A panel of veteran baseball writers, historians and executives selects a roster of the Top 100 Greatest Cleveland Indians Players, as part of the club’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.
Richard Hidalgo signs the third-richest contract in Astro history with a four-year $32 million deal with the club. The outfielder’s pact is less than teammate’s Jeff Bagwell’s $85 million (5 years) and Craig Biggio’s $33 million (4 years).
test On February 20, 2001, longtime baseball figure Bill Rigney dies at the age of 83 after a long bout with cancer. After an eight-year playing career in the major leagues, Rigney went on to manage the New York and San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, and Minnesota Twins. He also worked as a scout,…
Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones wins a record $8.2 million contract in salary arbitration. The previous record of $7.25 million was set last year by New York Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera.
On February 18, 2001, Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews dies at the age of 69, succumbing to respiratory failure caused by pneumonia. Born in 1931 at Texarkana, Texas, Mathews made his major league debut for the Boston Braves in 1952 and quickly established himself as a powerful threat from the left side, teaming with Hank…
On January 28, 2001, former major leaguer Curt Blefary dies from pancreatitis at the age of 57. Nicknamed “Clank” for his defensive limitations, Blefary hit 112 home runs over an eight-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Oakland A’s, and San Diego Padres. In 1965, Blefary was named the AL’s Rookie…
On January 22, 2001, World Series standout Tommie Agee dies of a cardiac arrest in Manhattan at the age of 58. The 1966 American League Rookie of the Year Agee batted .255 with 130 home runs over a 12-year career, but was best known for making two acrobatic catches for the New York Mets (saving…
Free agent Jose Canseco agrees to terms with the Anaheim Angels. The incentive-laden contract ranging from $200,000 to as much as $5 million will be based on plate appearances as a designated hitter.
Jim Deshaies, former Astro lefthander and current broadcaster, receives one vote in the Hall of Fame balloting. It comes from local sportswriter John Lopez. Deshaies receives notoriety for a humorous website openly promoting his candidacy for Cooperstown. At least he would have worn an Astros cap.
Outfielders Dave Winfield and Kirby Puckett are elected to the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. The former Minnesota Twins are the fourth pair of teammates selected by BBWAA in the same year.