American League Designated Hitter History

First American League Designated Hitters

Baseball Almanac is pleased to present a comprehensive look at every American League team and their first designated hitter, the date of the game, links to box scores and more.

"With Bobby Bonds in right field and three first baseman, I might as well donate my glove to charity." - Ron Blomberg (The New York Yankees First Designated Hitter)

Designated Hitter Famous Firsts American League
Team	Name of Designated Hitter	Date / Box Score
Baltimore Orioles	Terry Crowley	04-06-1973
Boston Red Sox	Orlando Cepeda	04-06-1973
California Angels	Tommy McCraw	04-06-1973
Chicago White Sox	Mike Andrews	04-07-1973
Cleveland Indians	John Ellis	04-07-1973
Detroit Tigers	Gates Brown	04-07-1973
Kansas City Royals	Ed Kirkpatrick	04-06-1973
Milwaukee Brewers	Ollie Brown	04-06-1973
Minnesota Twins	Tony Oliva	04-06-1973
New York Yankees	Ron Blomberg	04-06-1973
Oakland Athletics	Billy North	04-06-1973
Seattle Mariners	Dave Collins	04-06-1977
Texas Rangers	Rico Carty	04-07-1973
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	Paul Sorrento	03-31-1998
Toronto Blue Jays	Otto Velez	04-07-1977
Team	Name of Designated Hitter	Date / Box Score
The First American League Designated Hitters

Ron Blomberg was the first designated hitter in American League history and Glenallen Hill was the first non-Series designated history in National League history.

Tony Oliva was the first designated hitter to hit a home run in American League history and Rickey Henderson was the first designated hitter to hit a home run in National League history.

Will the designated hitter survive? Should it become a permanent part of BOTH leagues? Will interleague play continue? Voice your opinion on our baseball message board.

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