Ted Williams War

Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams receives his discharge from the U.S. Marine Air Corps

ByThis Day in Baseball

On January 12, 1946, Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams receives his discharge from the U.S. Marine Air Corps after a three-year stint serving in World War II. In spite of the long absence from competitive baseball, Williams will return to the major leagues by hitting .342, with 38 home runs and 123 RBIs in…

Walker Cooper

St. Louis Cardinals sell star catcher Walker Cooper to the New York Giants for a record $175,000

ByThis Day in Baseball

  On January 5, 1946, the St. Louis Cardinals sell star catcher Walker Cooper to the New York Giants for a record $175,000. The Joe Cronin transaction in 1934 and the Dizzy Dean sale in 1938 were larger deals but also involved other players. Cooper was considered the best catcher in the game before his…

Rudy York

baseman Rudy York to the Red Sox for infielder Eddie Lake

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Tigers trade first baseman Rudy York to the Red Sox for infielder Eddie Lake, who will replace current shortstop Skeeter Webb with two solid defensive years before a broken finger relegates him to a utility role on the team. Boston’s new first baseman’s offensive output, which includes 119 RBIs, helps to propel the club to an American League pennant this season.

Larry Bowa

Larry Bowa Stats & Facts

ByThis Day in Baseball

Larry Bowa Position: ShortstopBats: Both  •  Throws: Right5-10, 155lb (178cm, 70kg)Born: December 6, 1945  in Sacramento, CAHigh School: McClatchy HS (Sacramento, CA)School: Sacramento City College (Sacramento, CA)Debut: April 7, 1970 (Age 24-122d, 10,569th in MLB history)vs. CHC 3 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBLast Game: October 6, 1985 (Age 39-304d)vs. MON 3 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBFull Name: Lawrence Robert BowaNicknames: Gnat, Bo or Pee WeePronunciation: \BO-ah\View…

Jay Dahl is born in San Bernadino, CA. Signed at age 17 in June of 1963
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Jay Dahl is born in San Bernadino, CA. Signed at age 17 in June of 1963

ByThis Day in Baseball

1945 – Jay Dahl is born in San Bernadino, CA. Signed at age 17 in June of 1963, Dahl starts the “All-Rookie” game for the Colt .45s three months later, allowing seven runs in 2-2/3rds innings. It is to be his only big league game. The lefthander dies on June 20, 1965 in an automobile accident in Salisbury, NC where the Astros have a farm club. His teammate, Gary Marshall, is permanently blinded in the wreck. A female passenger also dies.

The rules are revised for election of modern players to the Hall of Fame

ByThis Day in Baseball

1945 – The rules are revised for election of modern players to the Hall of Fame. A runoff election is formulated as a way to qualify more players for selection, but it fails to meet its objective as no one reaches the 75 percent requirement in the runoff. Former players Frank Chance, Johnny Evers and Ed Walsh and former manager Miller Huggins come closest.

Billy Southworth leaves the St. Louis Cardinals to sign a three-year contract with the Boston Braves

ByThis Day in Baseball

1945 – Billy Southworth leaves the St. Louis Cardinals to sign a three-year contract with the Boston Braves, who are making aggressive moves under Lou Perini and other new owners. Eddie Dyer will become the new Cardinals manager.