1946 – In a classic pitching matchup played in the newly-constituted Venezuelan League, Alex Carrasquel of Magallanes beats Roy Welmaker and the Equipo Vargas club, 3 – 2, in 17 innings. In the six-and-a-half-hour marathon, Carrasquel is good enough to silence the bats of Roy Campanella and Sam Jethroe. Both pitchers go the distance in one of the greatest winter league matchups ever.

1946 – In a classic pitching matchup played in the newly-constituted Venezuelan League, Alex Carrasquel of Magallanes beats Roy Welmaker and the Equipo Vargas club, 3 – 2, in 17 innings. In the six-and-a-half-hour marathon, Carrasquel is good enough to silence the bats of Roy Campanella and Sam Jethroe. Both pitchers go the distance in one of the greatest winter league matchups ever.

Ted Williams War

Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams receives his discharge from the U.S. Marine Air Corps

On January 12, 1946, Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams receives his discharge from the U.S. Marine Air Corps after a three-year stint serving in World War II. In spite of the long absence from competitive baseball, Williams will return to the major leagues by hitting .342, with 38 home runs and 123 RBIs in…

1946 – The Boston Red Sox announce that they have signed a working agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are managed by Johnny Peacock, a former Boston catcher.

1946 – The Boston Red Sox announce that they have signed a working agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are managed by Johnny Peacock, a former Boston catcher.

Walker Cooper

St. Louis Cardinals sell star catcher Walker Cooper to the New York Giants for a record $175,000

  On January 5, 1946, the St. Louis Cardinals sell star catcher Walker Cooper to the New York Giants for a record $175,000. The Joe Cronin transaction in 1934 and the Dizzy Dean sale in 1938 were larger deals but also involved other players. Cooper was considered the best catcher in the game before his…

Rudy York

baseman Rudy York to the Red Sox for infielder Eddie Lake

The Tigers trade first baseman Rudy York to the Red Sox for infielder Eddie Lake, who will replace current shortstop Skeeter Webb with two solid defensive years before a broken finger relegates him to a utility role on the team. Boston’s new first baseman’s offensive output, which includes 119 RBIs, helps to propel the club to an American League pennant this season.

Alex Carrasquel

Alex Carrasquel  rejects a deal to White Sox and signs a three-year contract to hurl in Jorge Pasquel’s Mexican League

On January 2, 1946 The Chicago White Sox buy pitcher Alex Carrasquel and shortstop Fred Vaughn from the Washington Senators. Carrasquel will make only three appearances for the White Sox before The Venezuelan right-hander rejects the deal and signs a three-year contract to hurl in Jorge Pasquel’s Mexican League, becoming the first major leaguer to jump to a team south of the…