1963 – The Milwaukee Braves acquire OF Felipe Alou, C Ed Bailey, P Billy Hoeft and IF Ernie Bowman from the San Francisco Giants for catcher Del Crandall and pitchers Bob Hendley and Bob Shaw. After an injury-shortened 1964 season, Alou will enjoy standout seasons in 1965 and 1966.
The major league rules committee bans the use of oversized catcher gloves, starting with the 1965 season. The larger catcher mitt was devised in 1960 by Orioles manager Paul Richards to help his backstops catch Hoyt Wilhelm’s knuckleball.
The Angels trade OF Leon Wagner to Cleveland for P Barry Latman and a player to be named later, who turns out to be 1B Joe Adcock.
The Houston Colt .45’s draft minor league pitcher Jim Ray from Triple-A Rochester (Orioles).
The Indianapolis and Little Rock franchises are transferred from the International League to the Pacific Coast League. The IL is reduced to eight clubs and the PCL membership raised to 12 clubs.
The MLB Rules Committee bans oversized catcher’s mitts, effective in 1965.
1963 – Major league owners agree to allow the expansion clubs four protected first-year players who can be optioned to the minors without being subject to a draft.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!