(3)Texas Rangers	88	74	.543	—	48‍–‍33	40‍–‍41
Anaheim Angels	85	77	.525	3	42‍–‍39	43‍–‍38
Seattle Mariners	76	85	.472	11½	42‍–‍39	34‍–‍46
Oakland Athletics	74	88	.457	14	39‍–‍42	35‍–‍46

National League

NL East

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
(1)Atlanta Braves	106	56	.654	—	56‍–‍25	50‍–‍31
New York Mets	88	74	.543	18	47‍–‍34	41‍–‍40
Philadelphia Phillies	75	87	.463	31	40‍–‍41	35‍–‍46
Montreal Expos	65	97	.401	41	39‍–‍42	26‍–‍55
Florida Marlins	54	108	.333	52	31‍–‍50	23‍–‍58

NL Central

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
(2)Houston Astros	102	60	.630	—	55‍–‍26	47‍–‍34
(4)Chicago Cubs	90	73	.552	12½	51‍–‍31	39‍–‍42
St. Louis Cardinals	83	79	.512	19	48‍–‍34	35‍–‍45
Cincinnati Reds	77	85	.475	25	39‍–‍42	38‍–‍43
Milwaukee Brewers	74	88	.457	28	38‍–‍43	36‍–‍45
Pittsburgh Pirates	69	93	.426	33	40‍–‍40	29‍–‍53

NL West

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
(3)San Diego Padres	98	64	.605	—	54‍–‍27	44‍–‍37
San Francisco Giants	89	74	.546	9½	49‍–‍32	40‍–‍42
Los Angeles Dodgers	83	79	.512	15	48‍–‍33	35‍–‍46
Colorado Rockies	77	85	.475	21	42‍–‍39	35‍–‍46
Arizona Diamondbacks	65	97	.401	33	34‍–‍47	31‍–‍50

• TheChicago Cubsdefeated theSan Francisco Giantsin aone-game playoffto earn the NL Wild Card.

Postseason

Main article:1998 MLB Postseason

This was the first season in which teams were seeded by their respective win–loss record within their respective leagues.

• Division Champions were seeded 1–3.
• Wild Cards were automatically seeded 4 (regardless of having a better record than a Division Champion).
• The team with the better regular season record in the first two rounds had home-field advantage, with the wild card never having home-field until theWorld Series.
• TheDivision Seriespitted the No. 1 seeded Division Champion against the No. 4 seeded Wild Card, while the No. 2 seeded faced the No. 3 seeded Division Champion.
  • If the No. 1 seeded Division Champion and the Wild Card were in the same division, the No. 1 seeded Division Champion would instead face the No. 3 seeded Division Champion while the No. 2 seeded Division Champion would face the No. 4 seeded Wild Card.
• Home-field advantage in the World Series was still based on yearly rotation at this time (until that changed in2003).
• This was also the first season in which the Division Series was conducted under a 2–2–1 format. The higher seed hosted Games 1–2, and 5 (if necessary). The lower seeded team would host Games 3 and 4 (Game 4, if necessary). Previously, the team with home-field advantage in all best-of-5 postseason series (LCS from 1969–1984, LDS from 1981, 1995–1997) were conducted in a 2–3 format where the team with home-field advantage would have to open on the road for the first two games, while hosting the final three games (if Games 4 & 5 are necessary).

Bracket

	Division Series (ALDS,NLDS)					League Championship Series (ALCS,NLCS)					World Series
	1	NY Yankees	3
	3	Texas	0
						1	NY Yankees	4
	American League
						2	Cleveland	2
	2	Cleveland	3
	4	Boston	1
											AL1	NY Yankees	4
											NL3	San Diego	0
	1	Atlanta	3
	4	Chicago Cubs	0
						1	Atlanta	2
	National League
						3	San Diego	4
	2	Houston	1
	3	San Diego	3

Awards and honors

• Baseball Hall of Fame
  • George Davis
  • Larry Doby
  • Lee MacPhail
  • Bullet Rogan
  • Don Sutton

Further information:1998 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting

Baseball Writers' Association of AmericaAwards
BBWAA Award	National League	American League
Rookie of the Year	Kerry Wood(CHC)	Ben Grieve(OAK)
Cy Young Award	Tom Glavine(ATL)	Roger Clemens(TOR)
Manager of the Year	Larry Dierker(HOU)	Joe Torre(NYY)
Most Valuable Player	Sammy Sosa(CHC)	Juan González(TEX)
Gold Glove Awards
Position	National League	American League
Pitcher	Greg Maddux(ATL)	Mike Mussina(BAL)
Catcher	Charles Johnson(FLA)	Iván Rodríguez(TEX)
First Baseman	J. T. Snow(SF)	Rafael Palmeiro(BAL)
Second Baseman	Bret Boone(CIN)	Roberto Alomar(CLE)
Third Baseman	Scott Rolen(PHI)	Robin Ventura(CWS)
Shortstop	Rey Ordonez(NYM)	Omar Vizquel(CLE)
Outfielders	Barry Bonds(SF)	Bernie Williams(NYY)
	Larry Walker(COL)	Jim Edmonds(LAA)
	Andruw Jones(ATL)	Ken Griffey Jr.(SEA)
Silver Slugger Awards
Pitcher/Designated Hitter	Tom Glavine(ATL)	Jose Canseco(TOR)
Catcher	Mike Piazza(NYM)	Iván Rodríguez(TEX)
First Baseman	Mark McGwire(STL)	Rafael Palmeiro(BAL)
Second Baseman	Craig Biggio(HOU)	Damion Easley(DET)
Third Baseman	Vinny Castilla(COL)	Dean Palmer(KC)
Shortstop	Barry Larkin(CIN)	Alex Rodriguez(SEA)
Outfielders	Moisés Alou(HOU)	Albert Belle(CWS)
	Sammy Sosa(CHC)	Juan González(TEX)
	Greg Vaughn(SD)	Ken Griffey Jr.(SEA)

Other awards

• Outstanding Designated Hitter Award:Edgar Martínez(SEA)
• Roberto Clemente Award(Humanitarian):Sammy Sosa(CHC).
• Rolaids Relief Man Award:Tom Gordon(BOS,American);Trevor Hoffman(SD,National).

Player of the Month

Month	American League	National League
April	Iván Rodríguez	Mark McGwire
May	Bernie Williams	Mark McGwire
June	Rafael Palmeiro	Sammy Sosa
July	Albert Belle	Vladimir Guerrero
August	Derek Jeter	Jeff Kent
September	Albert Belle	Mark McGwire

Pitcher of the Month

Month	American League	National League
April	Chuck Finley	Tom Glavine
May	Hideki Irabu	Orel Hershiser
June	Bartolo Colón	Greg Maddux
July	David Cone	Chan Ho Park
August	Roger Clemens	Randy Johnson
September	Rick Helling	Randy Johnson

MLB statistical leaders

Statistic	American League		National League
AVG	Bernie WilliamsNYY	.339	Larry WalkerCOL	.363
HR	Ken Griffey Jr.SEA	56	Mark McGwireSTL	70
RBI	Juan GonzálezTEX	157	Sammy SosaCHC	158
Wins	Roger Clemens1TOR David ConeNYY Rick HellingTEX	20	Tom GlavineATL	20
ERA	Roger Clemens1TOR	2.65	Greg MadduxATL	2.22
SO	Roger Clemens1TOR	271	Curt SchillingPHI	300
SV	Tom GordonBOS	46	Trevor HoffmanSD	53
SB	Rickey HendersonOAK	66	Tony WomackPIT	58

¹American League Triple Crownpitching winner

Managers

American League

Team	Manager	Notes
Anaheim Angels	Terry Collins
Baltimore Orioles	Ray Miller
Boston Red Sox	Jimy Williams
Chicago White Sox	Jerry Manuel
Cleveland Indians	Mike Hargrove
Detroit Tigers	Buddy Bell,Larry Parrish	Bell (52–85,.380), Parrish (13–12,.520)
Kansas City Royals	Tony Muser
Minnesota Twins	Tom Kelly
New York Yankees	Joe Torre	Won theWorld Series
Oakland Athletics	Art Howe
Seattle Mariners	Lou Piniella
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	Larry Rothschild	Expansion team
Texas Rangers	Johnny Oates
Toronto Blue Jays	Tim Johnson

National League

Team	Manager	Notes
Arizona Diamondbacks	Buck Showalter	Expansion team
Atlanta Braves	Bobby Cox
Chicago Cubs	Jim Riggleman
Cincinnati Reds	Jack McKeon
Colorado Rockies	Don Baylor
Florida Marlins	Jim Leyland
Houston Astros	Larry Dierker
Los Angeles Dodgers	Bill Russell,Glenn Hoffman	Russell (36–38,.486), Hoffman (47–41,.534)
Milwaukee Brewers	Phil Garner
Montreal Expos	Felipe Alou
New York Mets	Bobby Valentine
Philadelphia Phillies	Terry Francona
Pittsburgh Pirates	Gene Lamont
St. Louis Cardinals	Tony La Russa
San Diego Padres	Bruce Bochy	Won National League pennant
San Francisco Giants	Dusty Baker

Home field attendance & payroll

Team name	Wins	%±	Home attendance	%±	Per game	Est. payroll	%±
Colorado Rockies	77	-7.2%	3,792,683	-2.5%	46,823	$50,484,648	15.9%
Baltimore Orioles	79	-19.4%	3,684,650	-0.7%	45,490	$72,525,634	23.9%
Arizona Diamondbacks	65		3,610,290		44,571	$32,347,000
Cleveland Indians	89	3.5%	3,467,299	1.8%	42,806	$61,718,166	8.7%
Atlanta Braves	106	5.0%	3,360,860	-3.0%	41,492	$61,186,000	17.0%
St. Louis Cardinals	83	13.7%	3,195,691	21.3%	38,972	$54,672,521	20.3%
Los Angeles Dodgers	83	-5.7%	3,089,222	-6.9%	38,139	$48,820,000	7.6%
New York Yankees	114	18.8%	2,955,193	14.5%	36,484	$66,806,867	7.3%
Texas Rangers	88	14.3%	2,927,399	-0.6%	36,141	$56,752,095	6.2%
Seattle Mariners	76	-15.6%	2,651,511	-16.9%	32,735	$54,802,036	31.9%
Chicago Cubs	90	32.4%	2,623,194	19.8%	31,990	$50,838,000	20.6%
San Diego Padres	98	28.9%	2,555,874	22.3%	31,554	$46,861,500	25.4%
Anaheim Angels	85	1.2%	2,519,280	42.5%	31,102	$41,791,000	34.2%
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	63		2,506,293		30,942	$27,280,000
Houston Astros	102	21.4%	2,458,451	20.1%	30,351	$42,374,000	21.8%
Toronto Blue Jays	88	15.8%	2,454,303	-5.2%	30,300	$51,376,000	9.1%
Boston Red Sox	92	17.9%	2,314,704	4.0%	28,577	$56,927,000	30.7%
New York Mets	88	0.0%	2,287,948	29.5%	28,246	$52,247,999	31.3%
San Francisco Giants	89	-1.1%	1,925,364	13.9%	23,770	$42,738,334	20.1%
Milwaukee Brewers	74	-5.1%	1,811,593	25.5%	22,365	$34,139,904	44.3%
Cincinnati Reds	77	1.3%	1,793,649	0.4%	22,144	$23,005,000	-53.8%
Florida Marlins	54	-41.3%	1,730,384	-26.8%	21,363	$41,864,667	-14.0%
Philadelphia Phillies	75	10.3%	1,715,722	15.1%	21,182	$36,297,500	-1.0%
Pittsburgh Pirates	69	-12.7%	1,560,950	-5.8%	19,271	$15,065,000	39.9%
Kansas City Royals	72	7.5%	1,494,875	-1.5%	18,686	$38,097,500	9.4%
Detroit Tigers	65	-17.7%	1,409,391	3.2%	17,400	$24,265,000	40.5%
Chicago White Sox	80	0.0%	1,391,146	-25.4%	16,965	$39,850,000	-31.0%
Oakland Athletics	74	13.8%	1,232,343	-2.5%	15,214	$21,473,000	-10.6%
Minnesota Twins	70	2.9%	1,165,976	-17.4%	14,395	$28,097,500	-17.5%
Montreal Expos	65	-16.7%	914,909	-38.9%	11,295	$10,641,500	-44.8%

Television coverage

This was the third season under the five-year rights agreements withESPN,Fox,andNBC.ESPN continued to airSunday Night BaseballandWednesday Night Baseball.Fox's coverage includedFox Saturday Baseballbroadcasts, Thursday night games onFox Sports Net,and Saturday primetime games onFX.NBC aired theAll-Star Game.During thepostseason,ESPN, Fox, and NBC split the four Division Series. NBC then televised theAmerican League Championship Serieswhile Fox aired both theNational League Championship Seriesand theWorld Series.

Events

January–March

• January 5 –Don Sutton,a 324-game winner, is elected to theBaseball Hall of Fameon his fifth try. Sutton, who missed election by nine votes in 1990, is named on 81.6% of the ballots.
• February 2 –New York Yankeesgeneral managerBob Watsonannounces his resignation. He is replaced by 30-year-oldBrian Cashman.
• February 18 – Long-timeChicago CubsTV and radio announcerHarry Caraydies at the age of 83.
• March 3 –Larry Doby,Lee MacPhail,George DavisandBullet Joe Roganare elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.
• March 31 – TheTampa Bay Devil Rayslose to theDetroit Tigers11–6, in their first game ever. PitcherWilson Álvareztakes the loss for Tampa while third basemanWade Boggshit the first home run in team history and drives in three runs.
• March 31 – TheArizona Diamondbacksdrop a 9–2 decision to theColorado Rockiesin their first game ever.Andy Benesis tagged with the loss, and rookiesTravis Lee,who gets three hits, andKarim Garcíahit the franchises second home run.Vinny Castilladrives in five runs for Colorado.
• March 31 – TheNew York MetsbeatrivalPhiladelphia Phillies1–0 in the longest scoreless opening day game in the National League and the longest one in the MLB since 1926 when theWashington Senatorsbeat thePhiladelphia Athletics1–0 in 15 innings when backup catcherAlberto Castillodelivered a full-count, two-out, pinch-hit single to right with the bases loaded off Philadelphia closerRicky Bottalico.

April–June

• April 1 – The expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays win their first game in franchise history, beating the Tigers 11–8.Fred McGriffhas four RBI on three hits.
• April 2 – By hitting a home run in Colorado's 6–4 win over Arizona atBank One Ballpark,Rockies outfielderEllis Burkssets a major league record by having homered in 33 different stadiums.
• April 5 – The Arizona Diamondbacks win their first game in franchise history 3–2, over theSan Francisco Giants.Andy Benesgets the win for the 1–5 D'backs.
• April 10 – TheLos Angeles Dodgers'Mike Piazzabecomes the fifth NL player in history to hitgrand slamsin consecutive games by homering in a 7–2 win over theHouston Astros.Piazza also homered with the bags full, while driving in six runs, in last night's 7–2 win over Arizona. He'll hit another on April 24 to tie the major-league record for slams in a month.
• April 13 – TheSeattle Mariners'Ken Griffey Jr.slugs two home runs in a 6–5 loss to theCleveland Indians.In doing so, he becomes the second–youngest player in big league history to reach 300 homers for his career, at 28 years and 143 days.Jimmie Foxx,at 27 years 328 days, was younger.
• May 3 – TheSeattle Mariners'Dan Wilsonbecomes just the seventh catcher in major league history to hit aninside-the-parkgrand slam,asSeattledefeats Detroit 10–6. It's a first for the Mariners and the first in the AL sinceMike Greenwelldid it on September 1, 1990.
• May 6 – In one of the finest pitching efforts ever,Chicago Cubsrookie right-handerKerry Woodfans 20Houston Astrosin a 2–0, one-hit victory to tie the major league mark for strikeouts in a nine-inning game. The 20-year-old ties the record held byRoger Clemens,who performed the feat twice. The only Houston baserunners come from an infield single toRicky Gutiérrezin the 3rd inning and a hit batter. Wood also becomes the second pitcher in baseball history to record a single-game strikeout total equal to his age (in 1936, 17-year-oldBob Fellerstruck out 17 batters). Wood strikes out the first five batters of the game, and seven in a row between the 7th and 9th innings, tyingJamie Moyer's Cubs record for most consecutive strikeouts.
• May 11 – In a 4–2 win over Arizona, Kerry Wood strikes out 13 Diamondbacks in seven innings. By doing so, Wood sets a major league record with 33 strikeouts over two consecutive games.
• May 13 – TheAtlanta Bravesset an NL record by homering in their 25th straight game, a 10–2 win over theSt. Louis Cardinals.This ties the major league mark held by the1941 Yankeesand the1994 Tigers.The streak will be stopped by the Cardinals the next day.
• May 15 – In one of the biggest trades in recent years, the Dodgers send All-Star catcherMike Piazzaand third basemanTodd Zeileto theFlorida Marlinsin exchange for outfieldersGary SheffieldandJim Eisenreich,catcherCharles Johnson,third basemanBobby Bonilla,and pitcherManuel Barrios.On May 22, the Mets will acquire Piazza from the Marlins in exchange for outfielderPreston Wilson,pitcherEd Yarnalland a minor league player.
• May 17 – Yankees pitcherDavid Wellshurls the 15thperfect gamein modern major league history with a 4–0 win over theMinnesota Twins.Wells fans 11 batters in his masterpiece.Bernie Williamsstrokes three hits for New York, including a home run.
• May 18 – TheOakland Athletics'Mike Blowershits for the cycleand drives home four runs in theA's14–0 win over theWhite Sox.Blowers become only the second player in franchise history to accomplish the feat.
• May 19 – The Cardinals'Mark McGwirehits three home runs in a game for the second time this season, leading St. Louis to a 10–8 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. He is only the 12th player in history to have a pair of 3–HR games in the same season. McGwire drives in six of the Cardinal runs as he reaches the 20 home run mark faster than other player in history.
• May 25 – Cleveland'sDavid Bellbecomes the third player in major league history to play against a team managed by his father. Bell's two–run double brings home the go–ahead run in the Indians 7–4 win overBuddy Bell's Detroit Tigers.Bump WillsandMoisés Alouare the only other players to appear in games against their fathers (Maury WillsandFelipe Alou).
• May 28 – With Arizona leading the Giants, 8–6, in the bottom of the 9th with the bases loaded, managerBuck Showalterorders relieverGregg Olsonto intentionally walkBarry Bondsto bring home the Giants' 7th run. It is only the fourth bases–loaded intentional walk in major league history, and the first sinceBill "Swish" Nicholsonon July 23, 1944.
• June 6 – Hall of Fame second basemanJoe Morganhas his uniform number 8 retired by theCincinnati Redsin a ceremony atCinergy Field.

July–September

• July 5 –Roger Clemensof theToronto Blue Jaysrecords his 3000th career strikeout in the Jays' 2–1 win over theTampa Bay Devil Rays.Tampa left fielderRandy Winnis the victim of Clemens' milestone.
• June 7 – AtCamden Yards,Hall of FamerEddie Murrayhas his uniform number 33 retired by theBaltimore Orioles.
• June 10 – Colorado'sDante Bichettebecomes the first Rockies player ever tohit for the cyclein the team's 9–8, 10–inning victory over theRangers.
• June 10 – TheNew York Yankees'Tim Rainessteals the 800th base of his career in the Yankees' 6–2 win over theMontreal Expos.He is the fifth player in history to reach the milestone.
• June 15 –Sammy Sosahits three home runs, helping theChicago Cubsbeat theMilwaukee Brewers6–5.
• June 20 – TheCleveland IndiansretireBob Lemon's uniform number 19 prior to the team's 5–3 loss to the Yankees.
• June 30 – TheChicago Cubs'Sammy Sosahits his 33rd home run of the season in a game against theArizona Diamondbacks.Sosa's 20th home run in the month of June is a new MLB record for most home runs in one month.
• July 7 – TheAmerican Leaguedefeats theNational League13–8, in the69th All–Star GameatCoors FieldinDenver.Baltimore'sRoberto Alomaris named the game's MVP, going 3–for–4 with a home run, one RBI, one stolen base, and two runs scored.
• July 9 –Bud Seligis elected as the ninthCommissioner of Baseballby a vote of club owners.
• July 17 –Rafael Palmeirohits his 300th career home run, helping theBaltimore Oriolesbeat theAnaheim Angels4–1.
• July 26 –Trevor Hoffman's bid to set a major league record with 42 straight saves ended when theSan Diegocloser gives up a home run toMoisés Alouon his first delivery in the ninth inning, tying the game. The Padres defeatHouston5–4 in the 10th, but Hoffman blows his chance at history.
• July 31 – The Houston Astros acquire flame-throwing pitcherRandy Johnsonof theSeattle Marinersfor three minor league players; Johnson caught fire upon arriving in Houston. In 11 regular-season starts with the Astros, he had a 10–1 record, a 1.28 ERA, and 116 strikeouts in84+1⁄3innings, and pitched 4 shutouts. Johnson finished seventh in the National League Cy Young voting despite pitching only two months in the league, and helped Houston win their second straight National League Central division title.
• August 4 –Carlos Delgadoof theToronto Blue Jayshits three home runs, but the Jays lose to theTexas Rangers11–9 inArlington.
• August 9 –Dennis Martínezof theAtlanta Bravesdefeats theSan Francisco Giants7–5, for his 244th career victory, to set the record for most wins by a Latin American pitcher.Juan Marichalheld the old mark.Chipper Jonesbacks Martínez' pitching with four hits and four RBI.
• August 13 –Harold Bainesof theBaltimore Oriolesbecomes the all–time leader in RBI by adesignated hitterwhen he drives in his 824th in a 7–4 win over the Indians.Hal McRaewas the previous record holder.
• August 14 – Baltimore catcherChris Hoilesbecomes the ninth player – and first catcher – to hit twogrand slamsin a single game, doing so in a 15–3 win over theCleveland Indians.
• August 23 –Barry Bondsswats his 400th career home run, a two-run shot offKirt Ojala,in theSan Francisco Giants' 10–5 victory over theFlorida Marlins.
• August 25 – TheToronto Blue Jays'Roger Clemensstrikes out 18 in a 3–0 victory over theKansas City Royals.He becomes the first pitcher ever to record three games of 18 or more strikeouts. Clemens allows only three hits and does not walk a batter.
• August 31 – Oakland'sRickey Hendersonscores the 2,000th run of his career in the Athletics' 15–6 loss to Cleveland. He joinsTy Cobb,Hank Aaron,Babe Ruth,Pete RoseandWillie Maysas the only players to reach the milestone.
• August 31 – Chicago'sKerry Woodthrows 135 pitches in a game against a mediocreCincinnati Redsteam and wakes up the next morning with a sore right elbow. It is the 9th game of the season that managerJim Rigglemanallowed the 20-year old rookie to throw more than 120 pitches. The Cubs decided to shut-down the super-star for the remainder of the regular season. Kerry would return for one game in the playoffs, before blowing out his elbow in spring training the next year.
• September 4 – The New York Yankees win their 100th game of the season, defeating the Chicago White Sox 11–6. The Yankees reach that mark five days faster than the 1906Chicago Cubsand 1954Cleveland Indians.
• September 5 –Mark McGwirebecomes the third player in major league history to reach 60 home runs, as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7–0. McGwire joinsBabe RuthandRoger Mariswith 60 home runs in a single season.
• September 6 – Atlanta'sAndruw Joneshits his 50th career home run in a 4–0 win over theNew York Mets.He becomes the third–youngest player in history to reach that level; onlyMel OttandTony Conigliarodid so at a younger age.
• September 7 –Ken Griffey Jr.hits his fiftieth home run of the season, becoming the third player (Babe RuthandMark McGwire) to hit 50 or more home runs in consecutive seasons.
• September 8 – Mark McGwire breaksRoger Maris' 37-year-old home run record, lining historic No. 62 just over the wall in left field with two outs in the fourth inning. McGwire's solo shot off theChicago Cubs'Steve Trachsel—among the shortest he would hit all year—sets off a wild celebration atBusch Stadium.The Cubs'Sammy Sosa,who hit his 58th home run earlier in the game, is on the field to congratulate McGwire, creating an iconic image of the 1998 home run race. In the sixth inning of the same game, the Cardinals'J. D. Drewmakes his major league debut pinch-hitting for pitcherKent Mercker.
• September 11 – TheFlorida Marlinslose to theAtlanta Braves8–2, becoming the first World Series champion in history to lose 100 games the next season.
• September 15 –Ken Griffey Jr.hits homer #52 and drives in the 1,000th run of his career in the Mariners' 12–7 win over theMinnesota Twins.He becomes the fourth–youngest player in history to reach the milestone, afterMel Ott,Jimmie FoxxandLou Gehrig.A day later, Griffey would collect his 20th stolen base of the season to become just the third player in major league history to record at least 50 homers and 20 steals in the same season;Willie MaysandBrady Andersonare the others.
• September 16 –Mike Piazzahits his 200th career home run, helping theNew York Metsbeat theHouston Astros4–3.
• September 17 –Denny Neagleputs theAtlanta Bravespitching staff into the baseball record books as he limits theArizona Diamondbacksto four hits in six innings for a 1–0 win. Neagle improves to 15–11, making the Braves (featuring Neagle,Tom Glavine,Greg Maddux,John Smoltz,andKevin Millwood) the first major league team with five 15-game winners since the 1930Washington Senators.
• September 19 –Alex Rodriguezof theSeattle Marinershits his 40thhome runof the season and becomes the third player (afterJosé CansecoandBarry Bonds) to join the40–40 club.
• September 20 –Cal Ripken Jr.of theBaltimore Oriolestakes himself out of the lineup prior to the game with the New York Yankees to end his major league record consecutive game streak at 2,632. The Orioles lose the historic game by a score of 5–4.Ryan Minor,Ripken's replacement at third base, gets one hit in four at bats.
• September 21 –Jason Kendallof thePittsburgh Piratessteals his 26th base of the season to set a new NL record for catchers. The previous mark was set byJohn Stearnsin 1978.
• September 23 – AtMilwaukee County Stadium,Sammy Sosahits his 64th and 65th home runs as the Chicago Cubs jump out to a 7–0 lead against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, the Brewers erase the deficit by scoring eight runs in the last three innings, the last three coming whenBrant Browndrops aGeoff Jenkinsfly ball with two out in the ninth inning; the error allowsMark Loretta,Jeff CirilloandJeromy Burnitzto score. The Cubs stay tied with the San Francisco Giants for the wild-card lead when they could have led by one game with three games left. Ironically, the error comes 90 years to the day ofFred Merkle's baserunning mistake, which led to the Cubs ultimately winning the National League pennant and, to date,their last World Series title.
• September 23 – Second basemanCraig Biggioof theHouston Astrossteals his 50th base of the year and becomes the first player sinceTris Speakerin 1912 to hit 50 doubles and steal 50 bases in a season, as the Astros beat theSt. Louis Cardinals7–1.
• September 24 –Boston Red SoxpitcherTom Gordonrecords his 42nd consecutive save of the year for a new major league mark as Boston defeats theBaltimore Orioles9–6.Rod BeckandTrevor Hoffmanshared the old mark.
• September 25 – Just hours afterSammy Sosahits his league-leading 66th home run, pulling ahead ofMark McGwirefor the first time all season, McGwire hits his 66th in a game against the Montreal Expos.
• September 26 –Dennis Eckersleyof theBoston Red Soxgets a standing ovation from theFenway Parkcrowd as he appears in his 1,071st game, breakingHoyt Wilhelm's record for most appearances by a pitcher. However, the Red Sox lose to Baltimore 5–2.
• September 26 – TheSt. Louis Cardinals'Mark McGwirehits his 67th and 68th home runs against the Montreal Expos, pulling two ahead of theChicago Cubs'Sammy Sosa,who goes 2-for-4 but fails to homer against theHouston Astros.
• September 27 – TheCincinnati Redsdefeat thePittsburgh Pirates,4–1. Cincinnati uses a pair of brothers in the infield:Bret Boone(second base) and his brotherAaron(third base);Barry Larkin(shortstop) and his brotherStephen(first base).
• September 27 – In the St. Louis Cardinals' final game of the season,Mark McGwirehits two home runs against theMontreal Exposfor the second straight night, establishing a new MLB record with 70 home runs in a season.Sammy Sosafails to hit a home run in theCubs' 4–3 loss to theHouston Astros,leaving him at 66 homers. However, the Cubs' loss forces aone-game playoffwith theSan Francisco Giantsfor theNational League wild card,giving Sosa one final chance to reach McGwire.
• September 27 – In theSan Diego Padres' final regular season game, left fielderGreg Vaughnhits his 50th home run of the season, a career high and a San Diego Padres record for home runs in a season. This marks the first time in major league history that four players – Vaughn (50),Griffey(56),Sosa(66) andMcGwire(70) – hit at least 50 home runs in the same season. Also during this game,Trevor Hoffmanrecords his 53rd save of the season, tying the National League record set by the Cubs'Randy Myersin 1993.
• September 27 – TheNew York Yankeeswin their seventh-straight game, defeating theTampa Bay Devil Rays8–3. The Yankees finish the season with an American League record 114 wins.
• September 27 – In recording his first-ever Major League win, a 2–1 decision over theDetroit Tigersat theSkyDome,Roy Halladayof theToronto Blue Jays,a week removed from his Major League debut, has what would have been the secondno-hitterin Blue Jay history broken up by aBobby Higginsonhome run with two out in the ninth, the only hit he will allow. The no-hitter also would have been the third to be pitched on the final day of a regular season, joining the combination ofVida Blue,Glenn Abbott,Paul LindbladandRollie Fingersin 1975 andMike Witt'sperfect gamein 1984. The home run ball is caught, ironically, byDave Stieb,himself a three-time victim of a no-hitter being broken up with two out in the ninth (his last two starts of the 1988 season and aperfect gamebid in 1989) before finally pitching the Blue Jays' only no-hitter to date, in 1990.
• September 28 – In aone-game playoff,theChicago Cubsdefeat theSan Francisco Giants5–3 to secure the final playoff spot in the National League. For the third game in a row, the Cubs'Sammy Sosagets two hits, but no home runs, leaving him at 66 home runs for the season, four fewer thanMark McGwire,who pulled ahead of Sosa with five home runs in his final three games.

October–December

• October 3 – TheChicago Cubsare defeated by theAtlanta Bravesin the National League Divisional Series.
• October 21 – TheNew York Yankeeswin theWorld Series,sweeping theSan Diego Padresin four straight games. Yankees third basemanScott Brosiusis named the Series MVP. The Yankees end the season with a major league record 125 combined regular season and postseason wins.
• Tom Glavineof theAtlanta Braveswins his second National LeagueCy Young Awardin an extremely close vote over twoSan Diego Padrespitchers:Trevor HoffmanandKevin Brown.Glavine, who receives 11 first-place votes to Hoffman's 13 (Brown receives the remaining 8), becomes the first National League pitcher since the league instituted its four-vote system in 1970 to win the award despite receiving fewer first-place votes than another player. Glavine tallied 99 points (Hoffman – 88, Brown – 76), with 5 points being awarded for each first place vote, 3 for each second-place vote, 2 for third, and 1 for fourth. Another oddity is the fact that Hoffman, Brown, andRod Beck(who did not receive a single point in the Cy Young Award voting) finished higher than Glavine in the MVP voting, despite Glavine's Braves finishing with the best record in the National League.
• November 9 – It is revealed that Hall of Fame pitcherJim "Catfish" Hunteris suffering fromamyotrophic lateral sclerosis,the progressive, ultimately fatal neurological condition better known asLou Gehrig's disease.
• November 30 – TheArizona Diamondbackssign free agentRandy Johnsonto a four-year contract worth approximately $50 million.
• December 12 – The Dodgers set the salary bar higher by signing free agentKevin Brownto a seven-year, $105 million contract, the largest in the majors.

See also

• 1998 Nippon Professional Baseball season

External links

• 1998 Major League Baseball season schedule at Baseball Reference