Cantu runs streak to 10
Florida’s Jorge Cantu hit a run-scoring double in the fifth inning on Thursday, extending his major league record by giving him 10 straight games to open the season with at least a hit and an RBI.
The Marlins’ third baseman lofted a long fly ball to right-center field, allowing Hanley Ramirez to score from second. The record dates to 1920, when RBIs became an official statistic. The previous mark was eight straight by George Kelly of the 1921 New York Giants.
Robinson honored
On Jackie Robinson Day, all of baseball joined New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera in wearing the cherished No. 42.
Everyone in uniform wore Robinson’s number, honoring the 63rd anniversary of the day he broke baseball’s color barrier by taking the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Major League Baseball retired No. 42 on the 50th anniversary in 1997 but allowed players who already had it to wear the number until they finished their career. Rivera is the only player to still have it, and is distinctly aware of what it means.
“It’s a privilege, an honor, to be the last one to wear 42. It’s a blessing for me,” the New York closer said. “I definitely have a job to do to represent him well.”
In a brief ceremony before the Yankees hosted the Los Angeles Angels, Robinson’s widow, Rachel, their daughter, Sharon, and two medical school students on scholarships provided by the Jackie Robinson Foundation were honored near home plate.
Lidge targets return
Brad Lidge is moving closer to returning to the Philadelphia Phillies, though he may not immediately assume his closer role.
Lidge has been pitching in minor league games in Florida while recovering from offseason surgeries on his knee and elbow, and hopes to return by May.
Fan video reviewed
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles police are reviewing a video posted on YouTube which appears to show a security guard pushing a fan from Dodger Stadium, then kicking him and tackling him to the ground.
The post indicates the video is from the Dodgers’ home opener Tuesday.