Yankees P Dave Righetti (8-4, 2.06 in 1981) wins the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
1981 – Yankees P Dave Righetti (8-4, 2.06 in 1981) wins the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
Danny Ainge released
November 27, 1981 The Blue Jays release infielder Danny Ainge. The would be two sport star focuses on Basketball and becomes a world champion, an all star and famously bit a tree. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Join the Community” subscribe_text=”We bring you cool stories about the game, players, ballparks and the people that shaped the game!” subscribe_button=”Join us!”…
The Detroit Tigers trade OF Steve Kemp to the Chicago White Sox for OF Chet Lemon.
1981 – The Detroit Tigers trade OF Steve Kemp to the Chicago White Sox for OF Chet Lemon.
Brewer hurler Rollie Fingers becomes the first relief pitcher ever to win the American League MVP Award
Brewer hurler Rollie Fingers becomes the first relief pitcher ever to win the American League MVP Award. The 34 year-old right-hander, who also wins the Cy Young award, narrowly beats former A’s teammate Rickey Henderson by 11 points.
Mike Schmidt wins his second consecutive NL MVP
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins his second consecutive National League MVP Award, joining Ernie Banks and Joe Morgan as the only NL players to take the award back-to-back. In the strike-shortened season, Schmidt hit .316 and led the league in home runs (31), RBI (91), runs (78), walks (73), on-base percentage (.435) and slugging percentage (.644).
Dick Williams replaces Frank Howard as manager of the last-place Padres. The future Hall of Fame skipper, who has won three pennants and two World Series in the last 14 years as a major league pilot, will lead San Diego to a National League pennant in 1984.
Dick Williams replaces Frank Howard as manager of the last-place Padres. The future Hall of Fame skipper, who has won three pennants and two World Series in the last 14 years as a major league pilot, will lead San Diego to a National League pennant in 1984.
Chicago Cubs infielder Steve Macko dies after a courageous battle with cancer
On November 15, 1981, popular Chicago Cubs infielder Steve Macko dies after a courageous battle with cancer. The 27-year-old Macko did not play in 1981 due to the effects of the disease…
Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first rookie to win a Cy Young Award
1981 – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first rookie ever to win a Cy Young Award, edging Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati Reds by a 70-67 margin for National League honors. Valenzuela was the first rookie since Herb Score in 1955 to lead his league in strikeouts with 180.
The Philadelphia Phillies announce that Pat Corrales will be the club manager next season, replacing Dallas Green, who quit to become the Chicago Cubs’ general manager.
The Philadelphia Phillies announce that Pat Corrales will be the club manager next season, replacing Dallas Green, who quit to become the Chicago Cubs’ general manager.
The Cincinnati Reds trade outfielder Ken Griffey to the New York Yankees for pitcher Fred Toliver and minor leaguer Brian Ryder. Griffey was about to become a free agent.
The Cincinnati Reds trade outfielder Ken Griffey to the New York Yankees for pitcher Fred Toliver and minor leaguer Brian Ryder. Griffey was about to become a free agent.
