Roberto Clemente takes the mound in this 1971 spring training
Roberto Clemente takes the mound in this 1971 spring training photo op, having always joking with teammate Steve Blass he’d be a better pitcher.
Yastrzemski signs 500K deal
On February 17, 1971, future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski signs a three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox worth $500,000. The deal is believed to be the largest in major league history. In 1970, Yastrzemski enjoyed one of his finest seasons, batting .329, with 40 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a career-high…
Bill White becomes the first black play-by-play broadcaster in major league history
Bill White becomes the first black play-by-play broadcaster in major league history
Los Angeles Dodgers acquire left-handed pitcher Al Downing from the Milwaukee Brewers
Los Angeles Dodgers acquire left-handed pitcher Al Downing from the Milwaukee Brewers
Satchel Paige becomes the first Negro League star selected to the Hall of Fame
Satchel Paige becomes the first Negro League star selected to the Hall of Fame. The right-hander, the oldest player in the majors to make his big league debut, became a legend during his professional career, which lasted from the 1920s until 1965, playing in several different Negro Leagues and with the Indians, Browns, and A’s.
Pirates and Cardinals make 4 player deal the trade is key to 1971 Championship
On January 29, 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Nellie Briles and outfielder Vic Davalillo from the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Matty Alou and pitcher George Brunet. Briles and Davalillo will play important roles in the Bucs’ 1971 World Championship. Alou was the big piece in the deal. He hit .327 over five seasons…
No player receives three-fourths of the necessary votes to be elected into the Hall of Fame
1971 – No player receives three-fourths of the necessary votes to be elected into the Hall of Fame, with Yogi Berra (242) and Early Wynn (240) coming the closest. Berra and Wynn will be elected in next year’s vote.
John Hiller: Heart Attack Survivor to Detroit’s Save Leader
John Hiller: Heart Attack Survivor to Detroit’s Save Leader On January 11, 1971, Twenty-seven year-old Tiger pitcher John Hiller drives himself to the hospital after suffering a heart attack while relaxing at home. After missing the entire season this year, the Canadian native will make a great comeback with the team in 1973, establishing a…
Hall of Fame outfielder Elmer Flick dies at the age of 94
On January 9, 1971, Hall of Fame outfielder Elmer Flick dies at the age of 94. Flick batted over .300 eight times and won a batting title in 1905. During a 13-year career, Flick stole 330 bases. @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IGp1c3QgY2xpY2sgdGhlIHRhZ3MhICAiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImxpbmtfdG9fdGVybV9wYWdlIjoib24iLCJzZXBhcmF0b3IiOiIgfCAiLCJjYXRlZ29yeV90eXBlIjoicG9zdF90YWcifX0=@
Bobby Tolan ruptures his Achilles tendon playing basketball
On January 7, 1971, Cincinnati Reds star Bobby Tolan ruptures his Achilles tendon while playing basketball. Tolan will miss the entire season and will never regain the form that he displayed in 1970, when he batted .316 and stole a league-leading 57 bases. Bobby Tolan will not be streaking along the paths until June 1…
