1997 – Free agent signings today include IF Jack Howell with the Astros, P Orel Hershiser with the Giants, P Tom Candiotti with the Athletics, OF Luis Gonzalez with the Tigers, SS Jeff Blauser with the Cubs, 3B Wade Boggs with the Devil Rays and P Dennis Eckersley who returns to Boston, after pitching there from 1978 to 1984.

This Day In Baseball

On ,December 9 1997 — Free agent signings today include IF Jack Howell with the Astros, P Orel Hershiser with the Giants, P Tom Candiotti with the Athletics, OF Luis Gonzalez with the Tigers, SS Jeff Blauser with the Cubs, 3B Wade Boggs with the Devil Rays and P Dennis Eckersley who returns to Boston, after pitching there from 1978 to 1984.