(Tom Scott is on a rare extended vacation, and his Scott Slant column will return on Monday, July 7. But Tom did leave behind his library of historical nuggets for us to share.)
This Day In Sports…June 19, 2001: The new “Chicago Cubs Era” begins for the Boise Hawks, as they open their 15th season by celebrating a new affiliation in a 14-6 win at Salem-Keizer. The starting and winning pitcher was 19-year-old Dontrelle Willis, who would be in the majors two years later, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award and getting a World Series ring with the Cinderella Florida Marlins. Also that night, former Albertson College and Boise High star Branden Florence made his pro debut, going 3-for-4 with a home run for Salem-Keizer.
