Today In Baseball History: December

CrimsonCowboy

Moderator
December 1st:

1911: Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston is born in Venice, Ohio.

1956: Frank Robinson is named N.L. Rookie of the Year. Luis Aparaicio wins it in the A.L.

1964: The Houston Colt .45's change their name to the Astros.

1970: The White Sox trade Luis Aparaicio to the Red Sox for infielders Mike Andrews and Luis Alvarado.

1975: Hall of Famer Nellie Fox dies at age 47.

1998: The Mets trade Todd Hundley and Arnold Gooch to the Dodgers for Charles Johnson and Roger Cedeno. Johnson is then dealt to the Orioles for Armando Benitez.

1998: The Mets sign Robin Ventura to a four year deal worth $32 million.

2011: The Red Sox introduce Bobby Valentine as their new manager.
 
December 2nd:

1948: Stan Musial is named N.L. MVP.

1991: The Mets sign Bobby Bonilla to a five year deal worth $29 million.

1993: Eddie Murray agrees to a deal with the Indians.

2009: The Braves and reliever Billy Wagner agree to a one year deal worth $7 million.

2013: The Tigers trade pitcher Doug Fister to the Nationals for pitcher Ian Krol and Robbie Ray along with infielder Steve Lombardozzi.
 
December 3rd:

1926: An article in The Chicago Tribune about the business side of the Cubs reveals Weeghman Park will be renamed Wrigley Field, after the team's owner William Wrigley.

1933: A's owner Connie Mack sells Mickey Cochrane to the Tigers for $100,000.

1963: The Braves trade catcher Del Crandell along with pitchers Bob Shaw and Bob Hendley to the Giants for outfielder Felipe Alou, catcher Ed Bailey, and pitcher BillyHoeft.

1974: The Mets trade Tug McGraw, Don Hahn, and Dave Schneck to the Phillies for Del Unser, Mac Scarce, and John Stearns.

1993: The Phillies trade Mitch Williams to the Astros for Jeff Juden and Doug Jones.

2007: The Veterans Committee elect former manager Dick Williams along with Bill McKechnie and Billy Southworth to the Hall of Fame. Former Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley is also elected.

2008: The Red Sox and Dustin Pedoria agree to a six year extension worth $40.5 million.

2009: The Phillies and Placido Polanco agree to a three year deal worth $18 million.

2010: Hall of Famer Ron Santo dies at age 70.

2013: The Yankees agree to a five year deal worth $85 million with free agent catcher Brian McCann.
 
December 4th:

1948: The Braves Alvin Dark is named Rookie of the Year.

1963: The Tigers trade pitcher Jim Bunning to the Phillies for catcher Gus Triandos, pitcher Jack Hamilton, and outfielder Don Demeter.

1990: The Giants sign Dave Righetti to a four year deal worth almost $10 million.

2003: The Red Sox sign Terry Francona to be the team's new manager.

2005: The Dodgers and Rafael Furcal agree to a three year deal worth $39 million.

2007: The Marlins trade Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers for six prospects, including pitcher Andrew Miller and outfielder Cameron Maybin.

2014: The Mariners sign Nelson Cruz to a four year deal worth $58 million.
 
December 6th:

1941: The Giants name Mel Ott manager.

1946: Aside from pitchers, All-Star voting is returned to the fans.

1960: The newly named A.L. expansion team to Los Angeles is awarded to cowboy movie star Gene Autry.

1968: William Eckert resigns as commissioner.

1989: In a trade of relief pitchers, the Mets send Randy Myers to the Reds for John Franco.

1989: The Indians trade Joe Carter to the Padres for Chris James, Sandy Alomar, and Carlos Baerga.

2002: The Players Association allows 22 Expos home games to be played in Puerto Rico.

2005: The Blue Jays sign A.J. Burnett to a five year deal worth $55 million.

2005: The Dodgers name Grady Little manager.

2005: Trevor Hoffman signs a two year deal worth $13.5 million with the Padres.

2007: The Dodgers and Andruw Jones agree to a two year deal worth $36.2 million.
 
December 7th:

1939: Lou Gehrig is elected to the Hall of Fame.

1947: Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

1973: The Giants sell Juan Marichal to the Red Sox.

1984: The Mets trade pitcher Walt Terrell to the Tigers for infielder Howard Johnson.

1988: Nolan Ryan signs a free agent deal with the Rangers, making him the first to play for all four of the original expansion teams (Mets, Angels, Astros/former Colt .45's.)

1995: The Yankees sign Tino Martinez to a five year deal worth $20.25 million, after acquiring him from the Mariners along with pitcher Jim Mecir and Jeff Nelson. The Yankees sent pitcher Sterling Hitchcock and third baseman Russell Davis to Seattle.

1999: The Mets sign John Olerud signs a three year deal worth $20 million.

2001: The Yankees trade David Justice to the Mets for Robin Ventura.

2005: The Braves trade catcher Johnny Estrada to the Diamondbacks for relievers Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal.

2011: The Marlins sign Jose Reyes to a six year deal worth $106 million. They also sign pitcher Mark Buehrle to a four year deal worth $58 million.

2013: The Yankees sign Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven year deal worth $153 million.
 
December 8th:

1914: A's owner Connie Mack sells Eddie Collins to the White Sox for $50,000.

1961: Outfielder Richie Ashburn is purchased by the Mets from the Cubs.

1966: The Yankees trade Roger Maris to the Cardinals for third baseman Charley Smith.

1980: A deal involving 11 players is the first ever done at the Winter Meetings. Key players involved are Rollie Fingers going from the Padres to the Cardinals with catcher Terry Kennedy heading to San Diego.

1992: The Giants and Barry Bonds agree to a six year deal worth $43 million.

1992: Dr. Bobby Brown is elected president of the A.L. by the owners.

2005: The Red Sox trade shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Braves for prospect Andy Marte.

2005: Julio Franco, age 47, signs a two year deal with the Mets.

2009: ESPN's Peter Gammons announces he is leaving the network to join the new MLB Network.

2009: In a three team deal, the Yankees acquire Curtis Granderson, the Tigers acquire Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Austin Jackson, and Phil Coke, and the Diamondbacks acquire Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy.

2011: The Angels acquire two big name free agents, signing C.J. Wilson to a five year deal worth $77.5 million and Albert Pujols to a ten year deal worth $254 million.
 
December 9th:

1941: Bob Feller becomes the first M.L. player to enlist after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

1965: The Reds trade Frank Robinson to the Orioles for Milt Pappas, Jack Baldschun, and Dick Simpson.

1976: The Rangers trade Jeff Burroughs to the Braves for Adrian Devine, Ken Henderson, Dave May, Roger Moret, Carl Morton, and cash.

1980: The Cubs trade Bruce Sutter to the Cardinals for Leon Durham and Ken Reitz.

1992: Greg Maddux signs a five year deal worth $28 million with the Braves.



1992: The Braves trade pitchers Charlie Leibrandt and Pat Gomez to the Rangers for infielder Jose Oliva.

1993: Randy Johnson re-signs with the Mariners, agreeing to a three year deal worth $20.25 million.

1994: The Rangers trade Jose Canseco to the Red Sox for Otis Nixon and Luis Ortiz.

1997: The Devil Rays sign Wade Boggs.

2000: Mike Hampton signs an eight year deal worth $121 million with the Rockies.

2013: The Mets sign Curtis Granderson to a four year deal worth $60 million.

2013: By unanimous votes, the Expansion Era Committee elects managers Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, and Tony La Russa to the Hall of Fame.
 
December 8th:

1914: A's owner Connie Mack sells Eddie Collins to the White Sox for $50,000.

1961: Outfielder Richie Ashburn is purchased by the Mets from the Cubs.

1966: The Yankees trade Roger Maris to the Cardinals for third baseman Charley Smith.

1980: A deal involving 11 players is the first ever done at the Winter Meetings. Key players involved are Rollie Fingers going from the Padres to the Cardinals with catcher Terry Kennedy heading to San Diego.

1992: The Giants and Barry Bonds agree to a six year deal worth $43 million.

1992: Dr. Bobby Brown is elected president of the A.L. by the owners.

2005: The Red Sox trade shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Braves for prospect Andy Marte.

2005: Julio Franco, age 47, signs a two year deal with the Mets.

2009: ESPN's Peter Gammons announces he is leaving the network to join the new MLB Network.

2009: In a three team deal, the Yankees acquire Curtis Granderson, the Tigers acquire Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Austin Jackson, and Phil Coke, and the Diamondbacks acquire Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy.

2011: The Angels acquire two big name free agents, signing C.J. Wilson to a five year deal worth $77.5 million and Albert Pujols to a ten year deal worth $254 million.

2015: The Braves killed the Diamondbacks and just let the corpse lay there.

FIFY
 
December 10th:

1919: The N.L. bans use of the spitball.

1935: The A's trade Jimmie Foxx and Johnny Marcum to the Red Sox for Gordon Rhodes, prospect George Savino, and $150,000.

1946: Hall of Famer Walter Johnson dies at age 59.

1969: The Indians trade Luis Tiant and Stan Williams to the Twins for Dean Chance, Bob Miller, Graig Nettles, and Ted Uhlaender.

1971: The Mets trade Nolan Ryan and three prospects to the Angels for Jim Fregosi.

1972: The A.L. unanimously approves the use of a designated hitter for a three year trial basis.

1981: The Cardinals trade Garry Templeton and Sixto Lezcano to the Padres for Ozzie Smith and Steve Mura.

1982: The Mets trade Mike Scott to the Astros for Danny Heep.

1984: The Expos trade Gary Carter to the Mets for Mike Fitzgerald, Herm Winningham, Hubie Brooks, and Floyd Youmanns.

1991: The Giants trade Kevin Mitchell and Mike Remlinger to the Mariners for Bill Swift, Mike Jackson, and Dave Burba.

1998: Dennis Eckersley announces his retirement. In 24 years, "Eck" appeared in 1,071 games and became the first to have both a 20-win and 50-save season.

1998: The Devil Rays sign Jose Canseco to a one year deal.

2008: The Mets sign Francisco Rodriguez to a three year deal worth $37 million.

2008: The Yankees sign CC Sabathia to a seven year deal worth $161 million.
 
December 11th:

1928: N.L. President John Heydler proposes a designated hitter for the pitcher. The American League opposes the proposed rule and the idea is withdrawn.

1950: The contract of Commissioner "Happy" Chandler is not renewed by the owners.

1951: Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement.

1956: A players association is formed with Indians pitcher Bob Feller named the first president of the new union.

1968: The Angels trade catchers Ed Kirkpatrick and Dennis Paepke to the A's for Hoyt Wilhelm.

1973: Ron Santo agrees to a trade that sends him from the Cubs to the White Sox. The Cubs would receive Steve Stone, Steve Swisher and a player to be named later (Jim Kremmel).

1975: The Pirates trade pitchers Dock Ellis and Ken Brett along with second baseman Willie Randolph from the Pirates for pitcher Doc Medich. Also, the Yankees trade Bobby Bonds to the Angels for Mickey Rivers and Ed Figueroa.

1991: The Royals trade Brett Saberhagen and Bill Pecota to the Mets for Gregg Jefferies, Kevin McReynolds, and Keith Miller.

2000: The Astros trade Roger Cedeno, Mitch Melusky and Chris Holt to the Tigers for Brad Ausmus and relievers Doug Brocail and Nelson Cruz.

2007: Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome agrees to a four year deal worth $48 million with the Cubs.

2010: Carl Crawford agrees to a seven year deal worth $142 million with the Red Sox.
 
December 12th:

1903: The Cardinals trade Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown and catcher Jack O'Neill to the Cubs for catcher Larry McLean and pitcher Jack Taylor.

1930: The rules committee decides a ball that bounces over the wall and into the stands will no longer be a home run, becoming a ground rule double.

1998: Kevin Brown becomes the first player in M.L. history to sign a contract worth $100 million. He and the Dodgers agree to a seven year deal that also makes him the first to earn $15 million a season.

2007: The Giants and outfielder Aaron Rowand agree to a five year deal worth $60 million.

2008: The Yankees sign pitcher A.J. Burnett to a five year deal worth $82.5 million.

2013: The Mariners sign Robinson Cano to a 10 year deal worth $240 million.
 
December 13th:

1911: James E. Gaffney and attorney Montgomery Ward purchase the Boston Doves. Due to Gaffney's ties with Tammany Hall, the team becomes known as the Braves.

1923: Hall of Famer Larry Doby is born in Camden, South Carolina.

1956: The Dodgers trade Jackie Robinson to the Giants for Dick Littlefield and $35,000. Rather than accepting the trade, Robinson announces his retirement.

1994: Lee Smith signs a deal with the Angels.

2000: Manny Ramirez signs an eight year deal worth $160 million with the Red Sox.

2001: The Yankees sign Jason Giambi to a seven year deal worth $120 million.

2003: The Cardinals trade outfielder J.D. Drew and catcher Eli Marrero to the Braves for pitchers Ray King, Jason Marquis, and Adam Wainwright.

2007: The Mitchell Report, consisting of 409 pages along with a paper trail of 115,000 copies of receipts, checks, telephone records, and e-mails is released. The investigation was led by former senator George Mitchell, who calls the steroid era a collective failure. The report named 89 current and former players who were alleged to used performance-enhancing drugs. Among the players named in the report were Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Gary Sheffield.

2007: Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees agree to a ten year deal worth $275 million.
 
December 15th:

1967: The White Sox trade Tommy Agee and Al Weis to the Mets for Buddy Booker, Tom Davis, Jack Fisher, and Billy Wynne.

1974: Arbitrator Peter Seitz rules in favor of Catfish Hunter in his dispute against A's owner Charley Finley, making him a free agent.

1980: Dave Winfield and the Yankees agree to a ten year deal worth $16 million.

1981: The Yankees and Ron Guidry agree to a four year deal worth $3.6 million.

2002: The Giants sign Edgardo Alfonzo to a four year deal.

2004: The Mariners and Richie Sexson agree to a four year deal worth $50 million.

2004: The Mets and Pedro Martinez agree to a four year deal worth $53 million.

2008: At age 46, Jamie Moyer agrees to a two year deal worth $13 million with the Phillies.
 
December 16th:

1954: Willie Mays becomes the first player to win the MVP after his first full year in the majors.

1976: The Reds trade Tony Perez and Will McEnaney to the Expos for Woody Fryman and Dale Murray.

1982: Tom Seaver agrees to contract terms with the Mets, completing his trade back to the team. The Reds acquired Charlie Puleo along with minor leaguers Lloyd McClendon and Jason Felice.

1983: Yogi Berra is hired as Yankees manager for the second time, replacing Billy Martin.

1991: Dominican pitcher, 16 year old Clemente Nunez, becomes the first player in Marlins history.

1992: The Giants name Dusty Baker manager.

1996: John Wetteland, World Series MVP for the Yankees, signs a four year deal worth $23 million with the Rangers.

2003: Miguel Tejada signs a six year deal worth $72 million with the Orioles.

2009: The Red Sox sign John Lackey to a five year deal worth $82.5 million.

2012: The Tigers sign Torii Hunter to a two year deal worth $26 million.
 
December 17th:

1891: The American Association disbands. The Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Browns, Louisville Colonels, and Washington Senators join the National League.

1964: The Yankees fire radio and TV broadcaster Mel Allen.

1975: A day after taking ownership of the team, Bill Veeck fires Chuck Tanner as White Sox manager and replaces him with Paul Richards.

1992: The Twins sign free agent Dave Winfield.

1993: Rickey Henderson signs a two year deal worth $8.6 million with the A's.

2002: The Giants trade Russ Ortiz to the Braves for Damian Moss and prospect Manuel Mateo.

2003: The Yankees and Gary Sheffield agree to a three year deal worth $39 million.

2004: Edgar Renteria signs a four year deal worth $40 million with the Red Sox.

2007: The Yankees sign Mariano Rivera to a three year deal worth $45 million.

2012: The Blue Jays trade catcher John Buck and outfielder Wuilmer Becerra along with prospects Noah Syndergaard and Travis d'Arnaud to the Mets for pitcher R.A. Dickey and catcher Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas.
 
December 18th:

1886: Ty Cobb is born in Narrows, Georgia.

1973: With a possible legal showdown coming with A's owner Charley Finley, the Yankees announce they have named Dick Williams manager. A.L. President Joe Cronin would void the deal two days later.

1975: The A's name Chuck Tanner manager.

1981: The Reds trade third baseman Ray Knight to the Astros for outfielder Cesar Cedeno.

2000: The Marlins and Charles Johnson agree to a five year deal worth $35 million.

2002: The Astros sign Jeff Kent to a two year deal worth $18.2 million.

2004: The A's trade Mark Mulder to the Cardinals for Dan Haren, Kiko Calero, and prospect Daric Barton.
 
December 19th:

1934: Hall of Famer Al Kaline is born in Baltimore, Maryland.

1991: The Blue Jays sign Dave Winfield and the Orioles also reach a contract agreement with Rick Sutcliffe.

2001: The Cubs sign Moises Alou to a three year deal worth $27 million.

2002: Japanese star Hideki Matsui reaches an agreement on a three year deal worth $21 million with the Yankees.

2008: Scott Rolen signs a two year extension with the Reds.

2010: The Royals trade Zach Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt to the Brewers for Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain along with prospects Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress.

2011: After a posting fee of $51.7 million, the Rangers win the rights to negotiate a deal with Japanese pitching star Yu Darvish.
 
December 20th:

1926: The Cardinals trade Rogers Hornsby to the Giants for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring.

1940: Connie Mack, who had managed the A's for 40 years, announces he had acquired controlling interest in the team.

1973: Two days after Dick Williams signed on to be the Yankees manager, A.L. President Joe Cronin sides with A's owner Charley Finley and voids the deal.

1980: The Cardinals trade Rollie Fingers and Pete Vuckovich to the Brewers for Larry Sorenson and Sixto Lezcano along with minor leaguers Dave Green and Dave LaPointe.

2001: The Dodgers sign Hideo Nomo to a two year deal worth $13.75 million.

2001: The Jean Yawkey Trust sells the Red Sox to a group of investors led by Marlins owner John Henry. The $600 million price was the largest for a M.L. team. The Yawkey family had owned the team since 1933.

2002: The Mets sign Cliff Floyd to a four year deal worth $26 million.
 
December 22nd:

1862: Connie Mack is born in East Brookfield, Massachusetts.

1962: Voters in Harris County, TX approve a bond issue to finance the world's first domed sports stadium, which would become the Astrodome.

1994: The Giants trade John Burkett to the Rangers for Rich Aurilia and Dan Wilson.

2001: Chan Ho Park signs a five year deal worth $65 million with the Rangers.

2009: The Yankees trade Melky Cabrera to the Braves for Javier Vazquez.

2012: Former M.L. player Ryan Freel is found dead of an apparent suicide at age 36. A study of his brain would find he suffered from CTE, possibly causing concussions due to his aggressive style of play. CTE has been to possible suicides.
 
Back
Top