1996 – General Mills announces a special edition Wheaties cereal box honoring Negro League superstars Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell.
1996 – Kevin McClatchy and his group of investors purchase the Pirates from the Pittsburgh Associates.
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.
Dave Winfield announces his retirement at the age of 44
1996 – Ken Griffey, Jr. becomes the highest-paid major league player by signing a four-year, $34 million contract with Seattle.
1996 – Free agent catcher Benito Santiago is signed by the Philadelphia Phillies to a one-year $1.7 million contract.
1996 – The Boston Red Sox trade outfielders Lee Tinsley and Glenn Murray and pitcher Ken Ryan to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for pitcher Heathcliff Slocumb and two prospects.
The St. Louis Cardinals send outfielder Bernard Gilkey to the New York Mets in exchange for pitchers Eric Ludwick, Erik Hiljus and Yudith Orozio.
The Oakland Athletics send outfielder Danny Tartabull to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for pitcher Andrew Lorraine and Charles Poe.
The Milwaukee Brewers sign free agent starter Ben McDonald to a $7 million, two-year contract.
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