Hall of Famer Ernie Banks is born in Dallas, Texas
On January 31, 1931, Hall of Famer Ernie Banks is born in Dallas, Texas. Banks will make his debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1953 and hit 512 home runs during a 19-year career.
The International League accepts the open draft imposed by the major leagues. Until this time, the top minor leagues could control their players and refuse to sell them.
The International League accepts the open draft imposed by the major leagues. Until this time, the top minor leagues could control their players and refuse to sell them.
The Boston Braves release veteran pitcher Johnny Cooney. He had held out in 1930, insisting he could bat well enough to stay. After several years in the minors, Cooney will return to the National League as a Braves outfielder and be runner-up to batting champ Pete Reiser in 1940.
The Boston Braves release veteran pitcher Johnny Cooney. He had held out in 1930, insisting he could bat well enough to stay. After several years in the minors, Cooney will return to the National League as a Braves outfielder and be runner-up to batting champ Pete Reiser in 1940.
Another Oakland Oaks star, Buzz Arlett, long coveted by Major League teams and long withheld by Oakland, is sold to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Another Oakland Oaks star, Buzz Arlett, long coveted by Major League teams and long withheld by Oakland, is sold to the Philadelphia Phillies.
New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Joe Sewell
On January 20, 1931, the New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Joe Sewell. The former star shortstop batted .289 for the Indians in 1930 before drawing his release. He will end his career with the Yankees, hitting .282 during his three-year tenure with New York. The 33 year-old third baseman will be inducted…
Brooklyn Robins purchase the contract of catcher Ernie Lombardi from the Oakland Oaks
1931 – Acting under a new draft agreement with the Pacific Coast League, the Brooklyn Robins purchase the contract of catcher Ernie Lombardi from the Oakland Oaks.
Lucille Thomas becomes the first woman to purchase a professional baseball team
On January 5, 1931, Lucille Thomas becomes the first woman to purchase a professional baseball team when she buys the Class-A Topeka Senators team of the Western League. @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IC0gLSAtIC0gLSAtIC0gIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@ Play by Play, Box Scores, News Paper Reports and other links Other Resources & Links Baseball-Reference Box Score
