Turning down a deal offered by the New York Mets worth a million dollars more with no deferred money, Juan Gonzalez agrees to a $24 million, two-year deal with the Texas Rangers that includes $10.5 million in deferred payments. The outfielder, who preferred to stay in the American League, established franchise records for home runs, RBI, total bases and extra base hits while playing for the Rangers from 1989 to 1999.

ByTom

Turning down a deal offered by the New York Mets worth a million dollars more with no deferred money, Juan Gonzalez agrees to a $24 million, two-year deal with the Texas Rangers that includes $10.5 million in deferred payments. The outfielder, who preferred to stay in the American League, established franchise records for home runs, RBI, total bases and extra base hits while playing for the Rangers from 1989 to 1999.

Ozzie Smith, a 15-time All-Star shortstop, is elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA in his first year of eligibility
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Ozzie Smith, a 15-time All-Star shortstop, is elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA in his first year of eligibility

ByTom

Ozzie Smith, a 15-time All-Star shortstop, is elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA in his first year of eligibility. Smith is named on 91.7 percent of the ballots. Dubbed the “Wizard of Oz” due to his remarkable defensive abilities, Smith won 13 Gold Glove Awards during his 19-year career with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.