this-day-in-baseball-march-30

Refusing to report to spring training, Dodger pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale begin their joint holdout

Refusing to report to spring training, Dodger pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale begin their joint holdout, asking for a $1 million, three-year contract, to be divided equally between them. The deal, equivalent to an annual salary of $167,000 for each hurler, will make them the best-paid players in baseball, easily surpassing Willie Mays’ $125,000 yearly paycheck with the Giants.

The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.

The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.

1966 – The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.