On January 29, 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers sign free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million. Gibson will win the 1988 NL MVP Award (25 HR, 76 RBI, 106 runs, .290 BA, .377 OBP, .860 OPS) . Thanks in large part to Gibson’s fiery leadership, the Dodgers will win the…
1988 – As a result of the Players Association’s 1985 collusion suit against the owners, arbitrator Thomas Roberts declares seven players no-risk free agents until March 1st, giving them a chance to sign with other clubs despite already having contracts. The seven are Juan Beniquez, Tom Brookens, Kirk Gibson, Carlton Fisk, Donnie Moore, Joe Niekro and Butch Wynegar. Gibson will jump to the Dodgers and become the National League MVP and a World Series] hero to boot.
On January 14, 1988, slugging infielder Bob Horner makes a return to the major leagues by signing a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Horner played the 1987 season with the Yakult Swallows of the Japanese Central League, as collusion reduced demand for his services in Major League Baseball to nothing. With St. Louis, Horner will replace Jack Clark at first base. Horner will play…
On January 13, 1988, longtime National League star Steve Garvey announces his retirement. Garvey played a total of 19 major league seasons, batting .294 with 272 home runs. Also a slick-fielding first baseman, Garvey helped the San Diego Padres to the 1984 World Series and contributed to National League pennants for the Los Angeles Dodgers…
On January 12, 1988 On this date in 1988, Willie Stargell was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. He was named on 352 of the 427 ballots, while a total of least 321 (75%) were necessary for election. Stargell was the only player voted in that…
1988 – Faced with a midnight deadline to re-sign with the New York Yankees, pitcher Bill Gullickson agrees to a two-year contract with the Yomiuri Giants instead.
1988 – Free agent slugger Jack Clark signs with the New York Yankees, while Paul Molitor re-signs with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Dallas Keuchel is born in Tulsa, OK. The lefthander would become the third Astro to win a Cy Young Award, and the first in the American League, after his 20-win season in 2015.
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