Chart: Designated hitters through the years

April 1, 2012 at 5:37AM
David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox looks on before playing against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 8, 2011.
David Ortiz is about to begin his 10th season with the Red Sox. (Mct/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

1973: Ron Blomberg of the Yankees became first major leaguer to play a game as a DH.

1973: Tony Oliva of the Twins became the first DH to hit a home run (on April 6).

1976: White Sox's Minnie Minoso was brought out of retirement to become the oldest DH at age 53.

1976: Dan Driessen became first National League DH when the Reds played in the World Series.

1979: The Angels' Don Baylor won the AL MVP award while being used as a DH in 65 games.

1987: Paul Molitor became the first DH to steal more than 20 bases. He swiped 23.

1988: Yankees manager Billy Martin used pitcher Rick Rhoden as his starting DH.

1995: Mariners' Edgar Martinez became the first DH to win a batting title. He remains the only one.

1997: Glenallen Hill became the first regular-season DH in NL history during interleague play.

1997: Rickey Henderson became the first DH in the NL to hit a regular-season home run.

2009: David Ortiz of the Red Sox broke the record for most HRs by a DH with his 313th.

2011: Adam Dunn batted .159 and struck out 177 times in 415 at-bats as White Sox's primary DH.

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