Manager Sparky Anderson, 19th century star Bid McPhee, and Negro League slugger Norman (Turkey) Stearnes are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.
After being suspended yesterday by major league baseball for one year for testing positive for using cocaine, New York Yankees OF/DH Darryl Strawberry is invited to join the Newark Bears during the suspension. The New Jersey franchise, which is a member of the Atlantic League, is located near Strawberry’s Fort Lee home.
2000 – American League umpire John Hirschbeck is elected as the first president of the World Umpires Association, which was recognized by the National Labor Relations Board a few days ago.
“In the end, I could not ignore Darryl’s past infractions and concluded that each of us must be held accountable for his or her actions. I am hopeful that he will use this time away from the game productively and will care for himself and his family.” – BUD SELIG,commissioner of baseball, commenting on his decision to suspend Darryl Strawberry. Yankee outfielder/DH Darryl Strawberry is suspended for one year after testing positive for cocaine last month. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig does not make any provision for an early return to the game of the eight-time All-Star from the suspension based on good behavior.
2000 – The National Labor Relations Board certifies the results of the November election that kicked out the Major League Umpires Association and replaced it with the newly-formed World Umpires Association. About 50 of the 71 major league umpires have joined the new union. The decision ends Richie Phillips’ 21-year reign as union chief.
The San Diego Padres obtain OF Al Martin from the Pirates for OF John Vander Wal, and pitchers Jim Sak and Geraldo Padua. San Diego also signs pitcher Matt Clement to a four-year agreement.
Chicago Cubs manager Don Baylor names four captains – first baseman Mark Grace, right fielder Sammy Sosa, pitcher Kevin Tapani and reliever Rick Aguilera. The quartet will be the Cubs’ first captains since the 1960s and early 1970s when Ron Santo held the position.
2000 – A Florida Department of Corrections report says New York Yankees OF Darryl Strawberry tested positive for cocaine on January 19th.
2000 – The Cincinnati Reds announce the team has dropped its ban on earrings but denies that the acquisition of Ken Griffey, Jr. is the reason. Players have worn them in the clubhouse, but weren’t allowed on the field with them.
The Oakland Athletics obtain OF Jeremy Giambi from the Kansas City Royals for P Brett Laxton. Giambi joins his brother, Jason Giambi, in Oakland, becoming the sixth brother combo to play for the team. The move is widely hailed as a brilliant one by statistically-minded fans.
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