Chart: Designated hitters through the years

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.

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.