1951 – Major League Baseball signs a six-year All-Star Game pact for TV and Radio rights calling for $6 million. A number of owners criticize Commissioner Happy Chandler, believing that in a couple of years, the broadcast rights will be worth much more than a million per annum.
1951 – The Baseball Writers Association of America vote sluggers Mel Ott and Jimmie Foxx into the Hall of Fame. Ott hit .304 with 511 home runs and 1860 RBI; he managed the New York Giants from 1942 to 1948. Foxx was a .325 hitter with 534 home runs and 1922 RBI.
1951 – Vern Ruhle is born in Midland, MI. Ruhle spends seven seasons as an Astro pitcher, best known for taking over a spot in the starting rotation in 1980 when J.R. Richard suffered a stroke and helping Houston win their first division crown. Later, he is a successful pitching coach in Houston under manager Larry Dierker.
1951 – Guido Rujo sells his interest in the Boston Braves to co-partners Lou Perini and Treasurer Joe Many.
1951 – Leon Roberts is born in Vicksburg, MI. The outfielder would bat .267 with seven home runs over parts of two seasons (1976 and 1977) in Houston.
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