1951 – The South Carolina House of Representatives introduces a resolution urging that Shoeless Joe Jackson, who was banished from baseball because of his part in the Black Sox Scandal of 1919, be reinstated.
1951 – The St. Louis Browns sign Satchel Paige, 45. He has been out of Major League Baseball since last pitching for the Cleveland Indians in 1949.
1951 – Gabby Street dies in Joplin, Missouri, at age of 67. Nicknamed “The Old Sarge”, he had a prolific baseball career as a catcher, manager, coach and play-by-play broadcaster. As a manager, Street led the St. Louis Cardinals to two National League championships and one World Championship in 1932.
California governor Earl Warren denies the rumor that he is being considered to be baseball’s next commissioner. The former vice-presidential candidate, who was Thomas Dewey’s running mate on the Republican ticket in the last election, will be confirmed as the 14th Chief Justice of the United States in 1954.
In February 1951, a grand collection of baseball greats attended a party held by Toots Shor – the legendary New York City restaurateur – in celebration of the National League’s 75th anniversary. Included among the distinguished group were Hall of Famers Fred Clarke, Ty Cobb, Mickey Cochrane, Jimmie Foxx, Charlie Gehringer, Rogers Hornsby, Kid Nichols,…
1951 – Major League Baseball signs a six-year All-Star Game pact for TV and Radio rights calling for $6 million. A number of owners criticize Commissioner Happy Chandler, believing that in a couple of years, the broadcast rights will be worth much more than a million per annum.
1951 – The Baseball Writers Association of America vote sluggers Mel Ott and Jimmie Foxx into the Hall of Fame. Ott hit .304 with 511 home runs and 1860 RBI; he managed the New York Giants from 1942 to 1948. Foxx was a .325 hitter with 534 home runs and 1922 RBI.
1951 – Vern Ruhle is born in Midland, MI. Ruhle spends seven seasons as an Astro pitcher, best known for taking over a spot in the starting rotation in 1980 when J.R. Richard suffered a stroke and helping Houston win their first division crown. Later, he is a successful pitching coach in Houston under manager Larry Dierker.
1951 – Guido Rujo sells his interest in the Boston Braves to co-partners Lou Perini and Treasurer Joe Many.
1951 – Leon Roberts is born in Vicksburg, MI. The outfielder would bat .267 with seven home runs over parts of two seasons (1976 and 1977) in Houston.
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