BB On this Date ~ Events & Birthdays #2

1971 After Commissioner Bowie Kuhn announces former Negro League players will have a separate wing in the Hall of Fame, the outpouring of negative public opinion causes the concept's quick abandonment. The inclusion of former black players into the regular Hall of Fame will continue to be a more fitting honor.

1976 Federal judge John W. Oliver of the United States district court for Western Missouri upholds Peter Seitz's arbitration ruling, making Dodger right-hander Andy Messersmith and Expo southpaw Dave McNally free agents. The pitchers challenged the reserve clause by playing but not signing their contracts, contending they are now free to sign with another team for next season, negating the owners' belief that the one-year contracts renew perpetually without a player's consent.

1984 The Yankees obtain third baseman Toby Harrah and minor leaguer Rick Brown from the Indians for Dan Boitano, rookie outfielder Otis Nixon, and minor leaguer Guy Elston. The team's new third baseman will hit just .217 in the one season he plays for the Bronx Bombers, but Nixon will go on to have a solid 17-year major league career, leaving the game in 1999 with a lifetime batting average of .270.

 

1990 Bobby Tolan's St. Petersburg Pelicans defeat the Palm Beach Tropics to win the first and only championship of the Senior Professional Baseball Association, 12-4, played in Fort Myers when the Tropics could not host the game at West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium. The eight-team Florida winter circuit for 35-and-older professional baseball players and a minimum age of 32 for catchers, the brainchild of 32-year-old former University of Arizona ballplayer and Colorado property developer Jim Morley, will shut down less than halfway through next season.


1991 The twelve Hall of Fame board of directors vote unanimously to accept the proposal presented last month by a select committee that excludes any player placed on the permanently ineligible list from consideration for enshrinement. The decision will prevent Pete Rose's name from being placed on the HOF ballot.

 

2002 The Minnesota Supreme Court refuses to consider an appeal of an injunction that forces the Twins to fulfill their Metrodome lease in 2002. The decision ends any possibility of contraction in major league baseball this season.

2004 The Cardinals and Albert Pujols, avoiding an arbitration hearing, agree to a $100 million, seven-year deal. The 24-year-old slugging first baseman/outfielder (.359, 43, 124) was the runner-up to Barry Bonds of the Giants in the National League's MVP voting.


2005 The Cubs, needing to fill the void created by Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou's departure, sign an arbitration-eligible Aramis Ramirez (.318, 36, 103) to an $8.95 million, one-year contract. All-Star manager Clint Hurdle will select the 26-year-old Dominican as a reserve for the National League squad this season.


2005 A dentist, who became partially blind after being struck attempting to catch a foul ball, is appealing his case in which he alleges the Phillies need to do more to protect fans. The case, dismissed by a Philadelphia Common Pleas judge citing the club made multiple warnings, including public address announcements, text on the back of the ticket, and posted signs in the ballpark, will now be heard in the state's Commonwealth Court.

2008 Curtis Granderson (.302, 23, 74) and the Tigers come to terms on a five-year contract, including a club option for 2013 worth $30.25 million. Last season, the 26-year-old outfielder became the third player in major league history, joining Willie Mays and Frank Schulte, to swipe 20 bases and hit at least 20 home runs, 20 triples, and 20 doubles.
(On the last day of the same season, Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins hits a triple to become the fourth member of this elite group - LP)

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2009 Brian Bannister and the Royals avoid salary arbitration, agreeing to a one-year deal valued at $1,737,500. The right-hander, who was 9-16 with a 5.76 ERA in 32 starts for Kansas City in his sophomore season, placed third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2007 after being obtained from the Mets for Ambiorix Burgos.

 

2010 Justin Verlander and the Tigers finalized an $80 million, five-year deal to keep the talented hurler in the Motor City until 2014. The 26-year-old right-hander compiled a 65-43 record and a 3.92 ERA during his first four years in the major leagues, all with Detroit.

2010 Minnesota unveils a bronze statue of Rod Carew outside Target Field, the team's new home, beginning this season. The bigger-than-life sculpture, created by Twins fan Bill Mack, depicts the Panamanian infielder's unorthodox batting stance, used to bat .334 during the dozen seasons played for the team, beginning in 1968.

The following inscription appears on the plaque: Rod Carew. Minnesota Twins. 1967-1978. Rod Carew speaking with Ted Williams: "Boy, Ted, that ball looks big coming up there now." Williams replied, "Yeah Rod, when you are hitting .400 they all look big." - LP)

2011 In an SRO news conference at Yankee Stadium, 38-year-old southpaw Andy Pettitte becomes the first 'Core of Four' teammate, a group that includes shortstop Derek Jeter, catcher Jorge Posada, and closer Mariano Rivera, to announce his retirement. The five-time World Champion, who compiled a 240-138 record and won the most postseason games (19) in history during his sixteen years in the major leagues, tells the reporters, "My body would get to where it needs to be, but my heart's not where it needs to be."


2014 The Diamondbacks announce the contracts of general manager Kevin Towers and skipper Kirk Gibson have been extended but do not disclose the length and financial terms of their new deals. The extensions prevent the club's brain trust from becoming lame ducks with just a year remaining on their current agreement with Arizona, which they signed after its 2011 National League West championship season.

2015 Former major leaguer John Hudek's daughter, Sarah, announces she has signed a letter of intent with Louisiana's Bossier Parish Community College, making her one of the first females to compete in baseball at the collegiate level. The 5-foot-10, 150-pound teenage southpaw, whose fastball clocks in at 82 mph, is as good as, or even better than, some of the males on the team, according to BPCC coach Aaron Vorachek.


2015 Carlos Delgado, who enjoyed eight consecutive 30-homer seasons with the Blue Jays while becoming the team's all-time leader in home runs (336), RBIs (1,058), and runs (889), will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June. The Class of 2015 will also feature former Canadian players Corey Koskie and Matt Stairs, longtime Montreal Expos skipper Felipe Alou, and Toronto Sun columnist Bob Elliott, the recipient of the 2012 Spink Award given by the National Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.


2020 The Phillies announced the team plan to posthumously retire Roy Halladay's No. 34 in a pregame ceremony at Citizens Bank Park on May 29, marking the 10th anniversary of his perfect game. 'Doc,' who died in a 2017 plane crash, posted a 55-29 (.655) record during his four seasons with the team, winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2010.

 

2023 The Dodgers bypass their unofficial policy of retiring the numbers only of players who had been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame when the team announces the addition of uniform #34 worn by Fernando Valenzuela, joining the honor bestowed on Pee Wee Reese (1), Tommy Lasorda (2), Duke Snider (4), Gil Hodges (14), Jim Gilliam (19), Don Sutton (20), Walter Alston (24), Sandy Koufax (32), Roy Campanella (39), Jackie Robinson (42), and Don Drysdale (56). The fan-favorite Mexican southpaw, the only pitcher to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year award in the same season, made 331 appearances in a Dodger uniform, posting a 141-116 (.549) record and a 3.31 ERA during his 11 years with the club

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Twilight at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson at the plate.
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Jackie Robinson talking to Nat King Cole - Wrigley Field
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Baseball Birthdays February 5, 2025
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1929 Al Worthington Alabama


1934 Hank Aaron Hall of Fame right fielder (MLB record 755 HRs; NL MVP 1957; 25 × MLB All-Star; Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers)


1936 Lee Thomas, utility (MLB All Star 1962, LA Angels, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs) and executive (GM Philadelphia Phillies 1988-93


1955 Mike Heath catcher

1968 Roberto Alomar, Baseball HOF infielder (World Series 1992, 93 Toronto Blue Jays; 12 x MLB All Star; 10 x Gold Glove Award


1973 Laura Espinoza-Watson infielder (Silver Bullets)


1977 Adam Everett


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This Day in Baseball History
December 5th​

1950 Mel Ott leaves the Giants' organization, signing a two-year pact to manage the Pacific Coast League's Oakland club. 'Marvelous Mel' will replace Chuck Dressen, who compiled a 222-165 (.572) record and captured last season's PCL championship during his two-year tenure with the Oaks.

1952 Figures reveal 1,493,632 fewer fans attended major league games last season, representing a 9.26% decrease from the previous season. The drop marks the second consecutive season in which attendance has declined, and the trend will continue next year.

1955 Ellis Kinder is selected off waivers by the Cardinals from the Boston Red Sox. During his eight seasons in Boston, the 41-year-old right-hander posted an 86-52 record with an earned run average of 3.28.

1955 Carl Stotz announces his plans to organize a rival baseball circuit for kids as an alternative to Little League. The Williamsport lumberyard clerk considered the founder of the original Little League Baseball, left the organization due to a lawsuit he filed when he disagreed with expanding the existing leagues.

1957 In a deal mandated by owner Gussie Busch, the Cardinals obtain Curt Flood from the Reds, along with Joe Taylor, for Marty Kutyna, Willard Schmidt, and Ted Wieand. The trade proves beneficial when their new 19-year-old player becomes an All-Star Gold Glove center fielder and plays a pivotal role in the club's three NL pennants and two world championships during his 12-year reign in St. Louis.

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1958 The Phillies, hoping to fill the National League void in the Big Apple caused by the departure of the Giants and Dodgers to the West Coast, drop their plans for broadcasts next season in New York City. The team's reversal occurs when the Yankees threaten to air Bronx Bombers contests in Philadelphia.

 

1973 Veteran third baseman Ron Santo thwarts the Cubs' plan to trade him when he becomes the first player to invoke the new 10 and 5 rule. The team wanted to send their 33-year-old infielder to the Angels for two pitchers, but his 10+ years in the major leagues, including his 5+ seasons with Chicago, gave him the right to veto the deal.

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1973 The Dodgers trade All-Star outfielder Willie Davis to Montreal for closer Mike Marshall. The 33-year-old reliever will finish over half his new team's games next season, winning the Cy Young Award for LA, while Davis has a solid season, batting .295 in his one season with the Expos.

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(Ed. Note: In 1977, Yankee closer Sparky Lyle will become the first full-time reliever to cop the prestigious pitching prize in the American League. - LP)

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1975 Yogi Berra, fired unexpectedly after piloting the club as a first-year manager to a 99-63 record and an American League pennant in 1964, returns to the Yankees as a coach after an 11-year absence. Hiring the team's former All-Star catcher and skipper to be Billy Martin's bench coach marks the first time in the game's history the designation becomes a description for a coaching staff member.

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1977 Bobby Bonds (.264, 37, 115), made expendable when the team signed Lyman Bostock, is dealt by the Angels with Thad Bosley and Richard Dotson to the White Sox for backstop Brian Downing, Dave Frost, and Chris Knapp. The trade helps both teams, with Bonds filling the void created by the departure of free agents Richie Zisk and Oscar Gamble, and California gets a much-needed first-string catcher who will become a mainstay behind the plate for the Halos for 13 seasons.


1978 The Indians deal Alfredo Griffin and prospect Phil Lansford to the Blue Jays for Victor Cruz. The Tribe's transaction will prove short-sighted when the 21-year-old shortstop wins the American League Rookie of the Year Award next season, and their newly-acquired right-hander posts a 3-9 record with a 4.23 ERA.

1978 After sixteen years with the Reds, 37-year-old Pete Rose signs a four-year, $3.2 million deal with the Phillies, becoming the game's highest-paid player. The Mets, Braves, Pirates, and Royals also pursued Charlie Hustle, who will make major contributions to Philadelphia's three postseason appearances, including the 1980 World Championship, during his five-year tenure with the team.

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1984 The Yankees obtain future Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson, 26, and pitcher Bert Bradley from the A's for pitchers Jay Howell and Jose Rijo, outfielder Stan Javier, and minor leaguers Tim Birsas and Eric Plunk. The Bronx Bombers also trade catcher Rick Cerone to the Braves for right-hander Brian Fisher, who will post a 13-9 record during his two seasons with New York.

 

1990 Hoping to fill the void created by Darryl Strawberry's departure to LA as a free agent, the Mets make their first move into the free-agent market in 10 years when they sign Vince Coleman to a 4-year contract for a little less than $12 million. The former St. Louis outfielder, who will spend time on the disabled list on five occasions during the next two seasons, will be hampered by injuries to his ribs and hamstrings during his stay with New York.


1990 Toronto trades first baseman Fred McGriff and shortstop Tony Fernandez to the Padres for second baseman Roberto Alomar and outfielder Joe Carter. The two new Blue Jays will play a vital role in the team's back-to-back World Championships in 1992 and 1993.

1996 The Player Association executive committee unanimously approves the new collective bargaining agreement. The CBA's affirmative vote clears the path for interleague play and guarantees there will be no work stoppages for at least five years.

 

2001 New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announces he wants to complete new stadium deals for the Mets and Yankees before leaving office at the end of the month. Before the September 11 attacks, which dramatically changed the city's financial stature, the mayor believed an arrangement in which the city, the state, and the owners agreed to pay one-third of the cost of the new stadiums might complete the negotiations with the teams.

2002 The Mets sign the much sought-after free agent Tom Glavine to a three-year deal worth $35 million, with an option for an additional year that could increase the value of the contract to $42.5 million. The 36-year-old southpaw, who has compiled a 242-143 record and a 3.37 ERA, will notch his 300th career win with New York in 2007.

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2009 After trying seven shortstops since Nomar Garciaparra's 2004 trade to the Cubs, the Red Sox give Marco Scutaro an opportunity to play the position, inking the 34-year-old infielder to a two-year deal with a club option for 2012. The free agent, who hit a career-best .282 along with 12 homers and 60 RBIs for Toronto last season, will replace Alex Gonzalez, who left the Red Sox after Boston declined his $6 million option and recently signed with the Blue Jays.

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2010 On the eve of the winter meetings, free agent Jayson Werth (.296, 27, 85) and the Nationals agree on a $126 million, seven-year contract. The signing of the 31-year-old right-fielder, who has been a cog in Philadelphia's recent success, will help fill the void created by the departure of Adam Dunn, the team's former clean-up hitter, to the south side of Chicago.

2011 ESPN hires Terry Francona, recently fired by the Red Sox, as an analyst for its signature Sunday Night games and contributor to other studio shows, including SportsCenter. The former skipper will be replacing Bobby Valentine, who was recently hired to replace him in the Boston dugout.

2011 Ron Santo is elected to the Hall of Fame posthumously by the Golden Era Committee, receiving 15 of its possible 16 votes. The former Cubs' third baseman, who played in the 1960s and early '70s, compiled a .277 lifetime batting average, won five Gold Gloves, and was a member of nine All-Star teams during his 15-year tenure in Chicago, including a season on the South Side with the White Sox.
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2014 Kevin Cash becomes the youngest current skipper in the big leagues when the Rays tweet that he will replace Joe Maddon, who recently signed to manage the Cubs. Tampa Bay selects the 37-year-old former Indians' bullpen coach over Don Wakamatsu, the current Royals bench coach and one-time Mariners manager.

2015 The organ, played by the legendary Nancy Faust at Old Comiskey Park and the U.S. Cellular Field for over 3,000 games, is purchased by Red Sox organist Josh Kantor, who grew up in Chicago listening to her renditions of Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye and Take Me Out to the Ballgame. The iconic instrument, used over 41 seasons, was put up for bid by the White Sox during their annual holiday charity auction at U.S. Cellular Field.

2019 The Reds ink Mike Moustakas, who hit .254 with 35 home runs and 87 RBI in 143 games for the Brewers last season, to a four-year, $64 million deal, making the left-handed slugger the team's richest free-agent signing in club history. Cincinnati hopes the three-time All-Star infielder will provide much-needed offense to a lineup that scored the fourth-fewest runs in the National League.

2021 Golden Days Era Committee (considers candidates from 1950-69) selects Gil Hodges, Jim Kaat, Minnie Miñoso, and Tony Oliva, with Bud Fowler and Buck O'Neil chosen by the Early Baseball Era Committee (considers candidates before 1950) to be honored, along with David Ortiz, at the 2022 Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown (NY). Dick Allen, who finished one vote short of being Hall Famer the last time the GDE committee met in 2014, misses again by the same margin on this year's ballot.

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2023 At the Winter Meetings, American League Eastern Division rivals the Red Sox and Yankees make only their eighth trade since the start of the divisional play in 1969. Boston exchanges starting outfielder Alex Verdugo to the Bronx for three pitchers, Nicholas Judice, Richard Fitts, and Greg Weissert, the only one with major league experience.

 

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