Jim Tracy is named the National League Manager of the Year, becoming just the second person to cop the honor after taking over a team during the season, joining Jack McKeon who also accomplished the feat with the 2003 Marlins. The 53 year-old skipper, who piloted the Rockies to the NL Wild Card from a 14.5 game deficit at the end of May, is rewarded by Colorado with a three-year contract.

Mike Scioscia, who piloted the Angels to its third consecutive division title and sixth postseason appearance in the last eight year and guided Los Angeles past a myriad of injuries to key players, is named the AL Manager of the Year for the second time. The 50 year-old Angels skipper helped to ease the team’s deep sorrow caused by the sudden death of 22 year-old starter Nick Adenhart, who died in a hit-and-run car accident just hours after pitching six shutout innings against Oakland for the Halos.

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.

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.

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.

2009 – The National League announces Gold Glove Award winners. Dodgers second baseman Orlando Hudson is the most titled of the honorees, receiving his fourth award – his third in the NL.

2009 – The American League Gold Gloves are awarded. Outfielders Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners and Torii Hunter of the Angels both win their 9th straight award.

2009 – Norge Vera, one of the top pitchers in Cuba, is seriously injured while trying to break up a fight in Santiago de Cuba. He is struck in the face by a blunt object, suffering multiple fractures and undergoes reconstructive surgery, putting his career in jeopardy. He will return to action in just a couple of months, though. Vera won gold for the Cuban national team at the 2004 Olympics and was a starting pitcher in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

The Diamondbacks exercise their $8.5 million option on the 2006 Cy Young Award winner, Brandon Webb. The 30 year-old right-handed starter, who underwent shoulder surgery in August, was shut down after pitching just four innings on Opening Day and did not retake the mound for the duration of the season.