1971 No player receives three-fourths of the necessary votes for election into the Hall of Fame, with Yogi Berra (67.2%) and Early Wynn (66.7%) coming the closest, both being inducted into Cooperstown next season. The writers will eventually select the top eight vote-getters for enshrinement, except for Gil Hodges, who will get the Veterans Committee's nod in 2022. 1981 The office of the Baseball Commissioner announces lifetime passes to any major or minor league regular-season game to the returning 52 Iranian hostages and the 14 others released earlier during the ordeal. In 1973, MLB made a similar gesture to the hundreds of prisoners of war returning from Vietnam. 1981 The Reds trade Cesar Geronimo to the Royals for minor league infielder German Barranca. After a three-year stint in Kansas City, the four-time Gold Glover will retire, compiling a lifetime average of .258 during his 15 seasons in the major leagues. 1987 "My physical condition is good; so while I am still in good health, I have decided to retire. I am going to miss my fans, the players and all the people associated with baseball..." - VIDA BLUE, announcing his retirement from baseball. Free agent Vida Blue comes to terms with the A's, signing an estimated $300,000 deal to pitch for Oakland this season but surprises the team the day before spring training begins by announcing his retirement. The 37-year-old southpaw, who posted a 10-10 mark with San Francisco last season, compiled a 209-161 (.565) record along with an ERA of 3.27 during his 17-year tenure in the major leagues.
2001 The Angels turn off Edison International Field's Big A and the Little A signs to conserve electricity during California's energy crisis. The landmark beacons, formerly illuminated 24 hours a day, will be turned on only for stadium events. 2005 After asking for $22 million in salary arbitration, Roger Clemens agrees to a one-year, $18 million deal with the Astros. The pact makes the Rocket the most expensive hurler in major league history. 2008 Yadier Molina (.275, 6, 40) agrees to a $15.5 million, four-year deal to remain with the Cardinals. The Redbirds catcher, best known for his defensive prowess, nailed 23 of 46 baserunners trying to steal a base last season. Amazon Molina: The Story of the Father Who Raised an Unlikely Baseball Dynasty 2008 Brett Tomko and the Royals agree to a $3 million, one-year deal. Kansas City, who had hoped the 34-year-old starter would overcome the problems that plagued him with LA and San Diego (4-12, 5.55) last season, will release the right-hander in June after he compiles a 2-7 record along with an ERA of 6.30. 2009 The Orioles and Nick Markakis finalize a significant $66.1 million six-year deal, covering the span the right fielder would have been eligible for arbitration and the first three after being available to file for free agency. The 25-year-old fly chaser, who had his best offensive season with the team and led the American League in outfield assists last season, was named the team's most valuable player by the local media last season. 2009 To increase the team's attendance, Washington reduces individual ticket fees on 14,000 seats without raising the price of any 41,888 seats at Nationals Park. The club ranked a disappointing 13th place in attendance in the 16-team National League circuit despite playing in a brand-new stadium in the nation's capital. 2009 "Nine years ago you welcomed me into your community. You greeted me as a name and embraced me as a person, and I leave you now as a friend." - ROCCO BALDELLI, thanking Tampa Bay fans in an open letter for their support during his time with the Rays. Rocco Baldelli, traded to the Red Sox in the offseason, takes out an ad in the St. Petersburg Times to show his appreciation for the support given to him by the Rays fans during his five years with the franchise. In an open letter, the outfielder writes, "I will always think of the Tampa Bay area as my second home, and I would like to thank everyone for accepting me and for making my time here as enjoyable as it was." 2009 Erik Bedard, avoiding salary arbitration, signs a $7.75 million, one-year contract with the Mariners. The deal gives the left-hander, the team's Opening Day starter, obtained last season from Baltimore, a raise of $750,000 from last season. 2009 Jon Lester becomes the 48th recipient of the Hutch Award and the first to be treated by a doctor from the renowned institution named for Seattle baseball legend Fred Hutchinson. The Red Sox hurler, a survivor of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, is honored with the annual award for best exemplifying the spirit and competitive drive of the former major leaguer and skipper, who died of cancer in 1964 at the age of 45. 2010 Joe Blanton (2-8, 4.05) and the Phillies, avoiding an arbitration hearing, agree on a $24 million, three-year deal. The 29-year-old right-hander is slotted to be the National League champion's number-three starter in a rotation that includes Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and J.A. Happ. 2010 Octavio Dotel (3-3, 3.32 ERA), hoping to be the Pirates closer, agrees to a $3.5 million, one-year deal with the Bucs, the only team that offered the right-hander the opportunity to save games. The 36-year-old reliever, who hasn't been a closer since 2007 with Kansas City, struck out 75 batters in 62.1 innings in a setup role for the White Sox last season but didn't record a save. 2011 The Blue Jays send Vernon Wells to the Angels for catcher Mike Napoli and fly-chaser Juan Rivera in a cost-cutting move. Toronto still owed the 32-year-old three-time All-Star outfielder $86 million through 2014 but will only have to spend $5 million to Los Angeles to complete the trade, giving the team a better opportunity to compete in the AL East. 2012 After picking up his $6 million option in October, the Red Sox trade Marco Scutaro (.299, 7, 54) to the Rockies for right-hander Clayton Mortensen (2-4, 3.86). The unexpected move of the 36-year-old infielder to Colorado may signal that Boston is counting on prospect Jose Iglesias to start Opening Day.
2015 The Nationals introduce Max Scherzer, the newest member of the team's solid pitching staff. The 29-year-old right-hander, who inked a seven-year, $210 million contract to hurl for Washington, joins Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister, and Gio Gonzalez, a fivesome many consider to be the best starting rotation in baseball history. 2016 At a Camden Yards news conference, the Orioles announce first baseman Chris Davis will be returning to the team, having signed the richest deal in franchise history. The reigning major league home run king, who went yard 47 times last season, agreed to a $161 million, seven-year contract that includes $42 million in deferred money to stay with Baltimore. View attachment 221867 **************************************** 156,477
Baseball Birthdays January 22 1949 Mike Caldwell 1963 Jeff Treadway infielder (LA Dodgers) 1964 Wayne Kirby outfielder (Mets, Cleveland Indians, LA Dodgers) 1969 Keith Gordon outfielder (Cincinnati Reds, Tigers) 1978 Chone Figgins INFIELD *********************************
This Day in Baseball History January 22nd 1913 The Giants agree to share the Polo Grounds with the Highlanders, who will become known as the Yankees. Previously the American League club played their home games at Hilltop Park, located at 168th Street and Broadway, since 1903, when the franchise shifted from Baltimore to New York. 1953 Argyle R. Mackey warns alien players they will face deportation for not honoring existing U.S. professional contracts. The Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization cites the McCarran-Walter Act as the basis of his decision. 1965 "I've been asked the question many times over the years, all of us have, but I have to say right here and now: Willie was probably the best of us three...just look at the stats." - MICKEY MANTLE, Hall of Fame Yankee outfielder. Willie Mays, Duke Snider, and Mickey Mantle make their last joint appearance when attending the BBWAA Dinner in New York. 'The Mick' answers the question about who was the best of the legendary Big Apple trio of outfielders, telling the audience, "Willie was probably the best of us three...just look at the stats.
Duke Snider, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle walk in from center field during an Old Timer's Day celebration at Shea Stadium. July 16, 1977
1969 After being traded by the Expos along with outfielder Jesus Alou to the Astros for first baseman/outfielder Rusty Staub, Donn Clendenon threatens to retire, refusing to report to his new team. The Montreal first baseman balks at going to Houston because of a personality conflict with the team's newly-hired skipper, Harry Walker, who had managed him with the Pirates. 1976 Right-handers Robin Roberts (86.9%), best known for his work with the Phillies, and Bob Lemon (78.6%), who spent his entire career in an Indians uniform, are elected to the Hall of Fame. Roberts enjoyed six consecutive seasons with 20+ wins with Philadelphia, and Lemon compiled a 207-128 (.618) record and an ERA of 3.23 during his 15 years with the Tribe. \1979 Lindsey Nelson, selected by the expansion Mets as the team's lead announcer in 1962, reveals he will not be returning to the Mets broadcast booth this season, ending a 17-year partnership with Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy. The colorfully clad Hall of Fame announcer, who will eventually do play-by-play for the Giants, is replaced by Steve Albert, the younger brother of the well-known NBA Knicks and NHL Rangers' broadcaster Marv Albert. 1982 Free agent Reggie Jackson signs a four-year, nearly four-million dollar contract with the Angels, ending his five-year roller coaster ride with the Yankees. During his tenure in New York, the Bronx Bombers appeared four times in the postseason, winning back-to-back World Championships in 1977-78. 1988 Arbitrator T. Roberts declares seven presently contracted players no-risk free agents due to the collusion suit against Major League baseball. The players, who include Kirk Gibson, Carlton Fisk, and Joe Niekro, have until March 1 to make deals with other clubs.
2001 Brian Giles, the first Pirate to bat .300, hit 30 homers, and drive in 100 runs in consecutive seasons, repeats as the Roberto Clemente Award winner. The local award, presented by the Pittsburgh chapter of the BBWAA, is given to the Buc player who best demonstrates a standard of excellence on the field, as exemplified by the team's late outfielder. 2001 Fifty-eight-year-old Tommie Agee, the 1966 American League Rookie of the Year, dies of cardiac arrest in Manhattan. The World Series standout made two memorable catches in center field at Shea Stadium (possibly saving five runs) and homered in the Mets' 5-0 victory over the Orioles in Game 3 of the 1969 Fall Classic. 2003 Free-agent and former Ranger catcher Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez (.314, 19, 60) signs a one-year deal worth $10 million to play in his hometown with the Marlins. The Miami resident, a ten-time Gold Glove catcher, replaces Charles Johnson, the team's former backstop traded to the Rockies in the off-season.
2006 When the island's best players meet for an exhibition game, 16-year-old Dayan Viciedo becomes the youngest player in Cuban baseball history selected to an All-Star squad. The Villa Clara prospect, who will ink a four-year, $10 million contract with the Chicago White Sox in 2008, has played shortstop and third base and pitched in international youth competitions for various national teams. 2008 The Mets and outfielder Endy Chavez agree on a $3.85 million, two-year deal. The 29-year-old Venezuelan, who missed most of last season with a hamstring pull, will always be remembered in Mets lore for 'the catch' in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS against the Cardinals. 2009 Jayson Werth, avoiding salary arbitration, agrees to a $10 million, two-year deal with the Phillies. With the departure of free agent Pat Burrell to Tampa Bay, the outfielder becomes the only returning right-handed slugger to the World Champions' lefty-heavy lineup. 2010 A's prospect Grant Desme, selected in the second round of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft from California Polytechnic, is retiring from baseball to pursue his calling to be a Catholic priest. In 2009, the 23-year-old minor-league outfielder, recently named the Arizona Fall League's Most Valuable Player, hit .288, with 31 home runs and 89 RBIs, playing Single-A ball with the Kane County Cougars (MWL) and the Stockton Ports (CAL). 2010 The Mets, in need of a center fielder until the return of Carlos Beltran to the lineup in early May, deal 30-year-old right-handed reliever Brian Stokes (2-4, 3.97) to the Angels in exchange for the highly-paid but under-achieving Gary Matthews Jr. (.250, 4, 50). Los Angeles agrees to pay a significant portion of the slumping outfielder's $50 million five-year contract that 'Little Sarge' signed three seasons ago with the Halos.
2010 The Phillies and Shane Victorino (.292, 10, 62) agree on a $22 million, three-year deal. Last season, the 'Flyin' Hawaiian' won his second consecutive Gold Glove roaming center field for the NL champions. 2014 Twenty-five-year-old right-hander Masahiro Tanaka accepts the Yankees' seven-year contract offer for $155 million, the fifth-largest deal ever given to a pitcher. In addition to paying the most substantial sum ever awarded to a Japanese player, New York will also pay an additional $20 million to the Rakuten Golden Eagles, his former team, as part of the new posting agreement between Major League Baseball and teams in Japanese leagues. 2016 The Brewers announces Joe Adcock, who was one vote shy of being elected last year, will be added to the Miller Park Walk of Fame. The former first baseman, who played 10 of his 17 major-league seasons in Milwaukee with the Braves, appeared in 1,207 games with the franchise, including the inaugural County Stadium contest in 1953, when he recorded the first base hit and scored the first run in the history of the ballpark. Amazon 1957 Joe Adcock Baseball Card (Topps #117) 2017 Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura and 33-year-old former third baseman Andy Marte, who played for the Braves, Indians, and Diamondbacks, are killed in separate Dominican Republic car crashes. Kansas City will honor their 25-year-old right-hander, a Águilas Cabañas teammate of Marte, by wearing patches that read "ACE 30" on their uniforms during the upcoming season. View attachment 222005 2019 The Baseball Writers' Association of America name Mariano Rivera on all 425 ballots, making the Yankee closer the first player unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame. The BBWAA also selects Mariner DH Edgar Martinez, Roy Halladay (Blue Jays, Phillies), and Mike Mussina (Orioles, Yankees), who will join the Veteran's Committee's selection of long-time reliever Lee Smith and outfielder/DH Harold Baines. View attachment 221999 **************************************** 156,860
#OTD in 1889 in Philadelphia was the slender and fleet footed centerfielder Amos Strunk, a key component in Connie Mack's Athletics teams. Strunk batted .284 over 17 seasons and played on four World Series title teams (A's in 1910, 1911, 1913 and Red Sox in 1918) and was best known for his defense
Joe Mulvey (1883-1895) - Despite being a solid third baseman, Joe Mulvey shares a rather dubious record with five other players - the most errors (six) by a third baseman in a game set on July 30, 1884 in a 12-6 loss against the Boston Beaneaters. Joe Mulvey (1883-1895) - Despite being a solid third baseman, Joe Mulvey shares a rather dubious record with five other players - the most errors (six) by a third baseman in a game set on July 30, 1884 in a 12-6 loss against the Boston Beaneaters. He was a career .261 average with his best year being in 1890 when he batted .287, hit five home runs and batted in 87 runs. He also stole 20 bases that year. He broke in with the Providence Grays in 1883 but after just four games he was traded to the Philadelphia Quakers (today's Phillies) where he stayed until 1892 when he moved to the Washington Senators for one season. After he retired Mulvey returned to Philadelphia where he took a job as night watchman at Shibe Park.
