Mar 31, 2021 2 min read

ON THIS DATE

April 1

1952 – Washington High School’s John Riser, who led the Little Presidents to 19 consecutive wins, is named to the All-Pennsylvania Scholastic Basketball Team’s first team. Riser averaged 19.2 points per game.

1957 – The Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Athletics play to a scoreless tie through 18 innings before the spring training game in West Palm Beach, Fla., is called by agreement.

1959 – Don Richmond hits two solo home runs but Washington has to settle for a 6-6 tie against Burgettstown in high school baseball action.

1972 – The first collective player’s strike in Major League Baseball begins at 12:01 a.m. The strike lasts 12 days and cancels 86 games.

1981 – The Pittsburgh Pirates trade catcher Ed Ott and pitcher Mickey Mahler to the California Angels for first baseman Jason Thompson.

1985 – Villanova shocks Georgetown with a 66-64 victory to win the NCAA basketball title. The Wildcats, led by Dwayne McClain’s 17 points, shot 79 percent from the field, making 22 of 28 shots, and added 22 of 27 free throws.

1986 – Two-time state champion Ron Rothka of Canon-McMillan is named the Outstanding Wrestling on the Observer-Reporter’s All-District team.

1987 – The Pittsburgh Pirates trade veteran catcher Tony Pena to the St. Louis Cardinals for three prospects: pitcher Mike Dunne, catcher Mike LaValliere and outfielder Andy Van Slyke.

1998 – Starter Francisco Cordova and relievers Marc Wilkins and Rich Loiselle combine on a five-hit shutout as the Pittsburgh Pirates open the season with a 4-0 win at Montreal.