The Yankees officially sign Dwight Gooden, who didn’t play last season as a result of being suspended for drugs, to a one-year deal with two option years. The complicated contract, necessitated by the hurler’s past addictions, calls for a salary of $1M in 1996, then $2M in 1997 and $3M in 1998, and requires the 31 year-old right-hander to be tested for drugs three times a week while participating in a 12-step program.

ByTom

The Yankees officially sign Dwight Gooden, who didn’t play last season as a result of being suspended for drugs, to a one-year deal with two option years. The complicated contract, necessitated by the hurler’s past addictions, calls for a salary of $1M in 1996, then $2M in 1997 and $3M in 1998, and requires the 31 year-old right-hander to be tested for drugs three times a week while participating in a 12-step program.

1996 – General Mills announces a special edition Wheaties cereal box honoring Negro League superstars Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell.

ByTom

1996 – General Mills announces a special edition Wheaties cereal box honoring Negro League superstars Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell.

St. Louis Cardinals acquiring closer Dennis Eckersley from the Oakland Athletics

St. Louis Cardinals acquiring closer Dennis Eckersley from the Oakland Athletics

ByTom

1996 – The St. Louis Cardinals complete a long-rumored swap, acquiring closer Dennis Eckersley from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league reliever Steve Montgomery. Eckersley replaces Tom Henke, who announced last month he was retiring. The Cardinals also announce that they are laying nearly three acres of grass over the field at Busch Stadium, replacing the artificial turf that has been used for 26 years. The grass turf will be ready for the April 8th opener against Montreal.