BB On this Date ~ Events & Birthdays #2

1964 The BBWAA selects Brooks Robinson (.317, 28, 118) as the American League Most Valuable Player. The Orioles’ All-Star third baseman, who garnered 18 of the 20 first-place votes cast by the writers, easily outpoints Yankee outfielder Mickey Mantle, 269 to 171.

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1966 After finishing the Cy Young season with a 27-9 record and a league-leading 1.73 ERA, 30-year-old Sandy Koufax shocks the baseball world by announcing his retirement. The southpaw, who has thrown four no-hitters and set the single-season strikeout record last year with 382, cites his arthritic arm and the fear of permanent damage as the reason for placing himself on the voluntarily retired list.

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1966 The Mets name Wes Westrum as the team's second manager in the franchise's brief history, replacing the legendary Casey Stengel, who in his three-plus years with the expansion team compiled a 175-404 (.302) record. The team's pitching coach, who took over the club's reins after the 'Old Perfessor' had fractured his hip in July, doesn't fare much better but will keep the club out of the cellar next year in his only full season as the skipper of the team.

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1980 Royals' third baseman George Brett (.390, 24, 118), after batting nearly .400 all season, easily wins the American League's MVP Award. Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage, and Willie Wilson also received first-place votes.

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1981 Dick Williams replaces Frank Howard as manager of the last-place Padres. The future Hall of Fame skipper, who has won three pennants and two World Series in the last 14 years as a major league pilot, will lead San Diego to a National League pennant in 1984.

1981 Mike Schmidt (.316, 31, 91) becomes the third player in National League history to win consecutive Most Valuable Player Awards. The Phillies' slugging third baseman joins Ernie Banks (Cubs, 1958-59) and Joe Morgan (Reds, 1975-76) in winning the honor in back-to-back seasons.

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1984 Dwight Gooden becomes the second consecutive Met player named the National League's Rookie of Year. The 19-year-old right-hander, who compiled a 17-9 record along with a 2.60 ERA and a league-leading 276 strikeouts, joins his teammate and close friend Darryl Strawberry to be honored with the coveted freshman award.

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1985 Pitching phenoms 20-year-old Dwight Gooden (24-4, Mets), who garners all 24 first-place votes to become the writers' seventh unanimous choice, and 21-year-old Bret Saberhagen (20-6, Royals) win the Cy Young Award. The right-handers become the youngest players in their respective leagues to win the coveted pitching prize.

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1986 Roger Clemens is selected as the American League's MVP, becoming the first pitcher to accomplish the feat since Vida Blue won the honor in 1971. The Red Sox right-hander, who also won this season's AL Cy Young Award, received 19 of the 28 first-place votes, with Yankee first baseman Don Mattingly and teammate Jim Rice listed on the top of the remaining nine ballots.

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1987 Andre Dawson (.287, 49, 137) becomes the first major leaguer to win the MVP award playing for a last-place club. The Cubs outfielder easily outdistances runners-up shortstop Ozzie Smith and first baseman Jack Clark, teammates on the Cardinals.

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1987 George Bell (.308. 47, 134) is selected as the American League's Most Valuable Player, making the San Pedro de Macoris native the first Dominican to win the prestigious award. The Blue Jays' All-Star left fielder narrowly beat out Tigers shortstop Alan Trammell, who received 12 of the 28 first-place votes cast by the writers.

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1991 "An author wrote of his retirement from baseball, 'And now Boston knows how England felt when it lost India.' (Laughter) Ted, congratulations." - President George H. W. Bush, speaking of Ted Williams at the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award ceremony. With former First Lady Betty Ford and former House Speaker Thomas "Tip" O'Neill also in attendance as honorees, President George H. W. Bush presents Red Sox legend Ted Williams the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Yankee Clipper Joe DiMaggio (1977) and Dodger great Jackie Robinson (1984, posthumously) were also recipients of the United States' highest civilian award.

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1997 The Expos trade Pedro Martinez to the Red Sox for minor league pitcher Carl Pavano and a player to be named later (Tony Armas). The future Hall of Fame right-hander will post an astonishing 117-37 (.760) record during his seven seasons with Boston.

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1997 The Devil Rays select southpaw Tony Saunders from the Marlins as their first player in the expansion draft. Tampa Bay also drafts right fielder Bobby Abreu but quickly trades the future star to the Phillies for shortstop Kevin Stocker, who will struggle with the new franchise.

1998 In a close race, Juan Gonzalez wins the American League's Most Valuable Player award when he barely outpoints Mariners shortstop Alex Rodriguez, 290-287. The Rangers outfielder, also selected as the AL's MVP in 1996, becomes the first Latin American native to win the prestigious prize multiple times.

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2000 The Mariners sign Orix Blue Wave's Ichiro Suzuki to a three-year deal making him the first Japanese position player in major league history. Seattle agrees to pay $13 million to his former team for the right to negotiate with Japan's best hitter.

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2002 The Braves, Marlins, and the Rockies complete a three-team trade, which sends starting pitcher Mike Hampton and outfielder Juan Pierre to Florida with backstop Charles Johnson, outfielder Preston Wilson, southpaw reliever Vic Darensbourg, and infield prospect Pablo Ozuna to Colorado. The Marlins then sent Hampton to the Braves in exchange for righty reliever Tim Spooneybarger and pitching prospect Ryan Baker.

2004 Although the Expos may be unsure where the team plays next season (until the MLB approves the shifting the franchise to Washington, DC) or the team's new name, the former Montreal franchise will know its manager. After compiling a 233-253 record despite many restrictions and hardships, Frank Robinson will return to the helm for his fourth year as the skipper of this nomad ship.

2008 Joining Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles - 1983) and Ryan Howard (Phillies - 2006), Dustin Pedroia (.326, 17, 83) becomes the third player in major league history to win the Most Valuable Player award a season after being selected as the Rookie of the Year. The scrappy Gold Glove second baseman, the tenth Red Sox player to earn the American League honor, received 16 of the 28 first-place votes to easily outdistance heavy-hitting Twins first baseman Justin Morneau (.300, 23, 129).

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2008 Ryan Dempster (17-6, 2.96) and the Cubs agree to a $52 million, four-year deal. The 31-year-old right-handed starter had been the club's closer, saving 87 games in 102 chances during the 2005-07 seasons.

2008 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice introduces Ken Griffey, Jr. as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy, a position in which the future Hall of Famer will represent the "values of the United States, not the government of the United States." The free-agent outfielder, who played for the Reds and White Sox last season, joins Cal Ripken Jr. as a major leaguer serving his country in the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

2009 After he pilots the Rockies to the NL Wild Card from a 14.5 game deficit at the end of May, the BBWAA names Jim Tracy the National League's Manager of the Year, making him just the second person to cop the honor after taking over a team during the season. The 53-year-old skipper joins Jack McKeon, who also accomplished the feat with the 2003 Marlins.

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2009 Mike Scioscia, who piloted the Angels to its third consecutive division title and sixth postseason appearance in the last eight years and guided Los Angeles past many injuries to key players, is named the AL Manager of the Year for the second time. The 50-year-old skipper helped ease the team's deep sorrow caused by the sudden death of 22-year-old starter Nick Adenhart, who died in a hit-and-run car accident just hours after pitching six shutout innings against Oakland for the Halos.

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2010 After being selected as the American League Manager of the Year, Ron Gardenhire accepts a two-year extension through the 2013 season from the Twins. The 53-year-old skipper has compiled an 803-656 (.550) record en route to winning six divisional titles during his nine-year tenure in Minnesota.

2010 Free-agent backstop John Buck signs a three-year, $18 million contract to catch for the Marlins, the team that sought his services a minute after free agency opened. The signing of the 30-year-old catcher, who enjoyed a career year with the Blue Jays, hitting .281 with 20 home runs, continues Florida's active participation in the early off-season, including the acquisition of four relievers and an infielder.

2010 Despite an unspectacular 13-12 record, the Baseball Writers' Association of America names Felix Hernandez the American League Cy Young Award winner ahead of Tampa Bay's David Price (19-6) and New York's CC Sabathia (21-7). King Felix's league-leading 2.27 ERA and the lack of run support from the last-place Mariners made the Seattle ace an easy choice for BBWAA, who placed him first on 21 of the 28 ballots cast.

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2011 The Cubs introduce Dale Sveum as the fifth-place team's new manager, replacing Mike Quade, the former skipper fired by Chicago's new GM Theo Epstein at the end of the season. The 52nd manager in franchise history, whose managerial experience consists of sixteen games as Milwaukee's interim skipper in 2008, is considered a no-nonsense baseball lifer who will stress the game's fundamentals while implementing "high standards of accountability" for the players.

2013 Tim Hudson agrees to a two-year deal, reportedly worth $23 million, to pitch for the Giants, joining a stellar rotation that includes Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, and Tim Lincecum. The 38-year-old right-hander compiled an 8-7 record with a 3.97 ERA last season for the Braves before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury.

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2014 The Mets announce the team is moving in sections of the Citi Field outfield wall, adjusting the distances from home plate to center and right field from three to 11 feet. According to New York's General Manager Sandy Alderson, the modifications refine previous changes made at the ballpark considered fair to pitchers and hitters.

2014 Three-time All-Star backstop Russell Martin and the Blue Jays finalize a five-year, $82-million contract, the second-largest free-agent deal in franchise history. The acquisition of the 31-year-old Canadian-born catcher, who led the Pirates to playoff appearances for the past two seasons, signals Toronto's intention of being a contender in the AL East next year.

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On November 18 in Baseball History...

• • 1949 - National League batting leader (.342) Jackie Robinson is picked for the National League Most Valuable Player award.
    
  • 1959 - Outfielder Bob Allison of Washington is voted the American League Rookie of the Year. Cleveland's Jim Perry is a distant second.
    
  • 1960 - Charlie Finley, 42-year-old insurance tycoon from Gary, Indiana, makes a formal bid for the new Los Angeles club.
    
  • 1964 - Baltimore third baseman Brooks Robinson is voted American League Most Valuable Player, outpolling Mickey Mantle 269 to 171.
    
  • 1965 - Zoilo Versalles is named American League Most Valuable Player. The Minnesota shortstop gets 275 votes to 174 for outfielder teammate Tony Oliva.
    
  • 1966 - Sandy Koufax announces his retirement, due to increasing pain in his arthritic left elbow.
    
  • 1970 - Johnny Bench wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award with 326 points, 108 more than Billy Williams of the Cubs. Bench had 45 homers, 148 RBI, and a .293 average for the Reds.
    
  • 1980 - Despite having missed 45 games with injuries, George Brett is named American League Most Valuable Player. The 27-year-old third baseman's .390 average was the highest in the major leagues since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941, and he added 24 home runs and 118 RBI to lead Kansas City to its first American League pennant.
    
  • 1981 - Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins his second consecutive National League Most Valuable Player Award, joining Ernie Banks and Joe Morgan as the only National League players to take the award back-to-back. Schmidt hit .316 with 31 home runs and 91 RBI in the abbreviated season and also led the league in runs and walks.
    
  • 1985 - Dwight Gooden (National League) and Bret Saberhagen (American League) win the Cy Young Award in their respective leagues. Willie McGee, meanwhile, wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award, capping a season in which he led the league in batting average (.353) and hits (216) and also stole 56 bases for St. Louis.
    
  • 1986 - Roger Clemens becomes the first starting pitcher to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award since Vida Blue in 1971, receiving 19 of a possible 28 first-place votes to defeat runner-up Don Mattingly.
    
  • 1987 - Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson becomes the first player from a last-place club ever to win an Most Valuable Player Award, taking National League honors with .287 average, 49 home runs, and 137 RBI.
    
  • 1997 - The expansion draft, and a dizzying series of trades, result in dozens of players packing their bags. Two pitchers who appeared in the World Series a month earlier, Tony Saunders of the Marlins and Brian Anderson of the Indians, are the first players taken. Saunders, the first player chosen overall, heads a list of new Tampa Bay Devil Rays that includes Quinton McCracken, Bubba Trammell, Albie Lopez, and Terrell Wade, plus Fred McGriff, a Tampa native who arrives in a trade after the draft. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who signed shortstop Jay Bell to a five-year contract the day before the draft, select Jeff Suppan, Gabe Alvarez, Jorge Fabergas and Karim Garcia. The trade that makes perhaps the biggest splash is National League Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez going from Montreal to Boston.
    
  • 1998 - Texas slugger Juan Gonzalez is named the winner of the American League Most Valuable Player.

Baseball Birthdays on November 18...

• • 1857 - Munce, John
  • 1860 - McLaughlin, Jim
  • 1863 - McGuire, Deacon
  • 1869 - Johnson, John
  • 1872 - Griffith, Frank
  • 1874 - Fox, Henry
  • 1882 - Coombs, Jack
  • 1882 - Shipke, Bill
  • 1884 - Vowinkel, Rip
  • 1886 - Gregory, Howie
  • 1889 - Shook, Ray
  • 1892 - Dibut, Pedro
  • 1892 - Trekell, Harry
  • 1893 - Hauger, Arthur
  • 1893 - Mann, Les
  • 1896 - Hughes, Bill
  • 1899 - Kelly, Ren
  • 1899 - Ulrich, Dutch
  • 1900 - Marquis, Jim
  • 1900 - Shields, Vince
  • 1909 - Merena, Spike
  • 1909 - Coscarart, Joe
  • 1910 - Cicero, Joe
  • 1912 - Fuchs, Charlie
  • 1916 - Burkhart, Ken
  • 1921 - Layton, Les
  • 1922 - Wahl, Kermit
  • 1924 - Nelson, Rocky
  • 1924 - Wise, Roy
  • 1925 - Mauch, Gene
  • 1926 - Sievers, Roy
  • 1928 - Lombardo, Lou
  • 1932 - McDevitt, Danny
  • 1933 - Raydon, Curt
  • 1936 - Hook, Jay
  • 1938 - Zipfel, Bud
  • 1940 - Koonce, Cal
  • 1941 - Slaughter, Sterling
  • 1943 - Shellenback, Jim
  • 1943 - Joyce, Dick
  • 1952 - Briggs, Dan
  • 1952 - Henderson, Steve
  • 1953 - Rondon, Gilberto
  • 1954 - Stimac, Craig
  • 1955 - Pujols, Luis
  • 1958 - Pastornicky, Cliff
  • 1959 - Heathcock, Jeff
  • 1961 - Felder, Mike
  • 1962 - Moyer, Jamie
  • 1963 - Bichette, Dante
  • 1965 - Petkovsek, Mark
  • 1965 - Howard, Chris
  • 1965 - Hemond, Scott
  • 1966 - Farmer, Howard
  • 1966 - Tucker, Eddie
  • 1966 - Coomer, Ron
  • 1967 - Gordon, Tom
  • 1968 - Sheffield, Gary
  • 1968 - Whitmore, Darrell
  • 1968 - Bellinger, Clay
  • 1968 - Stidham, Phil
  • 1970 - Watson, Allen
  • 1975 - Ortiz, David
  • 1975 - Wise, Matt

Copyright � 2001-2007. All Rights Reserved.
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11/19
BIRTHDAYS
Roy Campanella (1921-1993) Hall of Fame catcher (NL MVP 1951, 53, 55; World Series 1955; 8 x MLB All Star; Brooklyn Dodgers), born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


1938 Ted Turner founder of CNN, owner of the Atlanta Braves and winner of the America's Cup in 1977, born in Cincinnati, Ohio

1947 Bob Boone player and manager (Phillies, Angels), born in San Diego, California


1967 Gary Disarcina infielder (California Angels), born in Maiden, Massachusetts


1971 Andy Sheets infielder (Seattle Mariners), born in Baton Rouge, Louisana


1979 John-Ford Griffin (Toronto Blue Jays), born in Sarasota, Florida


1979 Ryan Howard (Philadelphia Phillies), born in Florissant, Missouri

 

FROM MLB's This Day in Baseball History+​

1884 League secretary Nick Young becomes National League president replacing Abe Mills, who had resigned from the post. The likable executive will stay in the position until he returns to his role with the U.S. Treasury Department in 1902.

1939 With 20,000 well-wishers jamming the City by the Bay streets, Joe DiMaggio marries actress Dorothy Arnold at St. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco. The Yankees outfielder met his future bride on the set of 'Manhattan Merry-Go-Round,' a movie where he had a minor role.

1960 James Vernon will pilot the new American League expansion Senators in their inaugural season in the nation's capital. During his three-year tenure with the new club, 'Mickey' will compile a dismal 135-227 record, finishing no higher than ninth place.

Mickey with Dom D & Ted

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1962 The Cardinals send pitcher Don Cardwell and infielder Julio Gotay to the Pirates for shortstop Dick Groat and pitcher Diomedes Olivo. The Redbirds' new infielder will become a central cog in the team's World Championship in 1964.

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1968 Yankee right-hander Stan Bahnsen (17-12, 2.05, 162) is named American League Rookie of the Year. The 23-year-old freshman starter easily outdistances outfielder Del Unser (.230, 1, 30) of the last-place Senators.

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1975 In a landslide vote, Joe Morgan (.327, 17, 94) is overwhelmingly elected the National League MVP. The Reds' second baseman, who received 21 of the 23 first-place votes cast by the writers, had a major league-leading on-base percentage of .466.

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1979 Former Angel Nolan Ryan agrees to a $4.4 million, four-year deal with the Astros, the largest sum ever given to a free-agent signing with a new team. After inking the richest contract in sports, the 'Ryan Express' becomes the first baseball player to earn a million dollars per year.

1986 Mike Schmidt (.290, 37, 119) joins Roy Campanella and Stan Musial, becoming the third player in National League history to win the MVP three times. The Phillies' third baseman also won the prestigious prize in 1980 and 1981.

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1990 Being named first on 23 of 24 of the writer's ballots cast by the writers with the other first-place vote cast for teammate Bobby Bonilla, Pirates' outfielder Barry Bonds (.301, 23, 114) easily wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award.

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1991 Cal Ripken Jr. (.323, 34,114) wins his second American League Most Valuable Player Award, joining the 1987 selection of Cub outfielder Dawson as the second player from a sixth-place club to get an MVP nod from the BBWAA. The 31-year-old Oriole shortstop, who also copped the honor in 1983, receives 15 of the 28 first-place votes cast by writers to easily outpoint (318-286) Tiger first baseman Cecil Fielder, the runner-up for the second straight year.

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1993 Howard Johnson, who will turn 33 at the end of the month, becomes the first free agent to sign with another team this off-season when he agrees to a one-year deal worth $2,100,000 to play for the Rockies. The switch-hitting slugger, who led the National League in homers and RBIs two years ago, has seen his production drop in recent seasons, primarily due to injuries.

1996 Free-agent Albert Belle signs a record five-year, $55 million deal with the White Sox. The generous contract makes the 30-year-old left fielder the first player in baseball history to earn $10 million annually.

1998 Sammy Sosa, who receives 28 of the 30 writers' first-place votes, is selected as the National League MVP, creating a historic Latin American sweep of the MVP awards with Ranger Juan Gonzalez winning the award in the American League this season. The Texas outfielder easily outpoints shortstops Nomar Garciaparra of the Red Sox and the Yankees' Derek Jeter to cop the AL honor.

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2001 Giants' left fielder Barry Bonds (.328, 73, 137), receiving 30 of 32 first-place votes cast by the BBWAA, overwhelming wins the Most Valuable Player Award an unprecedented fourth time (1990, 92-93 with the Pirates). Three-time MVPs include Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, and Mike Schmidt.

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2002 Jesse Orosco, the 24-year veteran who is the all-time leader in games pitched at 1,187, agrees to a one-year contract with the Padres estimated to be worth $800,000. The 45-year-old lefty reliever, the oldest player in the majors, started his major league career with the Mets in 1979 after being traded by the Twins for Jerry Koosman.

2004 The Angels trade flychaser Jose Guillen (.294, 27, 104) to the Nationals for outfielder Juan Riveria and infielder Maicer Izturis. The Dominican Republic native, now playing for his sixth team in his eight-year career, was suspended by Anaheim last September for throwing a helmet during a tirade after being taken out for a pinch-runner

2007 Alex Rodriguez (.314, 54, 156), receiving 26 out of 28 first place-votes cast by the BBWAA, wins his third American League Most Valuable Player Award, the second as a Yankee (2005). The 32-year-old third baseman, presently in contract talks with the Bronx Bombers with a $275 million framework to keep him in New York until 2018, won his first MVP with the Rangers in 2003.

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2007 The Angels trade Orlando Cabrera (.301, 8, 86) to the White Sox in exchange for Jon Garland (10-13, 4.23). Many see this trade of their Gold Glove shortstop for a right-hander as a precursor of the pitching-rich Halos dealing a hurler for a big bat such as Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada.

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2008 The Mariners hire former A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu as the team's 16th manager in the 31-year history of the franchise. The fourth-generation Japanese-American, whose father was born in an internment camp during World War II, becomes the first Asian-American big-league manager.

2008 The Royals obtain a much-needed leadoff hitter, acquiring Coco Crisp (.283, 7, 41) from the Red Sox in exchange for setup reliever Ramon Ramirez (3-2, 2.64, 70/71.2). The fleet-footed center fielder became dispensable due to the sensational play of Jacoby Ellsbury in the Boston outfield.

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2010 The Tigers finalize a $16.5 million, three-year deal with reliever Joaquin Benoit, with the 33-year-old right-hander getting $5.5 million a year. The contract for the former Tampa Bay setup man is similar to the one given to Brandon Lyon, who filled the same role for Detroit before going to Houston in the 2009 offseason.

2010 At a news conference at Minute Maid Park, Astros owner Drayton McLane announces he is putting the club up for sale. The 74-year-old entrepreneur, who purchased the franchise for about $117 million in 1992, tells the gathering, "it's time to change and move forward."

2012 Miami's hurlers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle along with shortstop Jose Reyes, catcher John Buck, utility player Emilio Bonifacio, and cash go to the Blue Jays for shortstops Yunel Escobar and Adeiny Hechavarria, starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez, backstop Jeff Mathis, and three minor leaguers, including highly-regarded pitching prospect, Justin Nicolino. The blockbuster trade is reminiscent of the team's moves in 1997 and 2003 when the Marlins put its bottom line above fielding a competitive team for the South Florida fans.

2012 The Padres exercised their 2014-15 options on Bud Black's contract, ensuring their skipper will remain with the club for the next three seasons. The 2010 National League's Manager of the Year, who has the second-longest tenure in the dugout in franchise history, has compiled a 464-509 (.465) won-loss record during his six seasons with San Diego.

2020 "The historical significance of Wrigley Field is interwoven into our nation's story and a key part of what has become America's beloved pastime for over a century." - DAVID L. BERNHARDT, U.S. Secretary of the Interior designating Wrigley Field a national landmark. David L. Bernhardt designates Wrigley Field, built in 1914, as a National Historic Landmark. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior cites the significant role the Cubs' ballpark has played in Chicago and the history of professional sports.

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On November 19 in Baseball History...

• • 1960 - Mickey Vernon is hired as the first manager of the new Washington team.
    
  • 1968 - Yankees pitcher Stan Bahnsen, who was 17-12, is named American League Rookie of the Year.
    
  • 1975 - By the most overwhelming margin ever, Reds second baseman Joe Morgan is named National League Most Valuable Player. Morgan batted .327 with 67 stolen bases and a league-leading 132 walks.
    
  • 1979 - The Astros sign free agent Nolan Ryan, formerly of the Angels, to a four-year, $4.5 million contract. This makes him the highest-paid player in the major leagues.
    
  • 1986 - Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award, joining Stan Musial and Roy Campanella as the only three-time winners. Schmidt led the National League with 37 home runs and 119 RBI.
    
  • 1990 - Pittsburgh's Barry Bonds wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award, easily outdistancing teammate and runner-up Bobby Bonilla. Bonds hit .301 with 23 home runs, 114 RBI, and 52 stolen bases.
    
  • 1996 - Baseball's most controversial owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, and most controversial player, Albert Belle, join forces with the White Sox. Belle signs a record five-year, $55M deal that makes him the first player to surpass the $10M per year mark. Reinsdorf, seen as the instigator in the owners' vote against the collective bargaining agreement, draws the ire of owners in both leagues who feel Reinsdorf sold them out.
    
  • 1998 - Chicago slugger Sammy Sosa is an easy winner in the National League Most Valuable Player balloting over St. Louis's Mark McGwire. Sosa received 30 of 32 first-place votes after leading the Cubs to a wild-card spot in the playoffs.

Baseball Birthdays on November 19...

• • 1840 - Phelps, Nealy
  • 1848 - Pratt, Al
  • 1855 - Driscoll, Denny
  • 1862 - Sunday, Billy
  • 1874 - Atherton, Charlie
  • 1881 - Bailey, Bill
  • 1887 - Nabors, Jack
  • 1888 - Regan, Mike
  • 1892 - Scott, Everett
  • 1895 - Zitzmann, Billy
  • 1898 - Courtney, Harry
  • 1902 - Palmisano, Joe
  • 1905 - Tutwiler, Elmer
  • 1908 - Glenn, Joe
  • 1908 - Boss, Harley
  • 1912 - Gerkin, Steve
  • 1914 - Morgan, Eddie
  • 1921 - Campanella, Roy
  • 1922 - Yankowski, George
  • 1926 - Thorpe, Bob
  • 1930 - Morgan, Joe
  • 1938 - Jimenez, Manny
  • 1942 - Haney, Larry
  • 1943 - Monteagudo, Aurelio
  • 1945 - Tolan, Bobby
  • 1947 - Boone, Bob
  • 1956 - Noles, Dickie
  • 1961 - Hearron, Jeff
  • 1966 - Hartsock, Jeff
  • 1967 - DiSarcina, Gary
  • 1969 - Dreyer, Steve
  • 1970 - Thobe, J.J.
  • 1970 - Berblinger, Jeff
  • 1971 - Sheets, Andy
  • 1974 - Valdez, Mario
  • 1974 - Roskos, John
  • 1977 - Duchscherer, Justin

Copyright � 2001-2007. All Rights Reserved.
Part of the Baseball Almanac family: 755 Home Runs | Around the Horn | Baseball Box Scores | Baseball Fever | Today in Baseball History.​