After leading his A’s to a world championship, Connie Mack becomes the first Philadelphian sports figure to receive the prestigious Edward W. Bok Prize. The honor, now known as the Philadelphia Award, recognizes distinguished Philadelphians for their achievements in education, industry, law, politics, science, medicine, philosophy, and the creative arts.
The Reds select Leo Durocher (.246, 0, 32) off waivers. The 24 year-old shortstop, an unpopular player in the Yankees clubhouse, falls out of favor in New York after a salary dispute with Ed Barrow, the club’s general manager.
New York Yankees waive shortstop Leo Durocher
On January 29, 1930, the Boston Red Sox sell former American League home run king Ken Williams to the rival New York Yankees for the waiver price. Williams, a lifetime .319 hitter, will be released prior to the start of the season and will never again play in the major leagues.
On January 26, 1930, Carl Mays signs a contract with Portland of the Pacific Coast League, thus foregoing his major league career. In 1920, a Mays fastball had struck Ray Chapman in the head. The impact of the blow killed the Cleveland Indians’ shortstop. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Join the Community” subscribe_text=”We bring you cool stories about the…
1930 – Commissioner Landis bans boxing for all players following the brief boxing career of Chicago White Sox first baseman Art Shires. His challenge to slugger Hack Wilson purportedly prompts the ban. Shires fought several suspected bouts that resulted in his being suspended by the boxing commissions of 32 states but loses a desultory five-rounder to Chicago Bears center George “The Brute” Trafton. Shires did win a punch-out with Sox manager Lena Blackburne and two hotel detectives late last season.
On January 8, 1930, Chicago Cubs star Art Nehf announces his retirement. Nehf won 184 games during his major league career and pitched in five World Series. We went 4-4 in 9 World Series Starts and had a career 2.16 ERA. His teams won the 1921 and 1922 World Series in both cases he won…
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