The Boston Braves release veteran pitcher Johnny Cooney. He had held out in 1930, insisting he could bat well enough to stay. After several years in the minors, Cooney will return to the National League as a Braves outfielder and be runner-up to batting champ Pete Reiser in 1940.

ByTom

The Boston Braves release veteran pitcher Johnny Cooney. He had held out in 1930, insisting he could bat well enough to stay. After several years in the minors, Cooney will return to the National League as a Braves outfielder and be runner-up to batting champ Pete Reiser in 1940.

The International League accepts the open draft imposed by the major leagues. Until this time, the top minor leagues could control their players and refuse to sell them.

ByTom

The International League accepts the open draft imposed by the major leagues. Until this time, the top minor leagues could control their players and refuse to sell them.

New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Joe Sewell

New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Joe Sewell

ByThis Day in Baseball

On January 20, 1931, the New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Joe Sewell. The former star shortstop batted .289 for the Indians in 1930 before drawing his release. He will end his career with the Yankees, hitting .282 during his three-year tenure with New York. The 33 year-old third baseman will be inducted…

Lucille Thomas becomes the first woman to purchase a professional baseball team

ByThis Day in Baseball

  On January 5, 1931, Lucille Thomas becomes the first woman to purchase a professional baseball team when she buys the Class-A Topeka Senators team of the Western League.  @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IC0gLSAtIC0gLSAtIC0gIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@ Play by Play, Box Scores, News Paper Reports and other links Other Resources & Links Baseball-Reference Box Score