MLB - Обсуждение

[Andreika]

Джонни Куэто в Джайнтс. 130 лимонов баксов на 6 лет (это около 22-х лямов за сезон). Жирненько, однако... Даже удивительно что он не клиент Скотта Бораса...

Там же Саммарджия - 90 лимонов на 5 лет. Брюс Боучи снова переждал годик и опять за титулом?

[nsergey73]

так! отлично! начинаем по-немногу собираться в кучу

10 лучших по ERA: seasons (2011-2015)
2.11 – Clayton Kershaw
2.71 – Johnny Cueto $130M - 6 years
2.82 – Zack Greinke $206.5M - 6 years
2.89 – Cliff Lee
2.94 – Chris Sale
2.99 – Adam Wainwright
3.02 – David Price $217M - 7 years
3.03 – Felix Hernandez
3.05 – Madison Bumgarner
3.11 – Stephen Strasburg
/................только у Клейтона ниже ERA чем у Джонни! потому и $22M! в контексте всех этих недавних сделок, подписание Куэто за такие деньги выглядит очень неплохой сделкой! для Сан-Франа, конечно!

[Supercrab]

Лэки и Хейуорд ушли.
че за фрукт Jedd Gyorko ?

[nsergey73]

Supercrab
Jedd Gyorko - http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?pl ... osition=2B

[DrunKRaveN]

Supercrab, похоже Мозеляк и Девит опять жучат бабки. Похоже и аутфилдера не подпишем, хотя на рынке есть еще Гордон и Дэвис. А на 1 базе у нас будут Адам/Мосс. Прекрасный сезон ожидается.

[nsergey73]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 17.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1891 The American Association disbands. The Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Browns, Louisville Colonels and Washington Senators will become part of the 12-team National League.

1924 The Yankees trade three pitchers to the Browns to get back Urban Shocker, a pitcher traded to St. Louis in 1918. Shocker had been a 20-game winner for four consecutive seasons.

1964 The Yankees fire long time television and radio voice Mel Allen. This well known broadcaster popularized the 'going, going, gone' home run call and often said 'how about that' to describe happenings on the ball field.
On December 17, 1964, after much media speculation and many letters to the Yankees from fans disgruntled by Allen's absence from the Series, the Yankees issued a terse press release announcing Allen's firing; he was replaced by Joe Garagiola. NBC and Movietone dropped him soon afterward. To this day, the Yankees have never given an explanation for the sudden firing, and rumors abounded. Depending on the rumor, Allen was either homosexual, an alcoholic, a drug addict, or had a nervous breakdown.

Years later, Allen told author Curt Smith that the Yankees had fired him under pressure from the team's longtime sponsor, Ballantine Beer. According to Allen, he was fired as a cost-cutting move by Ballantine, which had been experiencing poor sales for years (it would eventually be sold in 1969). Smith, in his book Voices of Summer, also indicated that the medications Allen took to see him through his busy schedule may have affected his on-air performance. (Stephen Borelli, another biographer, has also pointed out that Allen's heavy workload did not allow him time to take care of his health.)


1975 Bill Veeck, who became the owner of the team yesterday, fires manager Chuck Tanner and selects old friend Paul Richards to manage the White Sox.

1993 After being traded back to Oakland by the Yankess in July, Rickey Henderson decides to stay with the A's, signing a two-year $8.6 million contract. In 1998, the speedy outfielder was traded to the Bronx Bombers along with Bert Bradley for Tim Birtsas, Jay Howell, Stan Javier, Eric Plunk, and José Rijo.

2004 A tentative three-team deal which included Diamondback southpaw Randy Johnson and pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii being traded to the Yankees, Los Angeles outfielder Shawn Green and pitcher Brad Penny being sent to the Diamondbacks, with Jose Vazquez and prospects going to the Dodgers, falls apart at the eleventh hour. The blockbuster transaction is stopped when LA backs out. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 18.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1952 Ellis W. Ryan resigns after failing to secure a vote of confidence at a shareholders' meeting. After losing the showdown with general manager Hank Greenberg, the president of the Indians resigns and sells his stock for a nifty profit of more than a quarter of a million dollars for the 551 shares he purchased three years ago.

1973 Despite an impending legal showdown with Charlie Finley, the Yankees announce the signing of manager Dick Williams. American League president Joe Cronin will void the deal two days later.

1975 Chuck Tanner signs a three-year deal to manage the A's. After compiling an 87-74 (.540) record to finish in second place, Oakland will release the New Castle, PA native from his contract, allowing him to manage the Pirates in exchange for catcher Manny Sanguillen and $100,000 from Pittsburgh.

1975 With little encouragement from the other American League owners, Bill Veeck reacquires the White Sox when he purchases 80% of the team as part of an investment group that is intent on keeping the franchise in Chicago. Former owner John Allyn had been pressured by the league to sell his club to a Seattle interest to help quell a lawsuit that was a result of the AL's approval in 1970 to move the one year-old expansion Pilots from the 'Emerald City' to Milwaukee.

2001 Filling the void created by Mark McGwire's unexpected retirement, the Cardinals sign first baseman Tino Martinez to a $21 million, three-year contract. After he was replaced in the Yankees lineup by Jason Giambi, the former Bronx Bomber said the Cardinals were his first choice as a free agent.

2005 The bat Pete Rose used to hit his 159th career home run in 1985 is acquired by GoldenPalace.com for $103,631.91 during Lelands Winter 2005 Auction. The on-line casino, infamous for placing winning bids for the Dallas Grassy Knoll fence and the Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese Sandwich, plans to raise money for charity by sawing the bat in half to determine if the bat is corked as is widely believed. [/spoiler]

[mex_mangust]

Дэниал Нава в Халос
Тод Фрэзиэр в Уайт Сокс

[nsergey73]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 19.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1954 Wally Moon (.304, 12, 106) becomes the first Cardinal player to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League's Rookie of the Year. The 24 year-old center fielder, who replaced Enos Slaughter in the St. Louis outfield, gets 17 of the 24 writers' votes, with runners-up including future Hall of Famers Ernie Banks (4) and Hank Aaron (1).

1976 A single-engine plane crashes into the upper deck of Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, home of the Orioles, injuring the pilot and three others. Minutes prior to the mishap the plane had buzzed the stadium during the final moments of the Steelers play-off victory over the Colts.

1990 At a press conference, Tiger management and WJR announce 1991 will be Ernie Harwell's 32nd and final season in the broadcast booth. The dismissal of the Motor City's popular play-by-play announcer starts a furor among fans, which includes a threatened boycott of Domino's Pizza, a business of club owner Tom Monaghan, and the rise of the slogan, "Say It Ain't So, Bo", which appears on bumper stickers and T-shirts all over Detroit, referring to Bo Schembechler, the team president and former University of Michigan football coach.

1991 The Blue Jays sign free-agent veteran Dave Winfield to be their designated hitter, a role the former Angel fills well when he hits .290 with 26 home runs along with 108 RBIs. The veteran, who will become a fan favorite, provides leadership and experience en route to the team's first world championship.

2002 The Japan's most heralded player, 28 year-old outfield slugger Hideki Matsui (.334, 50, 107) reaches a preliminary agreement with the Yankees on a $21 million, three-year contract. 'Godzilla', the three-time Most Valuable Player of Japan's Central League, rejected the Yomiuri Giants' $33 million, four-year offer, opting to play for Bronx Bombers [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 20.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1926 The World Champion Cardinals trade Rogers Hornsby to the Giants for Jimmy Ring and Frankie Frisch, who will play an integral role in the success of the Gas House Gang in the 1930's after being sent to St. Louis due to a falling out with New York's manager John McGraw. The trade gets complicated when the 'Rajah' refuses to sell his 1,167 shares of the team stock back to the Redbirds at the asking price.

1973 American League president Joe Cronin, siding with Charlie Finley, rules the Yankees cannot sign A's manager Dick Williams. The Bronx Bombers, who will eventually hire Bill Virdon to manage the team, had announced a deal with the Oakland skipper two days earlier.

1980 The Brewers obtain future Cy Young winners Rollie Fingers [1981] and Pete Vuckovich [1982] in a deal with the Cardinals, sending pitcher Lary Sorensen, outfielder Sixto Lezcano and minor league players Dave Green and Dave LaPointe to St. Louis.

2001 Last season's American League strikeout leader with 220, free agent Hideo Nomo (13-10, 4.50), inks a $13.75 million, two-year deal with the Dodgers. The former Red Sox right-hander was the National League Rookie of the Year when he broke into the majors with Los Angeles in 1995.

2007 Boss, Jonathan Papelbon's bulldog, ate the ball used to record the final out of 2007 World Series, according to the Red Sox closer during an interview with the Hattiesburg American. Teammate Jason Varitek had given the ball to the reliever when Rockies pinch-hitter Seth Smith struck out to complete the Fall Classic sweep of Colorado. [/spoiler]

In BaseBall History:

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige Was Born
July 7, 1906
How old is "too old" to play professional baseball? At the age of fifty-nine, Satchel Paige became the oldest player in the major leagues. He may also have been the best pitcher in baseball ever.
Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige was born on July 7, 1906. He earned his nickname, Satchel, when he was a young boy carrying bags (and satchels) at railroad stations for passengers. Initially barred from the major leagues because he was African American, Paige played in what was referred to as "the Negro Leagues." Paige's pitching took the Kansas City Monarchs to five Negro American League pennants. He also showcased his skills by barnstorming across the country. What is barnstorming?

In barnstorming, a player traveled across the country and pitched for any team willing to meet his price. (Teams also barnstormed around the U.S. and played against local teams.) Paige sometimes traveled as many as 30,000 miles a year and in one streak pitched twenty-nine days in a row! He played in exhibition games against the best players of the day, black or white. Huge crowds came to watch him.

"I liked playing against Negro League teams," Paige was quoted as saying, "but I loved barnstorming. It gave us a chance to play everybody and go everywhere . . ."

Paige finally got his chance to play in the major leagues as a Cleveland Indian in 1948. That was one year after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball and went to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
[/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 21.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1927 The Red Sox trade hurler Ernie Shore and Dutch Leonard as well as outfielder Duffy Lewis to the Yankees for relatively unknown players and $15,000. The group includes Frank Gilhooley, Slim Love, Ray Caldwell, and Roxy Walters.

1959 After Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh rejects the A's offer to deal Roger Maris for shortstop Dick Groat, Pittsburgh obtains Gino Cimoli along with Tom Cheney from the Cardinals for right-hander Ron Kline. Maris, who is dealt to the Yankees, will enjoy the first of his two consecutive MVP years in New York, but Groat will play a key role for the World Champion Bucs next season, and he also will be named the most valuable player of his league.

1960 Cub owner P.K. Wrigley announces the club will not have a manager next season, but will instead use a college of coaches. The 'faculty' for the upcoming campaign will include El Tappe, Charlie Grimm, Goldie Holt, Bobby Adams, Harry Craft, Verlon Walker, Ripper Collins and Vedie Himsl, with each serving as "head coach" for part of the season.

1978 Sports cartoonist Willard Mullin, creator of the lovable caricature known as the 'Brooklyn Bum', dies in Corpus Christi at the age of 76. The cartoon featured a low-brow, working class character who would proudly represent the borough of Brooklyn, quickly becoming a favorite of the Dodger fans.

1995 David Cone, after considering an attractive offer from the Orioles, re-signs with the Yankees as a free agent, inking a three-year deal worth $19.5 million. The 32 year-old 'hired hand' starts the season 4-1 along with a 2.02 ERA, before being diagnosed with an aneurysm in his right arm, resulting in being placed on the disabled list for the majority of the season. [/spoiler]

In BaseBall History:

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] The story about Josh Gibson hitting a ball clean out of Yankee Stadium is pretty good, whether it's literally true or not. But I prefer this one from Robert W. Peterson's "Only the Ball Was White" …
One day during the 1930s the Pittsburgh Crawfords were playing at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, where their young catcher, Josh Gibson, hit the ball so high and so far that no one saw it come down. After scanning the sky carefully for a few minutes, the umpire deliberated and ruled it a home run. The next day the Crawfords were playing in Philadelphia, when suddenly a ball dropped out of the heavens and was caught by the startled center fielder on the opposing club. The umpire made the only possible ruling. Pointing to Gibson he shouted, "Yer out -- yesterday in Pittsburgh!" [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 22.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1899 The fledgling American League owners meet to map out a strategy against the established National League. They agree to place a team in Chicago with Charles Comiskey as the owner-manager of the franchise.

1953 Jack Dunn III officially turns over the name Orioles to the major league franchise. His family had successfully operated the International League Orioles franchise for years in Baltimore.

1962 Voters in Harris County (TX) approve a bond issue to complete the financing of the world's first domed sports stadium, which will become home for the Houston Astros. The structure will become known as the Astrodome, and will be dubbed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.

1980 The Red Sox mail Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk their new contracts two days after the Basic Agreement December 20 deadline, technically making their young All-Stars eligible for free agency. Fisk will leave Boston, signing a $3.5 million deal with the White Sox, beginning with the 1981 season.

1982 Lee Mazzilli is traded for the third time this season. The Yankees, who obtained the Brooklyn native from the Rangers in August for Bucky Dent, deal the first baseman/outfielder to the Pirates for Tim Burke and three minor leaguers.

1995 Bill DeWitt, Jr. and two investment partners, Frederick and Stephen Brauer, come to an agreement to purchase the Cardinals from Anheuser-Busch for a reported $150 million. The new owner of the Redbirds, whose dad started in baseball selling soda at Redbirds games in 1916, lent his uniform as the Browns' 9 year-old bat boy to Eddie Gaedel, the shortest player in the history of the game, who made a single plate appearance and was walked with four consecutive balls in a Bill Veeck stunt in 1951. [/spoiler]

[SkiPPy43]

Supercrab,
Лика взяли,не лучший выбор имхо

[mex_mangust]

Supercrab,
Лика взяли,не лучший выбор имхо

Стрёмный питчер... он вроде 1 год только нормально играл
Был у меня в фэнтази пару лет назад не сильно радовал

[SkiPPy43]

mex_mangust,
да конечно,вообще не понятно что делают,Кабс проиграли в NLDS,это уже есть над чем задуматься,нужно питчеров качественных срочно скупать и позиции защиты укреплять,да и нападения тоже...а они Лика

[nsergey73]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 23.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1905 The A's sell Lave Cross to the Senators. The thirty-eight year-old third baseman will appear in 171 games for Washington over the next two seasons before ending his 21-year career in the big leagues.

1953 Jim 'Junior' Gilliam (.278, 6, 63) wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award. The Dodger second baseman, who hit a circuit-best 17 triples while leading the league with 710 plate appearances, easily beats out Harvey Haddix and Ray Jablonski for the freshman honor.

1975 A landmark decision by Peter Seitz begins a new era in major league baseball as the arbitrator's judgment makes pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally the first true free-agents in baseball history. After each played for their team, the Dodgers and Expos respectively, without signing a contract during their option year, they challenged the owners' assumption that the reserve clause meant one-year contracts were automatically renewed.

1985 Thousands of fans, including former President Richard Nixon and Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, attend a memorial mass conducted by John Cardinal O'Connor at New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral held for Roger Maris. The moving service for the recently deceased ballplayer is arranged by Yankee owner George Steinbrenner

2008 The Yankees announce prices for some of the seats at their new stadium for the exhibition games against the Cubs on April 3 and 4 will match the prices for the opener of the original Yankee Stadium against Boston in 1923. Bleacher seats can be purchased for 25 cents and grandstand tickets will go for $1.10. [/spoiler]

[Supercrab]

SkiPPy43,
ну судя по стате не самый худший вариант) Хотя после того как ушел Лэки, я ожидал кого посильнее.

[Dimax2]

выложите хотя бы мировую серию для приличия

[nsergey73]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 24.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1888 At the Philadelphia State Fairground Building, the Downtowners beat the Uptowners in the first indoor baseball game ever played, 6-1.

1927 Future Hall of Famer second baseman Jacob Nelson Fox is born in St. Thomas, Pennsylvania. 'Nellie', a .288 career hitter playing for the A's, White Sox and Astros during his 19 seasons in the big leagues, will become the last active major league player to have Connie Mack as a manager

1949 Suffering from alcoholism and epilepsy, Hall of Fame hurler Grover Cleveland Alexander is found unconscious in an alley in Hollywood.

1969 In a letter to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, traded Cardinal outfielder Curt Flood states his refusal to report to the Phillies, citing he is not a piece of property to be sold. The MLB Players' Association announces support for Flood's suit against baseball and will pay legal fees.

2002 In a deal which prompts a Red Sox official to call the Yankees an evil empire, Cuban defector Jose Contreras reaches an agreement with New York. The 31 year-old right-hander, who was considered the top pitcher on Cuba's national team, was declared a free-agent after gaining residency in Nicaragua. [/spoiler]

[SkiPPy43]

Supercrab,
учитывая,что Лэки не самый лучший вариант,то надо усиливаться еще 2-мя очень хорошими питчерами

[SkiPPy43]

Dimax2,
2011 года желательно)

[nsergey73]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 26.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1919 Although not official until January, the Yankees buy Babe Ruth from the Red Sox for $100,000 and guarantees a $300,000 loan with Fenway Park as collateral. The sale of the southpaw and soon-to-be slugger will be the start of the 'Curse of the Bambino', a spell of bad luck that will last for 86 years ending in 2004 when Boston wins its next World Series. [/spoiler]

[mex_mangust]

Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=635

[nsergey73]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 27.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1874 At Palmar de Junco, a Havanan team plays Matanzas in the first documented baseball game played in Cuba. The game is called after seven innings due to darkness with Havana leading, 51-9.

1941 Levi Walker, the third person to play Chief Noc-A-Homa, a role he will perform from 1969 through 1985, is born. Dressed in Native American costume, the Georgia native will come out of his tepee, located in the bleachers, to set off smoke signals and do a celebration dance whenever a Braves player homers at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium

1943 Former Yankee infielder Roy White is born. The Los Angeles native will play 15 years for the Bronx Bombers and compile a lifetime .271 batting average. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 28.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1926 Bob O'Farrell is named to replace Rogers Hornsby as the Cardinal manager. The 'Rajah', who guided the Redbirds to a World Championship as the team's player-manager last season, was traded to the Giants eight days ago for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring.

1944 Buddy Lewis wins the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in the Burma War Theater. During World War II, the Senator third baseman flew more than 500 missions for the U.S. Army Air Force as a transport pilot.

1957 In a swap of first basemen, the Reds deal fan-favorite Ted Kluszewski to the Pirates for Dee Fondy, who will retire at the end of the season after hitting just .218 for Cincinnati. Big Klu' will play a season-and-a-half for his new team, before being traded to the White Sox during the 1959 pennant stretch, where he will play a pivotal role for the eventual World Champions.

1994 In the century's fourth-largest trade, the biggest since 1957, the Astros and Padres exchange a dozen players. Houston sends Ken Caminiti, Andujar Cedeno, Steve Finley, Roberto Petagine, Brian Williams, and a player to be named later (Sean Fesh) for Derek Bell, Doug Brocail, Ricky Gutierrez, Pedro Martinez, Phil Plantier and Craig Shipley.

2001 Outgoing New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announces the Yankees and Mets have reached a tentative agreement with the city to build a pair of $800 million, retractable-roof stadiums. Mayor-elect Michael Bloomberg, who is concerned if the Big Apple can afford what is believed to be the largest private-public venture in baseball history, will have final word on the $1.6 billion cost of the proposed new ballparks agreements. [/spoiler]

Yankees acquire Aroldis Chapman from Reds in five-player trade: The best end-game bullpen in baseball just got even better. The Yankees have acquired left-hander Aroldis Chapman from the Reds for four prospects, the team announced. Third baseman Eric Jagielo, righty Rookie Davis, righty Caleb Cotham, and second baseman Tony Renda are going to Cincinnati in the four-for-one swap. Both teams have announced the trade, so it’s a done deal. Official.

On This Date In BaseBall History / 29.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1878 In Havana, the first game is played in the Professional Baseball League of Cuba, later to be known as the Cuban League, when hometown Habana edges their rivals from suburban Almendares, 21-20. The winning team is led by player-manager Esteban Enrique Bellán, who will become the first Latino to appear in the major leagues, playing for the Troy Haymakers and the New York Mutuals of the National Association from 1871 to 1873.

1933 Babe Ruth loses an opportunity to manage the Reds when Jacob Ruppert refuses to release his 38 year-old outfielder. The Yankee owner still viewed the aging superstar, who batted .301 with with 34 home runs and 103 RBIs last season, as an asset to the team.

1969 The New York Times reports Curt Flood will challenge the reserve clause by suing major league baseball. The Cardinals' outfielder's case, which will ultimately be appealed unsuccessfully in the U.S. Supreme Court, will pave the way for the players to overturn baseball's reserve clause in their attempt to gain free agency.

2012 Ruth Ann Steinhagen, the Chicago woman whose near-fatal 1949 shooting as a 19 year-old of former Cubs first baseman Eddie Waitkus, dies anonymously at the age of 83. Her crime, the inspiration for the book and movie The Natural, put a spotlight on 'baseball Annies', young, hero-worshipping females who relentlessly pursued major league ballplayers. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 30.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1925 The Giants trade two pitchers, southpaw Jack Bentley and right-hander Wayland Dean, to the Phillies for righty hurler Jimmy Ring. Philadelphia's new pitchers will combine to post an 0-3 record for their new team, while Ring compiles a mediocre 11-10 mark for New York, before being included in an off-season blockbuster trade along with Frankie Frisch that brings Rogers Hornsby from St. Louis to the Big Apple for one season.

1935 Dodger left-hander Sanford Braun is born in Brooklyn. In his 12-year career, the southpaw will compile a winning percentage of .655 (165-87), whiff 300 batters or more in three seasons and fan 18 to set a major league mark for Ks in a single game and will become better known as Sandy Koufax.

1943 In a trade of the Babes in Pennsylvania, the Phillies send first baseman Babe Dahlgren to the Pirates for catcher Babe Phelps and cash. Dahlgren will be best remembered for being the player who replaced Lou Gehrig after the 'Iron Horse' had played in a major-league record 2,130 consecutive games.

2002 Citing this season will probably be his last, 40 year-old Roger Clemens (13-6, 4.35) agrees to a $10.1 million, one-year deal with the Yankees. The 19-year veteran, who has won the Cy Young Award six times, is seven victories shy of 300.

2004 Aid originally destined for Nicaragua in memory of the anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s tragic flight 32 years ago will be sent instead to the earthquake and tsunami victims of Southern Asia. Roberto Clemente, Jr., who with the help of the Project Club Clemente, collected two tons of supplies and raised nearly $20,000 in an effort to reenact his father’s unfinished mission, decides to postpone the ceremonial flight and divert the relief to help those in desperate need right now. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 31.12.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1878 A reported eight million bats are sold in the United States. With a population estimated at approximately 48 million, an average of one out of every six Americans owns a bat.

1897 At the age of 38, Charles H. Ebbets gains a controlling interest of eighty-percent of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Under his ownership, which will last until his death in 1925, the team will post a mediocre 1914-2088 (.478) record, but will win four National League Championships during the ensuing 27 seasons.

1954 Pirates rookie Roberto Clemente has three spinal discs jarred when he is broadsided by a drunk driver, who runs a red light traveling at 60-mph. The car accident will cause the 21 year-old outfielder to have recurrent lower back pain for the remainder of his career.

1966 After fifteen years with the Braves, Eddie Mathews along with Sandy Alomar, Sr. and Arnie Umbach, is traded to the Astros in exchange for outfielder Dave Nicholson and RHP Bob Bruce. The future Hall of Fame third baseman is the only person to play for the Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves.

1972 Roberto Clemente is tragically killed when the four-engine DC-7 plane he chartered to bring much needed supplies to the victims of the Nicaraguan earthquake crashes in the Atlantic Ocean after taking off from the coast of Isla Verde. Manny Sanguillen will be the only Pirates player not to attend the memorial service, travelling to Puerto Rico to dive into the waters in an effort to recover his teammate's body, which is never found.

1974 Free-agent Catfish Hunter signs with the Yankees, ending an unprecedented bidding war. The former A's ace inks a five-year, $3.75 million dollar contract (three times more than any other players) to pitch for the Bronx Bombers. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 01.01.16

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1923 Having promised his fans and former teammates he'd live to see 1923, Wee Willie Keeler dies on New Year's Day of that year as a result of heart failure. The diminutive fine-hitting Hall of Fame outfielder, who played for the National League's Superbas (Dodgers), Orioles, and Giants and the Highlanders (Yankees) of the American League, is credited with the baseball axiom, "Keep your eye clear, and hit 'em where they ain't".

1941 In an effort to support the U.S. mobilization effort, Babe Ruth spends $50,000 for defense bonds. The Yankee legend's purchase is the maximum amount allowed by law for one person.

1943 Josh Gibson suffers a mental breakdown and is hospitalized. The power-hitting catcher, known as the 'black Babe Ruth', will be released in time for spring training with the Homestead Grays in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

1961 The ballpark at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues in Detroit is officially renamed Tiger Stadium. The facility, which opened in 1912, was originally known as Navin Field, named for team owner Frank Navin, before becoming Briggs Stadium in 1938, reflecting the expansion efforts of Walter Briggs, who increased the yard's capacity to 53,000 under his ownership by double-decking the stands in left field.

2008 The Dodgers begin the celebration of their 50th year in Los Angeles by participating in the 119th annual Tournament of Roses Parade. The team’s float features current and former players as well as organist Nancy Bea Hefley and Vin Scully, the club’s broadcaster since 1950. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 02.01.16

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1912 Charles Ebbets announces the purchase of 4.5 acres of land in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn to build an 18,000-seat concrete and steel stadium. The location selected for his new ballpark, which will be the home of the Dodgers until 1957, is presently a neighborhood which consists of deplorable housing with piles of garbage everywhere.

1918 In a deal which includes two future Hall of Famers, the Dodgers trade outfielder Casey Stengel and infielder George Cutshaw to the Pirates for pitchers Burleigh Grimes, Al Mamaux and infielder Chuck Ward. Grimes, known as Ol' Stubblebeard, and Stengel, dubbed The Old Perfessor, will both be enshrined in Cooperstown.

1940 With Mayor Fiorello La Guardia on hand, Lou Gehrig is sworn in as a member of the New York City Parole Commission. Although the term is for ten years, the former Yankee slugger will eventually become too ill even to sign his name and will ask for a leave of absence next year.

1986 Bill Veeck, the former owner of the Browns, White Sox and Indians, dies of cardiac arrest in Chicago. In addition to being well-known for his promotions and ideas, which included a pinch-hitting midget, an exploding scoreboard and putting players' names on the back of their uniforms, the innovative Hall of Famer is also responsible for breaking the color barrier in the American League, signing Larry Doby to play for the Indians in 1947. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 03.01.15

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1920 The secret deal made on December 26 to sell Babe Ruth to New York for $125,000 (twice the amount ever paid previously for a player) is announced publicly. Harry Frazee, the cash-strapped owner of the Red Sox, also secures a $300,000 loan from the Yankees as part of the deal.

1943 In a surprising move, Uncle Sam decides to draft 37 year-old Yankee right-hander Red Ruffing into the Army. As a 15 year-old, the future Hall of Famer lost four toes on his left foot in a mining accident in Coalton, Illinois.

1962 Adjacent to Colt Stadium, where the Colt .45s will play the first three seasons of their existence, construction begins on the Harris County Domed Stadium. The ballpark, the first enclosed ‘outdoor sport’ venue, will become known as the Astrodome, and will be dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

1973 "There is nothing in life quite so limited as being a limited partner of George Steinbrenner." - Yankees minority owner John McMullen
Heading a limited partnership that includes Lester Crown, John DeLorean and Nelson Bunker Hunt, George Steinbrenner, a Tampa ship builder, purchases the Yankees from CBS. 'The Boss' will become a well-known owner due to his pursuit of expensive talent, well-publicized feuds with players and baseball's brass, and the frequent firing of GMs and managers.

1974 The Yankees sign Bill Virdon as the team's manager. Although the former Pirate skipper will manage for two years in New York, he will never win a game at Yankee Stadium because the Bronx Bombers will play their home games at Shea due to renovations at the stadium.
[/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 04.01.16

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1902 Bill Dineen, who has averaged nearly 18 wins over the past two seasons for the NL's Beaneaters, signs with the year-old Boston Americans. The 24 year-old right-hander, known as 'Big Bill', will win 20 or more contests for the next three years for the cross-town rivals in the upstart American League.

1904 The Highlanders (Yankees) announce plans to play their Sunday home games this season at Long Island's Ridgewood Park. In March, the National Commission's chairman August Herrman will announce he will not allow the club to play there due to the close proximity of the ballpark to Brooklyn, the home of the National League's Superbas (Dodgers).

1932 After leading the Toledo Mud Hens to their first-ever pennant, Casey Stengel returns to majors to become a coach for the Dodgers, when the minor league team goes bankrupt. The 'Old Perfessor' will get his first big league managerial position when Brooklyn fires Max Carey prior to the 1934 season, naming him to be the disposed skipper's successor.

1942 With 78 percent of the vote, Rogers Hornsby becomes the 14th player selected to the Hall of Fame. Frank Chance (58%) and Rube Waddell (54%) are not elected this year.

1943 Due to World War II, Commissioner Landis mandates clubs to conduct spring training close to home. With the exception of the Cardinals and the Browns, who may stay in-state and train in Missouri, big league teams are told all camps must operate north of the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and be located east of the Mississippi River.

1957 The Dodgers become the first team to own their own aircraft when the team buys a 44-passenger two-engine airplane for $775,000. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 05.01.16

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1920 Red Sox owner Harry Frazee defends selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees for cash by calling his former player "one of the most selfish and inconsiderate men ever to put on a baseball uniform". ...Harry Frazee was a total shithead, and a disgrace to Baseball but most importantly a sore LOSER !!!!!

1927 Commissioner Judge Landis begins a three-day public hearing to investigate the allegation the Tigers threw a four-game series to the 1917 White Sox. A week later all the charges will be cleared.

1934 The Fenway Park center field new concrete and steel bleachers, being built in center field to replace the wooden grandstands, are destroyed by fire in an early afternoon blaze. The Red Sox will rebuild and have the project finished for Opening Day.

1974 Due to heavy financial losses, Rheingold Beer announces it will close its Brooklyn-based plant. As as a result, the brewery will be forced to end its 13-year relationship with the Mets as the team's primary radio-TV sponsor.

1982 The BBWAA selects Vin Scully as the sixth recipient of the Ford Frick Award, an honor given for excellence in broadcasting the national pastime. The Dodger veteran announcer follows mentor Red Barber, Mel Allen, Bob Elson, Russ Hodges and Ernie Harwell into the Hall of Fame.

1999 Receiving an apology from Yankees owner George Steinbrenner about his 1985 dismissal as manager after only 16 games, Yogi Berra ends his self-exile from Yankee Stadium and the organization. The Bronx Bomber legend is expected to participate in future Opening Day and Old Timers' ceremonies.

2010 After 22 big league seasons, playing for the Expos (3-4), Mariners (130-74), Astros (10-1), Diamondbacks (118-62), Yankees (34-19), and the Giants (8-6), five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson announces his retirement. The 6-foot-10 'Big Unit' finishes his no-miss Hall of Fame career, which includes a World Series Most Valuable Player award, a perfect game and two no-hitters, with a record of 303-166 and as the all-time left-handed strikeout leader with 4,875.

2011 After narrowly missing induction last year, Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven are elected to the Hall of Fame by a wide margin. Right-hander Blyleven, who waited 14 years before getting the nod from the writers, and second baseman Alomar, considered a sure first-ballot inductee last year, will join executive Pat Gillick, broadcaster Dave Van Horne, and writer Bill Conlin in Cooperstown next July. [/spoiler]

On This Date In BaseBall History / 06.01.16

[spoiler="Скрытый текст"] 1920 Babe Ruth, reacting to harsh comments made about him after his trade to the Yankees, tells the Boston Evening Standard "Frazee is not good enough to own any ball club, especially one in Boston." Recently, the Red Sox owner called his former player "one of the most selfish and inconsiderate men ever to put on a baseball uniform".

1942 Indians right-hander Bob Feller reports to Norfolk to begin his World War II enlistment in the Navy. Rapid Robert, a 20-game winner for the Tribe for the last three seasons, was the first major leaguer to enlist in the armed forces after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

1945 During an argument over a disputed call, Roberto Ortiz viciously attacks Bernardino Rodriguez, knocking the home plate umpire unconscious. The Almendares outfielder will be suspended from the Cuban League due to his violent behavior.

1956 Dodger second baseman Jackie Robinson is awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for his strong support of civil rights initiatives. Last year the NAACP gave the honor to Martin Luther King Jr., who was best known for his role in promoting the use of nonviolent civil disobedience to secure equal rights for all Americans.

1997 Peter O'Malley, owner of the Dodgers, announces the team is for sale. The franchise has been owned by the family since 1951.

2006 Bob Watson, the former Yankee GM, receives the Jackie Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The honor is bestowed on the first black general manager in baseball history during the organization's Legacy Awards ceremonies in Kansas City. [/spoiler]