1983 – Pinch-hitter Harry Spilman drills a three-run ninth-inning homer off Tom Hume to stun Cincinnati, 6-5. Shortstop Dickie Thon has four hits, including a home run. Bill Dawley earns his second win in relief. The Astros’ day does not start well as catcher John Mizerock suffers three passed balls in the first inning while the Reds jump on Joe Niekro for four runs.
On April 16, 1983, Steve Garvey of the San Diego Padres sets a National League record for the most consecutive games played. Garvey plays in his 1,118th straight game, breaking the mark held by Hall of Famer Billy Williams. Garvey picks up two hits in an 8-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, his former team.
On April 5, 1983, Tom Seaver makes his first appearance for the Mets since 1977. Seaver defeats the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-0, on Opening Day at Shea Stadium. For Seaver, it’s his 14th Opening Day assignment, tying the record set by Walter Johnson…
On March 10, 1983, the Veterans Committee announces the election of Walter Alston and George Kell to the Hall of Fame. Alston managed the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers to four World Series championships, while always working under one-year contracts. Kell, a standout third baseman primarily for the Detroit Tigers, batted over .300 nine times, was a 10-time All-Star,…
[adrotate banner=”49″] On March 3, 1983, Thirty-eight-year-old Steve Carlton signs a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. The $4.15 million deal makes “Lefty” the highest-paid pitcher in major league history. Carlton led the National League with 23 wins in 1982. Vintage Baseball HOT ON EBAYCard Collections ENDING SOON ON EBAYMOST WANTED ROOKIE CARDSVINTAGE…
On February 19, 1983, Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers becomes the first player to earn a $1 million salary through arbitration. Valenzuela’s victory makes him the third highest-paid player in the game. The Dodgers had offered Valenzuela $750,000 for this season.
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Ron Cey is sent to the Chicago Cubs for minor leaguers Vance Lovelace and Dan Cataline. Cey will play 518 games at third for the Cubs, the most since Ron Santo.
1983 – Bob Horner agrees to a four-year contract with the Atlanta Braves that will pay him up to $6 million, including $400,000 in bonuses if he keeps his weight below 215 pounds.
On January 12, 1983, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America elects two players to the Hall of Fame: pitching great Juan Marichal, who toiled for the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. The pride of both the Dominican Republic and the Giants, Juan Antonio Marichal Sanchez won 243 games and lost…
The New York Yankees name Billy Martin their manager for the third time in eight years. Martin takes over for Clyde King, who is bumped up to the Yankees’ front office. Martin will lead the team to a record of 91-71 this season.
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