Detroit Tigers release future Hall of Famer Earl Averill
Detroit Tigers release future Hall of Famer Earl Averill
Paul Waner signs with the Brooklyn Dodgers
1941 – Paul Waner, released by the Pittsburgh Pirates last December, signs with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Waner will play 11 games before moving to the Boston Braves, but he will return to Brooklyn in 1943.
Pitcher Bob Feller signs with the Cleveland Indians for a reported $30,000.
1941 – Pitcher Bob Feller signs with the Cleveland Indians for a reported $30,000.
In a poll in The Sporting News, the Baseball Writers Association of America names the 1940 All-Star team
1941 – In a poll in The Sporting News, the Baseball Writers Association of America names the 1940 All-Star team: Hank Greenberg (LF), Joe DiMaggio (CF), Ted Williams (RF), Frank McCormick (1B) Joe Gordon (2B), Luke Appling (SS), Stan Hack (3B) and Harry Danning (C) are the position players, and Bob Feller, Bucky Walters, and Paul Derringer the pitchers.
Babe Ruth spends $50,000 in defense bonds
On January 1, 1941 – In an effort to support the U.S. mobilization effort, Babe Ruth spends $50,000 for defense bonds. The Yankee legend’s purchase is the maximum amount allowed by law for one person.
South Side Park, the first home of the Chicago White Sox, burns down.
1940 – South Side Park, the first home of the Chicago White Sox, burns down.
Connie Mack announces he has acquired the controlling interest in the A’s
Connie Mack announces he has acquired the controlling interest in the A’s, a team he has managed for the past 40 years, for a reported $42,000. The Philadelphia skipper, who will celebrate his 78th birthday in three days, had shared the ownership with the heirs of Benjamin Shibe, who started the franchise on a joint basis in 1901.
Hall of Fame outfielder “Sliding Billy” Hamilton dies at the age of 74
On December 15, 1940, Hall of Fame outfielder “Sliding Billy” Hamilton dies at the age of 74. Hamilton stole 912 bases and batted .344 over a 14-year career, placing him in the top 10 on the all-time batting list.
Umpire Bill Klem retires and is appointed National League chief of staff.
Umpire Bill Klem retires and is appointed National League chief of staff.
History of the World Series – 1940
Cincinnati, of course, had a chance to win an unsoiled Series in 1939. Instead, the Reds hung out their own dirty linen as the powerful New York Yankees zapped them in four games. Plainly, this World Series evoked few pleasant memories for the Reds. Hopes that 1940 might be different rose when Bill McKechnie’s…
