Atlanta Braves sign Tom Seaver to a bonus contract worth $50,000

On February 24, 1966, the Atlanta Braves sign Tom Seaver to a bonus contract worth $50,000. One week later, Commissioner Spike Eckert will void the contract, citing rules about signing amateur players during their college seasons. On April 3, Eckert will hold a lottery to determine which of three teams – the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies – will win the right to negotiate with Seaver. The Mets win the lottery and Seaver helps lead them to a World Series title in 1969.