In a trade of pitchers, the Seattle Mariners send Paul Spoljaric to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Mark Leiter.
In a trade of pitchers, the Seattle Mariners send Paul Spoljaric to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Mark Leiter.
Catfish Hunter announces that he is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease
Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter announces that he is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease. The fatal disease, known medically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, attacks the nerves in the spinal cord and the brain and leads to a loss of motor skills. Hunter will succumb to the disease less than a year later.
Chicago Cubs right fielder Sammy Sosa is named the National League MVP
Chicago Cubs right fielder Sammy Sosa is named the National League MVP. Sosa hit 66 home runs and led the National League in RBI with 158 while carrying his team to the playoffs.
The New York Mets announce general manager Steve Phillips will take a paid leave of absence
The New York Mets announce general manager Steve Phillips will take a paid leave of absence while a threatened sexual harassment lawsuit against him is resolved. Phillips acknowledges having had an extramarital affair with a woman, but denies having harassed her. Frank Cashen will replace Phillips on an interim basis.
Former player Art Howe is named as manager of the Astros.
1988 – Former player Art Howe is named as manager of the Astros. He’s the third Astro skipper in a row to make Houston their first big league managerial spot. Howe indicates he’ll be able to lead in spite of players on the roster who were his teammates in days gone by.
Kerry Wood wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award
1998 – Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kerry Wood, who posted a 13-6 record, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Wood held batters to a NL best .196 average and finished third in the league in strikeouts with 233 in just 166 2/3 innings pitched.
1998 – Ben Grieve, Oakland outfielder, is named the American League Rookie of the Year. Grieve, in the lineup since Opening Day, hit .288.
1998 – Ben Grieve, Oakland outfielder, is named the American League Rookie of the Year. Grieve, in the lineup since Opening Day, hit .288.
