Back in Time: April 9

SI Staff | Apr 9, 2009

Back in Time: April 9

Jack Nicklaus

AP

At the 36th Golf Masters Championship, Jack Nicklaus captures the Green Jacket with a four-day score of 286.

Fernando Valenzuela

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

At Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles rookie Fernando Valenzuela makes his first major league start, hurling a five-hitter in a 2-0 victory over the Astros.

Wayne Gretzky

Steve Goldstein/SI

In a 13-3 victory over the Kings, Wayne Gretzky scores seven goals to pass Jean Beliveau as all-time playoff scoring leader.

Don Mattingly

John Cordes/Icon SMI

Don Mattingly signs a $19.7 million, five-year contract with the Yankees.

Nolan Ryan

Rich Pilling/Getty Images

Nolan Ryan becomes the oldest pitcher to start and win an Opening Day game as the Rangers win their home opener against the Red Sox, 3-1.

Willie Stargell

Heinz Kluetmeier/SI

Willie Stargell, the all-time Pirate career leader in home runs, RBIs and extra base hits, dies from kidney problems at the age of 61.

Born on this Day

AP

Peter Gammons (1945) <br>Seve Ballesteros (1957) <br>Rick Tocchet (1964, pictured) <br>Hal Morris (1965) <br>Graeme Lloyd (1967) <br>Olaf Kolzig (1970) <br> Brian DeMarco (1972) <br>Kevin Mathis (1974) <br>Dennis Sarfate (1981) <br>Adam Loewen (1984)