Wally Backman is hired by the Mets to manage the Brooklyn Cyclones, their farm team in the New York-Penn League. The team’s new skipper, who played a vital role with the 1986 World Series championship club, had been given the Diamondbacks job in November of 2004 but was fired shortly after the New York Times revealed the former second baseman had been arrested twice and had financial difficulties.

Andrew Bailey is named the American League Rookie of the Year, the eighth A’s player in franchise history to cop the honor. After struggling in Double-A as a minor league starter last season, the 25 year-old right-handed closer, compiled 26 saves with a 1.84 ERA for Oakland.

Chris Coghlan edges Phillies right-hander J.A. Happ, the only player named on all 32 ballots, to become the third Marlin in franchise history, along with Dontrelle Willis (2003) and Hanley Ramirez (2006), to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. The 24 year-old leadoff hitter, a second baseman in the minors, hit .321 in 128 games, playing mostly left field after being called up in May.

Bucky Williams, the second-oldest known former Negro Leagues player, dies a month shy of his 103rd birthday. He had become a living legend in the Pittsburgh area over recent years.