Arriving for spring training, a chastened John McGraw announces that he is through with the real estate business. McGraw’s involvement with Pennant Park last year cost him more than $100,000.
At Crescent City, Florida, a train carrying several Cleveland Indians players derails. No players are injured and pitcher George Uhle sleeps through the incident.
On February 24, 1926, Hall of Famer Eddie Plank dies at the age of 50 in his native Gettysburg, PA.. Plank won 326 games and posted a 2.35 over a 17-year career. In 1905, the durable Plank completed a league-leading 36 of his 41 starts.
Babe Ruth, mixing business with pleasure, on Feb. 12, 1926, off the coast of St. Petersburg.
1926 – The Cincinnati Reds acquire catcher Val Picinich from the Boston Red Sox for cash.
1926 – The St. Louis Browns acquire catcher Wally Schang from the New York Yankees for pitcher George Mogridge and cash. Although Schang is 36 years of age, he will hold the job as catcher for the Browns for four seasons.
New York Yankees sell first baseman Wally Pipp to the Cincinnati Reds
1926 – The Major League Rules Committee agrees that pitchers may have access to a rosin bag. On February 8, the American League will refuse to permit its use, but on April 28th, the league will give in and allow a rosin bag on the field, but discourage its use by players. The Committee also discusses the possible elimination of the intentional walk, a topic that has come up before, by making the pitcher throw to the batter. Calling a balk on the catcher if he steps out of his box has not eliminated the intentional walk as intended. No action is taken however.
1926 – The Pacific Coast League shifts two franchises, moving the Vernon Tigers to San Francisco, where they become the Mission Reds, and the Salt Lake Bees from Utah to Hollywood, where they become the Hollywood Stars.
1926 – Future All-Star pitcher Ralph Branca is born in Mount Vernon, NY. Although Branca will win 21 games in 1947, he will become best known for giving up Bobby Thomson’s pennant-winning home run in 1951.
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