On November 18, 1966, Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace Sandy Koufax announces his retirement, due to increasing pain caused by arthritis in his left elbow. Koufax cites the fear of permanent damage as the reason for placing himself on the voluntarily retired list. Just three weeks earlier, Koufax had won a record third Cy Young…
The Dodgers finish their tour of Japan with the worst results ever compiled by an American big league team. Los Angeles loses the last four games of the trip, returning to the West Coast with a mediocre 9-8-1 record against their Japanese opponents.
Roberto Clemente, edging out Dodger hurler Sandy Koufax (27-9, 1.73, 317 strikeouts), is named the National League MVP. The Pirates’ 32 year-old right fielder hit .317 with 29 home runs and drove in 119 runs for the third-place team.
1966 – The Los Angeles Dodgers complete an 18-game tour of Japan with a 9-8-1 record, the most losses ever for a major league club touring the Far East.
1966 – Triple Crown winner Frank Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles is the unanimous choice as American League MVP. He becomes the first major league player to win the award in both leagues.
1966 – Maury Wills leaves the Los Angeles Dodgers club touring in Japan, complaining that his injured right knee needs immediate treatment in the U.S. On December 1st, the Dodgers will send Wills to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1966 – Orlando Merced is born in Hato Rey, PR. The outfielder-first baseman had been a thorn in Houston’s side during several seasons with the Pirates. Merced spends three seasons in Houston (2001-2003) as a reserve, batting .262 with 15 home runs.
1966 – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax becomes the first three-time winner of the Cy Young Award. He is a unanimous winner for the second straight year. This is the last year that only one award is given for pitchers in both of the major leagues.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!