On November 29, 1976, in perhaps the most celebrated free agent signing ever, the New York Yankees ink outfielder Reggie Jackson. The slugger signs a five-year deal worth $3.5 million. Jackson had listened to offers from the Expos and Orioles, Jackson had played for the Orioles in 1976 after he was traded to them by…
History of the World Series – 1976 Anderson presided over a talent-rich club that featured Johnny Bench behind the plate, George Foster, Cesar Geronimo and Ken Griffey in the outfield, Pete Rose at third base, Dave Concepcion at shortstop, Joe Morgan at second base and Tony Perez at first. On the bench, among others, were…
Joe Morgan outpoints Cincinnati Reds teammate George Foster to win his second straight National League MVP Award. Morgan hit .320 with 27 home runs, 111 RBI, 113 runs, 60 stolen bases, and led the NL in slugging percentage (.576) and OPS (1.020). Foster finished with 29 home runs and led the league in RBI (121).
Bob Kennedy is named head of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. His first move is to inform Jim Marshall he is fired as manager and Salty Saltwell, after a year as general manager, is named secretary and director of park operations. Herman Franks, briefly a Cubs coach under Leo Durocher, will be named the new manager. Ironically, Durocher turned down an offer to manage the Cubs for the 1977 season.
On November 24, 1976, the California Angels sign free agent second baseman Bobby Grich. The slick-fielding Grich is the first of three free agents that owner Gene Autry will sign during the off-season. Don Baylor and Joe Rudi will eventually join Grich in California. At the same time, baseball fans can solidify that passionate period…
1976 – Pitcher Larry Dierker and infielder Jerry DaVanon are traded to St.Louis for catcher Joe Ferguson. For Dierker, it’s the beginning of the end of a stellar career. For Ferguson, it means another chance to be a starting catcher instead of an oufielder. He argues with manager Bill Virdon about blocking the plate but hits .243 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in 1-1/2 seasons before being traded again.
On November 19, 1976, the Milwaukee Brewers sign free agent third baseman Sal Bando to a multi-year contract. Bando, the captain of three consecutive World Championship teams in Oakland, will play the final five seasons of his career in Milwaukee. Bando will bat .250 with 17 home runs and 82 RBIs in his first season…
1976 – The New York Yankees sign free agent pitcher Don Gullett for $2 million. Gullett will have a 14-4 record next season, but spend most of the next three seasons on the disabled list.
Yankee catcher Thurman Munson (.302, 17, 105), receiving 18 of the 24 first-place votes, easily outdistances Royals’ third baseman George Brett to become the American League’s MVP. The team’s captain is the first Bronx Bomber to be selected as the league’s Most Valuable Player who had also previously won the Rookie of the Year award (1970).
On November 16, 1976 New York Yankees Cat her Thurman Munson wins the AL MVP Award, beating runner-up George Brett (215 hits, .333 BA, .377 OBP), 304-217 points. In ’76, Munson had 186 hits, 17 HR, 105 RBI, & .302 BA. Munsonreceiving 18 of the 24 first-place votes, The team’s captain is the…
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