Today In Baseball History: December

December 23rd:

1975: Arbitrator Peter Seitz makes a landmark decision that ushers in a new era in baseball by ruling pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally as the first true free agents in the game's history. After they played for both the Dodgers and Expos respectively, without signing a contract during their option year, they challenged the assumption by the owners that the reserve clause meant that one year deals were automatically renewed. After making the ruling, Seitz is fired as arbitrator by John Gaherin, who represented the owners in labor matters. Seitz is asked not to discuss or write about his landmark ruling.

1994: While the players still on strike, the owners implement a salary cap and revenue sharing. The new rules never take effect when a judge ruled that the next two seasons must be played under the prior labor rules when the strike ended.

1997: The Cubs trade outfielder Doug Glanville to the Phillies for second baseman Mickey Morandini.

2004: The Dodgers sign J.D. Drew to a five year deal worth $55 million.

2005: The Yankees introduce Johnny Damon, who signed a four year deal worth $52 million.

2008: The Yankees and Mark Teixeira agree to an eight year deal worth $180 million.
 
December 24th:

1949: Grover Cleveland Alexander, who was suffering from alcoholism and epilepsy, is found unconscious in a Hollywood alley.

1959: The Braves sign 20-year old Dominican outfielder Rico Carty.

1969: In a letter to Commissioner Kuhn, Curt Flood, who was traded from the Cardinals, states his refusal to report to the Phillies. Flood says in the letter that he is not a piece of property to be sold. The Players Association announces their support for Flood and will pay his legal fees.

1990: The Expos trade Tim Raines along with two minor leaguers to the White Sox for Ivan Calderone and Barry Jones.

2004: Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek agrees to a four year deal to stay with the team.

2010: Ricky Nolasco agrees to a three year extension worth $26.5 million with the Marlins.
 
Christmas Day:

1927: Hall of Famer Nellie Fox is born in St. Thomas, Pennsylvania.

1958: Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson is born in Chicago, Illinois.

1989: Former manager Billy Martin dies in a car wreck near his home in Binghamton, New York at 61 years old.
 
December 26th:

1919: Though it won't be official until January, the Yankees purchase Babe Ruth from the Red Sox for $100,000 and guarantees a $300,000 loan with Fenway Park as collateral.

1947: Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk is born in Bellows Falls, Vermont.

1950: Commissioner Chandler announces the Gillette Razor Company purchased television rights for the All-Star Game for six years at $6 million. A large portion of it going to the players pension fund.

2001: The Angels sign pitcher Aaron Sele to a three year deal.

2008: Randy Johnson signs a one year deal worth $8 million. He was five wins shy of 300 for his career.
 
December 27th:

1984: The Yankees sign Ed Whitson to a five year deal worth $4.4 million.

2004: Moises Alou signs a one year deal with the Giants, making it the second time he has played for his father. Felipe was Moises' manager with the Expos from 1992-1996.

2013: The Rangers and Shin-Soo Choo agree to a seven year deal worth $130 million.
 
December 28th:

1926: The Cardinals name Bob O'Farrell as manager, replacing Rogers Hornsby.

1994: The Astros trade Ken Caminiti, Steve Finley, Andujar Cedeno, Roberto Petagine, Brian Williams, and a player to be named Later (Sean Fesh) to the Padres for Derek Bell, Doug Brocail, Ricky Gutierrez, Pedro Martinez, Craig Shipley, and Phil Plantier.

1998: After signing free agent Gregg Jeffries, the Tigers trade prospect Luis Gonzalez to the Diamondbacks for Karim Garcia.

2005: The White Sox sign Jon Garland to a three year deal worth $29 million.

2005: The Diamondbacks trade Troy Glaus and prospect Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays for Orlando Hudson and Miguel Batista.
 
December 29th:

1933: The Yankees refuse to release Babe Ruth, thus he loses a chance to manage the Reds.

1969: The New York Times reports Curt Flood will sue Major League Baseball in challenging the game reserve clause.

2002: Cinergy Field, former Riverfront Stadium and the Reds home park is imploded.

2005: The Rangers and Kevin Millwood agree to a five year deal worth $60 million.

2009: The Giants sign Mark DeRosa to a two year deal.

2009: The Mets and Jason Bay agree to a four year deal worth $66 million.
 
December 30th:

1926: The Chicago Tribune reports the 1917 Tigers threw a four game series to the White Sox, helping Chicago win the pennant. Commission Landis within the next week starts in investigation.

1935: Sandy Koufax is born in Brooklyn, New York.

2002: Rogers Clemens agrees to a one year, $10.1 million deal with the Yankees.
 
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