July 17th in Los Angeles Dodgers History

Today came the not unexpected news that righthander Hideo Nomo was retiring after 12 years in the Majors. Nomo, who was the trailblazer in terms of Japanese players coming to play in the states, had a solid career with manyh of his top moments coming while he was in Dodger blue.  One unforgettable game for Nomo came on July 17, 2003, with Nomo showing his not unusual prowress on the mound but some unusual skill at the plate as well.In the first game following the 2003 All-Star break, Nomo and the Dodgers took on Garrett Stephenson and the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.  Nomo held the Cards in check through the first three innings, and then helped his cause by belting a two run homer in the bottom of the third to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead.  The homer was one of four in his career, with all four coming at Dodger Stadium while Nomo was a member of the Dodgers.  Later following the scoring of an unearned run by the Ca...