1989 – The Veterans Committee elects Red Schoendienst and Al Barlick to the Hall of Fame. Schoendienst served as a second baseman and manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Barlick was a major league umpire for over 29 seasons.
Washington State first baseman John Olerud undergoes surgery to remove an aneurysm from his brain
Reds manager Pete Rose meets with Commissioner Peter Ueberroth and Commissioner-elect Bart Giamatti to explain the allegations concerning his gambling habits. Major League Baseball will launch a full investigation into the matter next month, which will lead to “Charlie Hustle’s” permanent ban from the game in August.
On February 17, 1989, Hall of Fame pitcher Lefty Gomez dies at the age of 80. Gomez won 189 games over a 14-year career with the New York Yankees and Washington Senators. Gomez pitched exceptionally well in World Series play, winning six games without a loss.
1989 – Orel Hershiser becomes the first player in major league history to sign a contract that calls for a $3 million salary by inking a three-year, $7.9 million contract with the Dodgers that will pay him $3,166,667 in 1991.
Bill White is elected president of the National League
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