1999 – Diamondbacks pitcher Kenny Robinson is killed in a car crash. Teammate John Rosengren is arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the alcohol-related accident. Robinson pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals from 1995 through 1997.

ByTom

1999 – Diamondbacks pitcher Kenny Robinson is killed in a car crash. Teammate John Rosengren is arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the alcohol-related accident. Robinson pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals from 1995 through 1997.

Frank Robinson is hired by Major League Baseball to handle on-field disciplinary matters. Previously, such matters were handled by the individual league offices.

ByTom

Frank Robinson is hired by Major League Baseball to handle on-field disciplinary matters. Previously, such matters were handled by the individual league offices.

Architects for the new downtown ballpark propose to Astros owner Drayton McLane a train engine to be placed upon the left field wall. Builders announce the new field is almost halfway complete. 

ByTom

1999 – Architects for the new downtown ballpark propose to Astros owner Drayton McLane a train engine to be placed upon the left field wall. Builders announce the new field is almost halfway complete. 

Pittsburgh Pirates scout Howie Haak dies at the age of 87 of complications from a stroke

ByThis Day in Baseball

On February 22, 1999, Pittsburgh Pirates scout Howie Haak dies at the age of 87 of complications from a stroke. Haak, who worked for the Pirates from 1950 to 1988, scouted Roberto Clemente while he played in the Brooklyn Dodgers’ farm system and recommended that the Pirates sign him. Dubbed the “King of the Caribbean,”…

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Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker announces that outfielder Moises Alou has suffered a knee injury while working out in the Dominican Republic. While initial reports are optimistic, Alou is lost for the entire season. Alou claims he hurt the knee while running on a treadmill but management expresses some skepticism. 

ByTom

1999 – Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker announces that outfielder Moises Alou has suffered a knee injury while working out in the Dominican Republic. While initial reports are optimistic, Alou is lost for the entire season. Alou claims he hurt the knee while running on a treadmill but management expresses some skepticism. 

The Yankees put an end to trade rumors by acquiring Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitchers David Wells and Graeme Lloyd and IF Homer Bush.

ByTom

The Yankees put an end to trade rumors by acquiring Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitchers David Wells and Graeme Lloyd and IF Homer Bush.

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds announce that they are dropping their long-standing policy of no facial hair for players. The change is the result of a talk between owner Marge Schott and newly-acquired OF Greg Vaughn.

ByTom

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds announce that they are dropping their long-standing policy of no facial hair for players. The change is the result of a talk between owner Marge Schott and newly-acquired OF Greg Vaughn.