BB On this Date ~ Events & Birthdays #2

1960 The American League proposes expanding to nine teams in both circuits with interleague play. If the National League agrees, the Junior Circuit will delay its plans for a Los Angeles franchise.

1961 Frank Robinson becomes the first Reds' player to win the National League MVP award since first baseman Frank McCormick copped the honor after the 1940 season. The 26-year-old right fielder gets all the writers' 15 first-place votes, easily outpointing Orlando Cepeda, 219-117.

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1967 Rod Carew (.292, 8, 51) wins the American League Rookie of the Year Award. The Twins' second baseman, receiving 19 of 20 first-place votes, easily outdistances Reggie Smith of the Red Sox.

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1968 Johnny Bench, who kept his freshman status by missing the final three games of the 1967 season due to a hand injury, is named the National League's Rookie of the Year. The 20-year-old Reds' catcher narrowly edges Mets' southpaw Jerry Koosman for the award when Chicago American veteran scribe Jim Enright splits his choice because he "couldn't vote for one and ignore the other."

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