Today in MLB History, March 28

1977: After being benched, Ranger Lenny Randle attacks and fractures the cheekbone of his manager Frank Lucchesi. The Ranger skipper may have triggered the incident by calling Randle a punk.

1978: By releasing the aging superstar, the A's end the fifteen-year career of Dick Allen. The Wampum, Pennsylvania native finishes his stormy relationship with major league baseball with 351 HRs, 1,192 RBIs and .292 batting average.

1985: Sports Illustrated's April 1st edition tricks the nation as author George Plimpton weaves a fictitious tale of Sidd Finch, a Met rookie phenom who throws 168 mph fastball. Staged photographs and quotes from Mets in real life help to give the story a realistic edge.

1986: The Red Sox trade designated hitter Mike Easler to the Yankees for designated hitter Don Baylor

1988: The Yankees waive pitcher Phil Niekro four days shy of his 47th birthday.

1999: In Cuba, the Orioles beat the Cuban National team, 3-2 thanks to a Harold Baines 11th inning game-winning hit. It is the first time a U.S team has played in Cuba since the 1950's.

2002: The Cubs, in desperate need of a closer due to Tom Gordon's muscle tear, trade pitcher Julian Tavarez (10-9, 4.52) and three minor leaguers to the Marlins for Antonio Alfonseca (4-4, 28 saves) and right-hander Matt Clement (9-10, 5.05).

2003: The commissioner's office announces teams will pay tribute to the U.S. Armed forces during the seventh-inning stretch of all home openers by having `God Bless America' performed. Although the song been part of all games since the September 11th terrorist attacks, it will only be heard in major league ballparks at the homer openers, Sunday and holidays games.