1951 – The St. Louis Browns trade C Gus Niarhos, acquired yesterday, along with OF Ken Wood to the Boston Red Sox for C Les Moss and OF Tom Wright. The Browns also sign shortstop Marty Marion, former St. Louis Cardinals manager.
1951 – The St. Louis Browns send C Sherm Lollar, P Al Widmar and IF Tom Upton to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for C Gus Niarhos, P Dick Littlefield, 1B Gordon Goldsberry, SS Joe DeMaestri and OF Jim Rivera. Rivera, a favorite of Browns manager Rogers Hornsby, will return to the Sox in eight months.
Like Monte Irvin’s dazzling play in the World Series, both at bat and on the bases. Like the entry of future superstars Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays upon the World Series scene and the departure of Joe DiMaggio from the fall classic (and the majors). Like the foreboding injury to Mantle in Game 2….
1951 – The New York Yankees send young catcher Clint Courtney to the St. Louis Browns for pitcher Jim McDonald. Courtney, the first major league catcher to wear eyeglasses, has appeared in one game for New York.
On November 20, 1951, the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues sign a 17-year-old infielder named Henry Aaron. The skinny Mobile, Alabama native will spend one season in the Negro Leagues before signing a contract with the Milwaukee Braves’ organization.
1951 – Former Chicago Cubs first baseman and future star of the TV series The Rifleman Chuck Connors becomes the first player to refuse to participate in the major league draft. Currently the 1B for the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League, Connors wants to stay in California, instead of going to whatever team might draft him for the major leagues. The PCL views his refusal in a positive manner, allowing them to ask for higher prices for minor league players than what the major leagues usually offers.
Herb Washington Positions: Pinch Runner and Designated HitterBats: Right • Throws: Right6-0, 170lb (183cm, 77kg)Born: November 16, 1951 in Belzonia, MS usSchool: Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)Debut: April 4, 1974 (3,471st in major league history)vs. TEX 0 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBLast Game: May 4, 1975vs. CHW 0 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBFull Name: Herbert Lee WashingtonNicknames: Hurricane HerbView Player Info from the B-R BullpenView…
1951 – The Baseball Writers Association of America name Gil McDougald of the New York Yankees as American league Rookie of the Year. The Chicago White Sox object to McDougald’s accolade, offering the statistical accomplishments of their superlative rookie, Minnie Miñoso.
Larry Harlow Position: OutfielderBats: Left • Throws: Left6-2, 185lb (188cm, 83kg)Born: November 13, 1951 in Colorado Springs, CO usSchool: Mesa Community College (Mesa, AZ)Debut: September 20, 1975 (13,733rd in major league history)vs. MIL 0 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBLast Game: October 3, 1981vs. TEX 3 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBFull Name: Larry Duane HarlowNicknames: Hawk Played ForBaltimore Orioles (1975-1979)California Angels (1979-1981) Post-Season Appearances1979…
1951 – Lefty O’Doul’s All-Stars, including Joe DiMaggio, Ferris Fain and Billy Martin, lose 3 – 1 to a Pacific League All-Star team. This is only the second time since 1922 that an American professional team has lost to Japan, and the first time to professional players.
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