NEW YORK -- At some point before or during the Yankees' home game against the Blue Jays on July 4, the Yankee Stadium scoreboard is bound -- read: obligated -- to salute the anniversary of the no-hitter Dave Righetti threw against the Red Sox in 1983. An annual salute to Rags is warranted for that achievement, on the 53rd birthday of one George M. Steinbrenner, and others.
The no-hitter stands as Righetti's highest-profile accomplishment during his 10-plus seasons in the sun in the Bronx. He won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1981 and he established a since-obliterated big league record for saves in a season, 46, in 1986.