2011 Major League Baseball season

2011 MLB season
League Major League Baseball
Sport Baseball
Duration March 31 – October 28
Regular season
Season MVP NL: Ryan Braun (MIL)
AL: Justin Verlander (DET)
League postseason
AL champions Texas Rangers
  AL runners-up Detroit Tigers
NL champions St. Louis Cardinals
  NL runners-up Milwaukee Brewers
World Series
World Series champions St. Louis Cardinals
  Runners-up Texas Rangers
World Series MVP David Freese (STL)
MLB seasons
← 2010

2012 →

The 2011 Major League Baseball season began on Thursday, March 31, and ended on Wednesday, September 28.[1] This marked the first time a season began on a Thursday since 1976, and the first time a regular season ended on a Wednesday since 1990. The 82nd edition of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 12 with the National League defeating the American League for the second straight year, by a score of 5–1. As has been the case since 2003, the league winning that game has home field advantage in the World Series. Accordingly, the 2011 World Series began on October 19, and ended on October 28, with the St. Louis Cardinals winning in seven games over the Texas Rangers.[1]

Contents

Standings

Green backgrounds indicate teams that made the postseason. Numbers in parentheses indicate seedings for the postseason, determined by won-lost records.

American League

AL East		 W L Pct. GB Home Road
(1) New York Yankees 97 65 .599 — 52–29 45–36
(4) Tampa Bay Rays 91 71 .562 6 47–34 44–37
Boston Red Sox 90 72 .556 7 45–36 45–36
Toronto Blue Jays 81 81 .500 16 42–39 39–42
Baltimore Orioles 69 93 .426 28 39–42 30–51
AL Central		 W L Pct. GB Home Road
(3) Detroit Tigers 95 67 .586 — 50–31 45–36
Cleveland Indians 80 82 .494 15 44–37 36–45
Chicago White Sox 79 83 .488 16 36–45 43–38
Kansas City Royals 71 91 .438 24 40–41 31–50
Minnesota Twins 63 99 .389 32 33–48 30–51
AL West		 W L Pct. GB Home Road
(2) Texas Rangers 96 66 .593 — 52–29 44–37
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 86 76 .531 10 45–36 41–40
Oakland Athletics 74 88 .457 22 43–38 31–50
Seattle Mariners 67 95 .414 29 39–45 28–50

National League

NL East		 W L Pct. GB Home Road
(1) Philadelphia Phillies 102 60 .630 — 52–29 50–31
Atlanta Braves 89 73 .549 13 47–34 42–39
Washington Nationals 80 81 .497 21½ 44–36 36–45
New York Mets 77 85 .475 25 34–47 43–38
Florida Marlins 72 90 .444 30 31–47 41–43
NL Central		 W L Pct. GB Home Road
(2) Milwaukee Brewers 96 66 .593 — 57–24 39–42
(4) St. Louis Cardinals 90 72 .556 6 45–36 45–36
Cincinnati Reds 79 83 .488 17 42–39 37–44
Pittsburgh Pirates 72 90 .444 24 36–45 36–45
Chicago Cubs 71 91 .438 25 39–42 32–49
Houston Astros 56 106 .346 40 31–50 25–56
NL West		 W L Pct. GB Home Road
(3) Arizona Diamondbacks 94 68 .580 — 51–30 43–38
San Francisco Giants 86 76 .531 8 46–35 40–41
Los Angeles Dodgers 82 79 .509 11½ 42–39 40–40
Colorado Rockies 73 89 .451 21 38–43 35–46
San Diego Padres 71 91 .438 23 35–46 36–45

Postseason

  Division Series
TV: TBS		 League Championship Series
TV: Fox (ALCS);
TBS (NLCS)		 World Series
TV: Fox
                           
  1  New York Yankees 2  
3  Detroit Tigers 3  
  3  Detroit Tigers 2  
American League
  2  Texas Rangers 4  
2  Texas Rangers 3
  4  Tampa Bay Rays 1  
    AL  Texas Rangers 3
  NL  St. Louis Cardinals 4
  1  Philadelphia Phillies 2  
4  St. Louis Cardinals 3  
  4  St. Louis Cardinals 4
National League
  2  Milwaukee Brewers 2  
2  Milwaukee Brewers 3
  3  Arizona Diamondbacks 2  

Note: Two teams in the same division cannot meet in the Division Series

League Division Series

American League

Main article: 2011 American League Division Series
2011 American League Division Series
Texas Rangers defeat Tampa Bay Rays 3–1
Game Date Score Series
(TEX-TB)		 Location Attendance Time Weather (°F)
1 September 30 Rays 9, Rangers 0 0–1 Rangers Ballpark 50,498 3:00 84 degrees, sunny
2 October 1 Rangers 8, Rays 6 1–1 Rangers Ballpark 51,351 3:28 83 degrees, clear
3 October 3 Rangers 4, Rays 3 2–1 Tropicana Field 32,828 3:51 72 degrees, dome
4 October 4 Rangers 4, Rays 3 3–1 Tropicana Field 28,299 3:05 72 degrees, dome
2011 American League Division Series
Detroit Tigers defeat New York Yankees 3–2
Game Date Score Series
(NYY-DET)		 Location Attendance Time Weather (°F)
1† Sept. 30 Yankees 9, Tigers 3 1–0 Yankee Stadium 50,940 3:26 (1:17 delay) 55 degrees, cloudy
2 October 2 Tigers 5, Yankees 3 1–1 Yankee Stadium 50,596 3:34 61 degrees, partly cloudy
3 October 3 Tigers 5, Yankees 4 1–2 Comerica Park 43,571 3:14 56 degrees, cloudy
4 October 4 Yankees 10, Tigers 1 2–2 Comerica Park 43,527 3:10 61 degrees, clear
5 October 6 Tigers 3, Yankees 2 2–3 Yankee Stadium 50,960 3:34 62 degrees, clear

†: Suspended in bottom of the 2nd inning; resumed October 1

National League

Main article: 2011 National League Division Series
2011 National League Division Series
St. Louis Cardinals defeat Philadelphia Phillies 3–2
Game Date Score Series
(PHI-STL)		 Location Attendance Time Weather (°F)
1 October 1 Phillies 11, Cardinals 6 1–0 Citizens Bank Park 46,480 2:55 64 degrees, cloudy
2 October 2 Cardinals 5, Phillies 4 1–1 Citizens Bank Park 46,575 3:22 50 degrees, cloudy
3 October 4 Phillies 3, Cardinals 2 2–1 Busch Stadium 46,914 3:13 80 degrees, clear
4 October 5 Cardinals 5, Phillies 3 2–2 Busch Stadium 47,071 2:34 80 degrees, clear
5 October 7 Cardinals 1, Phillies 0 2–3 Citizens Bank Park 46,530 2:29 50 degrees, few clouds
2011 National League Division Series
Milwaukee Brewers defeat Arizona Diamondbacks 3–2
Game Date Score Series
(MIL-ARI)		 Location Attendance Time Weather (°F)
1 October 1 Brewers 4, Diamondbacks 1 1–0 Miller Park 44,122 2:48 67 degrees, roof closed
2 October 2 Brewers 9, Diamondbacks 4 2–0 Miller Park 44,066 3:29 73 degrees, roof closed
3 October 4 Diamondbacks 8, Brewers 1 2–1 Chase Field 48,312 3:01 75 degrees, roof closed
4 October 5 Diamondbacks 10, Brewers 6 2–2 Chase Field 38,830 3:25 75 degrees, roof closed
5 October 7 Brewers 3, Diamondbacks 2* 3–2 Miller Park 44,028 3:41 78 degrees, roof closed
*: 10 innings

League Championship Series

American League

Main article: 2011 American League Championship Series
2011 American League Championship Series
Texas Rangers defeat Detroit Tigers 4–2
Game Date Score Series
(TEX-DET)		 Location Attendance Time Weather (°F)
1 October 8 Rangers 3, Tigers 2 1–0 Rangers Ballpark 50,114 3:07 (1:50 delay) 74 degrees, partly cloudy
2† October 10 Rangers 7, Tigers 3* 2–0 Rangers Ballpark 51,227 4:25 74 degrees, partly cloudy
3 October 11 Tigers 5, Rangers 2 2–1 Comerica Park 41,905 3:08 65 degrees, partly cloudy
4 October 12 Rangers 7, Tigers 3* 3–1 Comerica Park 42,234 4:00 (2:13 delay) 59 degrees, rain
5 October 13 Tigers 7, Rangers 5 3–2 Comerica Park 41,908 3:21 64 degrees, partly cloudy
6 October 15 Rangers 15, Tigers 5 4–2 Rangers Ballpark 51,508 3:32 80 degrees, clear

*: 11 innings
†: postponed to October 10 due to rain

National League

New Rivalry

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers squared off in a season long division race and by the beginning of August, they were only a few games apart in the division. The Brewers would pull away for the crown, and the Cardinals continued poorly until they were 10½ games back of the wild card on August 25. They made a historical comeback in September to win the wild card from the Atlanta Braves on the last day of the season. Both team would advance through the NLDS in five games setting up a 1982 World Series rematch.[2] The Cardinals won the pennant in six games, clinching the series on the road.

Main article: 2011 National League Championship Series
2011 National League Championship Series
St. Louis Cardinals defeat Milwaukee Brewers 4–2
Game Date Score Series
(MIL-STL)		 Location Attendance Time Weather (°F)
1 October 9 Brewers 9, Cardinals 6 1–0 Miller Park 43,613 3:35 76 degrees, clear
2 October 10 Cardinals 12, Brewers 3 1–1 Miller Park 43,937 3:36 69 degrees, partly cloudy
3 October 12 Cardinals 4, Brewers 3 1–2 Busch Stadium 43,584 3:10 66 degrees, cloudy
4 October 13 Brewers 4, Cardinals 2 2–2 Busch Stadium 45,606 3:25 67 degrees, partly cloudy
5 October 14 Cardinals 7, Brewers 1 2–3 Busch Stadium 46,904 3:09 63 degrees, cloudy
6 October 16 Cardinals 12, Brewers 6 2–4 Miller Park 43,926 3:43 67 degrees, roof closed

World Series

Main article: 2011 World Series
2011 World Series
St. Louis Cardinals defeat Texas Rangers 4–3
Game Date Score Series
(STL-TEX)		 Location Attendance Time Weather (°F)
1 October 19 Cardinals 3, Rangers 2 1–0 Busch Stadium 46,406 3:06 49 degrees, clear
2 October 20 Rangers 2, Cardinals 1 1–1 Busch Stadium 47,288 3:04 50 degrees, cloudy
3 October 22 Cardinals 16, Rangers 7 2–1 Rangers Ballpark 51,462 4:04 80 degrees, partly cloudy
4 October 23 Rangers 4, Cardinals 0 2–2 Rangers Ballpark 51,539 3:07 68 degrees, clear
5 October 24 Rangers 4, Cardinals 2 2–3 Rangers Ballpark 51,459 3:31 72 degrees, clear
6† October 27 [3] Cardinals 10, Rangers 9* 3–3 Busch Stadium 47,325 4:33 53 degrees, partly cloudy
7 October 28 Cardinals 6, Rangers 2 4–3 Busch Stadium 47,399 3:17 50 degrees, clear

†: postponed from October 26, due to rain
*: 11 innings

2011 Major League Baseball Postseason
2011 World Series
American League Championship Series
American League Division Series
New York Yankees • Detroit Tigers
Texas Rangers • Tampa Bay Rays
National League Championship Series
National League Division Series
Philadelphia Phillies • St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers • Arizona Diamondbacks
2011 Major League Baseball season
American League | National League

Managerial changes

General managers

Off-season

Team Former GM New GM Former job
New York Mets Omar Minaya Sandy Alderson CEO of San Diego Padres until March 2009.[4]

In-season

Date Team Former GM New GM Former job
August 19 Chicago Cubs Jim Hendry Randy Bush Bush was the assistant GM and served as his interim replacement until the team hired Theo Epstein in October.

Field managers

Off-season

Four teams announced that a new manager will be hired for the 2011 season after the former manager retired from baseball.

Team Former manager New manager Story
Atlanta Braves Bobby Cox Fredi González Cox announced in 2009 that the 2010 season would be his last as manager of the Braves. In two terms, first from 1978 through 1981 and from mid-1990, replacing Russ Nixon as manager through 2010, Cox has led the team to fourteen division titles, five pennants and the 1995 World Championship. Cox retires as the manager with the fourth highest number of wins (2,504) along with the most ejections in baseball history (158).
Chicago Cubs Lou Piniella Mike Quade After six decades in baseball as a player, coach, manager and television commentator, Piniella announced on June 19, 2010, his intentions to retire. He has managed the New York Yankees, the Cincinnati Reds (including their 1990 World Series championship), the Seattle Mariners (including a record 116 win season in 2001), the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Cubs. The official retirement came on August 22 as Piniella stepped down due to his mother's failing health, and Quade, the Cubs' third base coach, was named interim manager, and was named permanent manager October 19.
Los Angeles Dodgers Joe Torre Don Mattingly Torre announced on September 17 that he would not be returning to the Dodgers for the 2011 season. With his contract expiring and club ownership being contested in divorce court, Torre chose not to negotiate an extension.[5] At the same time, the Dodgers announced that Mattingly, the team's hitting coach, will be promoted to manager.[5] Mattingly was best known as an outstanding first baseman with the New York Yankees.
Toronto Blue Jays Cito Gaston John Farrell After being lured out of retirement by team president Paul Beeston, Gaston announced on October 29, 2009, that he would step aside after the completion of the 2010 season and remain in a consulting position. In his first term as the Jays' skipper, he led the team to their greatest success, winning back-to-back Fall Classic in 1992 and 1993. His second term started as he replaced John Gibbons in the middle of the 2008 season. Farrell comes over after serving as the pitching coach for the AL East rival Boston Red Sox.

At the end of the 2010 season, three teams fired their managers and made replacements:

Team Former manager New manager Story
Milwaukee Brewers Ken Macha Ron Roenicke Macha announced to the Associated Press that the Milwaukee Brewers had declined to pick up his Club Option for 2011.[6] Roenicke was named in November 2010 as the team's new field leader coming over from the Los Angeles Angels serving 11 seasons as Mike Scoscia's third base coach.
New York Mets Jerry Manuel Terry Collins Manuel, along with general manager Omar Minaya, were fired following the end of the 2010 season on October 4, 2010. Since making the 2006 National League Championship Series, the team has fallen short of expectations, which include back to back season ending collapses in 2007 and 2008, followed by back-to-back injury plagued seasons in 2009 and 2010.[7] Collins, a fiesty and intense manager, was named the team's new manager November 2010 and returned to being a field manager in the majors after 12 years. He previously managed the Houston Astros and the Anaheim Angels from 1994 to 1999.[8]
Pittsburgh Pirates John Russell Clint Hurdle Russell was fired after three losing seasons, compiling a total record of 186–299 in those three seasons. The Pirates have not had a winning season since 1992, which was also the last time they made the playoffs. They have also endured six different managers during that span.[9][10] Hurdle last managed the Colorado Rockies in 2009 before being replaced.

The following managers who were interim managers for 2010 will lead their respective teams in 2011:

Team Manager that started 2010 season Replacement Story
Arizona Diamondbacks A.J. Hinch Kirk Gibson Gibson, who started the season as bench coach, filled in for the final 83 games. New GM Kevin Towers made the decision to keep Gibson as the manager for 2011.[11] Hinch was "demoted" from his position as Director of Player Development in 2009 when he took over for Bob Melvin.
Kansas City Royals Trey Hillman Ned Yost After coming to Kansas City to be a consultant, the Royals named Yost on May 13 to replace Hillman. Prior to that, Yost served as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers for much of the 2008 season, only to be sacked in mid-September when the team was struggling to make the post-season. Hillman had previous success in Japan, leading the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters to the Japan World Series championship in 2006.
Baltimore Orioles Dave Trembley;
Juan Samuel (interim)		 Buck Showalter The no-nonsense Showalter, who had previously managed the New York Yankees, the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks on the brink of success before being replaced, served as a commentator for ESPN's Baseball Tonight before agreeing to return to the dugout with the Orioles on August 3, and turned the fortunes of the Maryland ball club. Trembley was in the manager's seat until June 4, when third-base coach Samuel replaced him on an interim basis before Showalter's arrival.
Florida Marlins Fredi González Edwin Rodríguez On May 23, González, who had coached under Bobby Cox in Atlanta, was fired from his position. Rodríguez had spent the past 1½ years managing the New Orleans Zephyrs, the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate. Cox made discouraging comments about the handling of the dismissal shortly afterward, and as a result, was not honored by Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria when the Braves visit to Miami in September as part of Cox's retirement tour.
Chicago Cubs Lou Piniella Mike Quade (See Above)

One team has hired a new manager:

Team Manager that started 2010 season Interim Manager Replacement Story
Seattle Mariners Don Wakamatsu Daren Brown Eric Wedge Wakamatsu, the first MLB manager of Asian-American decent, was fired on August 9 and replaced by Brown, at the time in his fourth season managing the Mariners' AAA affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers. The team was expected to contend for the American League West title with the addition of Chone Figgins and Cliff Lee, but stumbled out of the starting gate. Wedge, who last managed with the Cleveland Indians in 2009, was reportedly hired by the Mariners according to a report by SI.com on October 15, 2010,[12] and made official three days later.

In-season changes

Date Team Former manager Reason Replacement Previous Job and Story
June 9 Oakland Athletics Bob Geren Fired Bob Melvin Melvin previously was the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Geren was fired after June 8 game.[13]
June 19 Florida Marlins Edwin Rodriguez Resigned Jack McKeon After a losing streak and slump in June, Rodriguez announced his resignation on June 19.[14] McKeon at age 80 became the oldest manager since Connie Mack to manage in the majors; he had won the 2003 World Series with the Marlins. McKeon announced his second retirement allowing Ozzie Guillen to become Marlins' skipper.
June 26
(June 23)		 Washington Nationals Jim Riggleman Resigned Davey Johnson
(John McLaren)		 McLaren, who was previously the Nationals bench coach, was named interim manager, but he is not expected to fill the role for the remainder of the season.[15] Davey Johnson was named the full-time manager three days after Riggleman resigned and two days after McLaren was named interim manager.[16]
September 26 Chicago White Sox Ozzie Guillen Released Don Cooper Guillen was released from his contract after the White Sox game on September 26 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Guillen became the Marlins new manager with the retirement of Jack McKeon at the end of the season.[17] Cooper, the current pitching coach for the White Sox, managed the final two games of the season.[18]

League leaders

American League

Pitching leaders

Stat Player Total
W Justin Verlander (DET) 24
L Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) 17
ERA Justin Verlander (DET) 2.40
K Justin Verlander (DET) 250
IP Justin Verlander (DET) 251.0
SV José Valverde (DET) 49

National League

Batting leaders

Stat Player Total
AVG Jose Reyes (NYM) .337
HR Matt Kemp (LAD) 39
RBI Matt Kemp (LAD) 126
R Matt Kemp (LAD) 115
H Starlin Castro (CHC) 207
SB Michael Bourn (ATL)/(HOU) 61

Pitching leaders

Stat Player Total
W Ian Kennedy (ARI)
Clayton Kershaw (LAD)		 21
L Derek Lowe (ATL) 17
ERA Clayton Kershaw (LAD) 2.28
K Clayton Kershaw (LAD) 248
IP Chris Carpenter (STL) 237.1
SV John Axford (MIL)
Craig Kimbrel (ATL)		 46

Milestones

Reached

Batters

Pitchers

No-hitters
Other accomplishments

Miscellaneous

Awards and honors

Regular Season

Baseball Writers Association of America Awards
BBWAA Award National League American League
Rookie of the Year Craig Kimbrel (ATL) Jeremy Hellickson (TB)
Cy Young Award Clayton Kershaw (LAD) Justin Verlander (DET)
Manager of the Year Kirk Gibson (ARI) Joe Maddon (TB)
Most Valuable Player Ryan Braun (MIL) Justin Verlander (DET)
Gold Glove Awards
Position National League American League
Pitcher Clayton Kershaw (LAD) Mark Buehrle (CWS)
Catcher Yadier Molina (STL) Matt Wieters (BAL)
1st Base Joey Votto (CIN) Adrian Gonzalez (BOS)
2nd Base Brandon Phillips (CIN) Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
3rd Base Plácido Polanco (PHI) Adrián Beltré (TEX)
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (COL) Erick Aybar (LAA)
Outfield Gerardo Parra (ARI) Alex Gordon (KC)
Matt Kemp (LAD) Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
Andre Ethier (LAD) Nick Markakis (BAL)
Silver Slugger Awards
Pitcher/Designated Hitter Daniel Hudson (ARI) David Ortiz (BOS)
Catcher Brian McCann (ATL) Alex Avila (DET)
1st Base Prince Fielder (MIL) Adrian Gonzalez (BOS)
2nd Base Brandon Phillips (CIN) Robinson Canó (NYY)
3rd Base Aramis Ramírez (CHC) Adrián Beltré (TEX)
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (COL) Asdrúbal Cabrera (CLE)
Outfield Ryan Braun (MIL) Curtis Granderson (NYY)
Matt Kemp (LAD) Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
Justin Upton (ARI) José Bautista (TOR)

Player of the Month

Month American League National League
April José Bautista Ryan Braun
May José Bautista Jay Bruce
June Adrian Gonzalez Prince Fielder
July Dustin Pedroia Emilio Bonifacio
August Curtis Granderson Dan Uggla
September Adrián Beltré Ryan Braun

Pitcher of the Month

Month American League National League
April Jered Weaver Josh Johnson
May Jeremy Hellickson Jair Jurrjens
June Justin Verlander Cliff Lee
July CC Sabathia Clayton Kershaw
August Ricky Romero Cliff Lee
September Doug Fister Javier Vázquez

Rookie of the Month

Month American League National League
April Michael Pineda Darwin Barney
May Jeremy Hellickson Justin Turner
June Ben Revere
Jemile Weeks		 Craig Kimbrel
July Eric Hosmer Freddie Freeman
August Mike Carp Craig Kimbrel
September Eric Hosmer Dee Gordon

Other awards

Fielding Bible Awards
Position Player
Pitcher Mark Buehrle (CWS)
Catcher Matt Wieters (BAL)
1st Base Albert Pujols (STL)
2nd Base Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
3rd Base Adrián Beltré (TEX)
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (COL)
Left Field Brett Gardner (NYY)
Center Field Austin Jackson (DET)
Right Field Justin Upton (ARI)

Broadcasting

See also: List of current Major League Baseball broadcasters

Television

Two more teams have joined the growing cable-exclusive telecast teams in 2011. Fox Sports Midwest will produce and televise all St. Louis Cardinals games on the cable station, along with selected areas of the Cardinals' DMA outside St. Louis including Fox Sports Tennessee in Tennessee, Fox Sports Indiana in parts of Indiana, and SportsSouth in Arkansas and parts of Oklahoma.[28] The 2010 season was their last season of splitting games with KSDK.[29]

The Minnesota Twins will also join the group, with Fox Sports North becoming their exclusive local home starting this year.[30] The 2010 season was their last season of splitting games with WFTC.

Also starting this season, Atlanta Braves games that air on WPCH-TV will be produced by (and simulcast on) Fox Sports South or SportSouth, marking the first season since 1972 which local Braves telecasts won't be produced by Turner Sports.[31]

The national telecast breakdown is as follows, along with the maximum number of appearances per team:

In Canada, Toronto Blue Jays games will be televised on Rogers Sportsnet. RSN also holds the Canadian rights to air the Fox and ESPN/ESPN2 games if they do not conflict with Blue Jays games, and additional regular season games on a regional basis on Rogers Sportsnet One as well as the All-Star Game and the entire postseason. TSN2 holds rights to the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball telecasts.

In Australia, it is free to air channel One HD and shows up to five games live per week, and European channel ESPN America broadcasts games as well.

For international viewers, MLB International will broadcast the All-Star Game, the NLCS and the World Series.

Radio

ESPN Radio will once again serve as MLB's national radio network, broadcasting Sunday Night Baseball as well as selected Saturday and holiday games during the regular season, the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, and all postseason series. ESPN Deportes Radio holds the Spanish language rights to the Fall Classic.

Uniform changes

Wholesale changes

Throwbacks

Patches

Alternate jerseys

Special jerseys

Other

Angels' 50th Anniversary

The Los Angeles Angels celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2011. Founded by Gene Autry in 1961, the team played at Los Angeles' Wrigley Field in their first season, then shared Dodger Stadium (called "Chavez Ravine" by Angels management) with the Dodgers before moving to Anaheim in 1966 and their own stadium, Anaheim Stadium (later to become Edison International Field of Anaheim and finally Angel Stadium of Anaheim). That year, the team name was altered to the California Angels. After being purchased by The Walt Disney Company in 1997, the team name was changed to the Anaheim Angels and after Arte Moreno purchased the team, the name was changed to its current moniker to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005. For the season, in addition to the patch, the Angels changed the color of the halo from silver to gold on their uniforms, just as it looked from 1971 through 1996.[43] In addition, on selected Friday night games, the team donned replicas of five of the six styles of uniforms they have worn, the most notable omission being that of the "Periwinkle Blue" era from 1997 to 2001, when Disney owned the team.

Stadiums

This was the Florida Marlins' final season at Sun Life Stadium, after 19 years,[44] they will move to their new ballpark in downtown Miami, where they'll become the Miami Marlins.

Venue changes

Due to the U2 360° Tour concert scheduled June 29 at Sun Life Stadium and the needed time to set up the stage, the Marlins were forced to move their scheduled home games for June 24–26 against the Seattle Mariners to the Mariners' park at Safeco Field. As the Marlins were the home team, NL rules (no designated hitter) were applied.

Team purchases

The Houston Astros were sold by Drayton McLane for US $680 million to a group led by Jim Crane, the founder of a transit logistics company.

Retired numbers

The Detroit Tigers retired Sparky Anderson's #11 on June 26.[45]

Bert Blyleven, elected to the Class of 2011 of the Baseball Hall of Fame, was honored with the retirement of his uniform #28 by the Twins on July 16.[46]

Roberto Alomar, also a 2011 Hall of Fame class member, became the first member of the Toronto Blue Jays to have his number (#12) retired on July 31.[47]

The Atlanta Braves retired Bobby Cox's #6 prior to their game against the Chicago Cubs on August 12.[48]

Trevor Hoffman, who had been the all-time saves leader until Mariano Rivera surpassed him on September 19, had his #51 retired by the San Diego Padres on August 21.[49]

References

  1. ^ a b Newman, Mark (September 14, 2010). "2011 MLB Slate Packed With Exciting Matchups". MLB.com. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100914&content_id=14659090&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb. 
  2. ^ The Brewers played in the American League from 1970–1997. When the leagues were expanded, they agreed to move from the AL Central to the NL Central
  3. ^ "Weather forecast postpones Game 6 of Series: Rangers-Cards to resume play Thursday night at Busch Stadium". MLB.com. October 26, 2011. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111025&content_id=25785396&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb. Retrieved October 26, 2011. 
  4. ^ DiComo, Anthony (October 29, 2010). "Mets' future in hands of new GM Alderson". MLB.com. Mets.MLB.com. http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101029&content_id=15899836&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym. Retrieved June 9, 2011. 
  5. ^ a b Gurnick, Ken (September 17, 2010). "Mattingly to replace Torre as Dodgers' skipper". MLB.com. dodgers.com. http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100917&content_id=14759390&vkey=news_la&c_id=la. 
  6. ^ Associated Press (October 4, 2010). "Ken Macha's option not picked up". ESPN.com. http://espn.go.com/espn/print?id=5645745&type=story. 
  7. ^ DiComo, Anthony (October 4, 2010). "Mets part ways with Manuel, Minaya". MLB.com. Mets.MLB.com. http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101004&content_id=15408358&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym. Retrieved June 9, 2011. 
  8. ^ DiComo, Anthony (November 23, 2010). "Fiery Collins takes over as Mets manager". MLB.com. Mets.MLB.com. http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101122&content_id=16173778&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym. Retrieved June 16, 2011. 
  9. ^ Robinson, Alan (October 4, 2010). "Pirates fire manager Russell after 3 bad seasons". Associated Press. CBSSports.com. http://www.cbssports.com/print/mlb/story/14069310/pirates-fire-manager-russell-after-3-bad-seasons. Retrieved February 17, 2011. 
  10. ^ Langosch, Jenifer (October 4, 2010). "Russell relieved of duties as Pirates manager". MLB.com. pirates.com. http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20101004&content_id=15409044&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit. Retrieved October 4, 2010. 
  11. ^ Towers to Make an Announcement Monday Regarding Manager Kirk Gibson, hardballtalk.nbcsports.com, October 3, 2010
  12. ^ Report: Mariners Select Wedge As New Manager, AP via Comcast.net, October 15, 2010. Retrieved October 16, 2010
  13. ^ Dubow, Josh (June 9, 2011). "Oakland Athletics fire manager Bob Geren". Associated Press. Yahoo! Sports. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-athletics-gerenfired&print=1. Retrieved June 9, 2011. 
  14. ^ De Nicola, Christina (June 19, 2011). "Marlins manager Rodriguez resigns Sunday". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110619&content_id=20717792&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb. Retrieved June 19, 2011. 
  15. ^ Unhappy with contract, Riggleman steps down
  16. ^ Washington Nationals make Davey Johnson manager
  17. ^ White Sox release Ozzie Guillen; Marlins likely next stop
  18. ^ Ozzie in Miami; Cooper to manage last 2 games
  19. ^ Ian Kinsler sets leadoff HR record
  20. ^ Johnny Damon joins elite crowd with his 500th career double as Rays win
  21. ^ Francisco Liriano throws seventh no-hitter in Twins franchise history
  22. ^ Liriano-no! Francisco holds White Sox hitless
  23. ^ http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7547
  24. ^ Vin Mazzaro's historically bad night
  25. ^ Associated Press (May 25, 2011). "Andruw Jones' two homers lift Yanks past Blue Jays". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310525110. Retrieved May 25, 2011. 
  26. ^ Fortuna, Matt (July 24, 2011). "Steady as anyone, Mo extends streak". MLB.com. http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110724&content_id=22246266&vkey=news_nyy&c_id=nyy. Retrieved 2011-07-25. 
  27. ^ MLB's 200,000th game played in Houston
  28. ^ Cardinals Baseball on FSN
  29. ^ FS Midwest To Air All St. Louis Cardinals Games Locally In 2011 Multichannel News July 15, 2010
  30. ^ FS-North, Twins announce TV schedule Fox Sports North February 16, 2011
  31. ^ Changes at PTV end Turner’s Braves broadcast production Atlanta Journal Constitution January 18, 2011
  32. ^ Padres Chat with San Diego Union-Tribune Beat Writer Bill Center, signonsandiego.com, transcript from August 19, 2010; relayed via uniwatchblog.com in Best of UniWatch: Revisiting the Double Curse, August 20, 2010
  33. ^ Nationals unveil new jerseys in fashion show, November 12, 2010
  34. ^ Tribe unveils uniform changes for next season, November 9, 2010
  35. ^ Our 13th Annual MLB Preview Paul Lukas, ESPN.com, 29 March 2011
  36. ^ MLB Preview
  37. ^ Dodgers press release
  38. ^ "Tigers host ninth annual Negro Leagues Weekend". MLB.com. http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110714&content_id=21785220&vkey=pr_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det. Retrieved 2011-07-17. 
  39. ^ Beck, Jason (January 22, 2011). "Sparky's No. 11 to be retired by Tigers". MLB.com. http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110122&content_id=16482262&vkey=news_det&c_id=det. Retrieved January 22, 2011. 
  40. ^ Mariners Bring Back Northwest Green Jerseys, Jim Street, seattle.mariners.mlb.com, October 20, 2010
  41. ^ Athletics new alternates
  42. ^ DiComo, Anthony; Taube, Aaron (August 31, 2011). "Franco, Piazza set for first pitch on Sept. 11". MLB.com. Mets.MLB.com. http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110831&content_id=24007036&notebook_id=24007040&vkey=notebook_nym&c_id=nym. Retrieved September 4, 2011. 
  43. ^ Angels to Kick Off 50th Anniversary Celebration, losangeles.angels.mlb.com, September 21, 2011
  44. ^ http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110925&content_id=25218100&vkey=news_fla&c_id=fla
  45. ^ Sparky's No. 11 retired in emotional ceremony MLB.com June 26, 2011
  46. ^ Twins Announce Plans To Retire Bert Blyleven's Number 28, minnesota.twins.mlb.com, January 27, 2011; retrieved April 11, 2011.
  47. ^ Blue Jays to Retire Alomar's No. 12, toronto.bluejays.mlb.com, 19 July 2011.
  48. ^ Atlanta Braves to Host Bobby Cox Day August 12 Atlanta Braves official site March 22, 2011
  49. ^ Hoffman honored to have number retired, sandiego.padres.mlb.com, June 16, 2011; retrieved June 16, 2011.
2011 MLB season by team
AL East
AL Central
AL West
NL East
NL Central
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Pre-modern era
Beginnings
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Wildcard
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Expanded wildcard
See also