On December 15, 1980 — Dave Winfield (.276, 20, 87) becomes the highest-paid player in the history of sports, when he agrees to a ten-year free-agent deal with the Yankees worth a record $16 million. After announcing the former Padres outfielder’s deal, team owner George Steinbrenner tells 34 year-old Reggie Jackson (.300, 41, 111) who had been asked his opinion about the acquisition by The Boss and had heartily endorsed the signing, he will not be offered an extended contract when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season because of his age.

Reggie offered this advice: ”It’s the greatest place to play and it’s the toughest,” he said. ”It can be Disneyland or it can be hell.”