CNN/SI brings you a month-by-month look at the season. Scroll through the calendar to check out the highlights and click on the microphones to hear the players come to life. Pitcher Hideki Irabu, the Japanese import with the $12.8-million contract, makes his debut for the New York Yankees. Irabu strikes out nine as the Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers, 10-3. "He could make us as good as any staff in the league," ever-reasonable owner George Steinbrenner says. "He could make us another Atlanta." Yankees pitcher David Cone on new teammate Hideki Irabu (108K WAV) Pittsburgh's Francisco Cordova and Ricardo Rincon combine to throw a 10-inning no-hitter against the Houston Astros. It's the majors' first combined no-hitter since 1991, when three Atlanta Braves pitchers beat the San Diego Padres. First baseman Mark McGwire, who has 34 homers in 105 games with Oakland, is traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Mark McGwire on his trade to St. Louis (96K WAV) photographs by Chuck Solomon (left), Brad Mangin		The American League beats the National League, 3-1, in the All Star Game at Cleveland. The Indians' Sandy Alomar, who entered the All-Star break with a major-league leading 30-game hitting streak, hits the game-winning homer. Sandy Alomar on his hitting streak (357K WAV) Further endearing himself to his peers, Albert Belle shows up late for a pre-All Star Game workout, and leaves early. Further endearing himself to the fans, Belle opts not to play in the All-Star Game. Further endearing himself to league officials, Belle refuses to join his American League teammates for the traditional All-Star team picture. Happily, Belle does appear for the pregame introductions. Colorado's Larry Walker goes 0-for-4 against the Chicago Cubs and his batting average drops from .402 to .396. Walker's season-long flirtation with .400 is over. Larry Walker on the quest for .400 (165K WAV) The phenomenally overpaid and monumentally underachieving White Sox throw in the towel on the 1997 season when they trade starting pitchers Roberto Hernandez, Wilson Alvarez and Danny Darwin to the San Francisco Giants for six minor league prospects. "Guys were sitting around on couches looking like their dog had just been run over," says White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura.

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