Brooklyn Dodgers sign 19-year-old left-hander Sandy Koufax
Brooklyn Dodgers offer a $14,000 contract – a sizable contract at the time – to 19-year-old left-hander Sandy Koufax
Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente lead the North to victory in the Puerto Rican Winter League’s annual all-star fund-raiser
1954 – Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente lead the North to victory in the Puerto Rican Winter League’s annual all-star fund-raiser. The Sporting News correspondent Pita Alvarez De La Vega gives the exuberant young duo’s exploits some national exposure: “The league took a break from its pennant battle to stage the annual ‘Three Kings’ all-star game at Mayaguez. All proceeds went into a YMCA fund to buy gifts for the island’s poor children in keeping with the old Latin tradition of the Three Kings bringing gifts on January 6… The All-Star North team, made up of players from the Santurce and Mayaguez clubs, won the game, 7 to 5. Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente hit home runs for the winners.”
With the Athletics poised to move to Kansas City, the Phillies purchase Connie Mack Stadium.
1954 – With the Athletics poised to move to Kansas City, the Phillies purchase Connie Mack Stadium.
former umpire Bill McGowan died at the age of 58 at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland
On December 9, 1954, former umpire Bill McGowan died at the age of 58 at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland, two days after suffering a heart attack. McGowan umpired in the American League from 1925 until his death, officiating in eight World Series. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.
1954 – The Cardinals send veteran pitcher Gerry Staley, who won 84 games for St. Louis in the past six seasons, along with 3B Ray Jablonski to the Redlegs for Frank Smith (8-1 in 1954). After a year in St. Louis the Cards will waive good-bye to Smith and Cincinnati will sign him back.
1954 – The Cardinals send veteran pitcher Gerry Staley, who won 84 games for St. Louis in the past six seasons, along with 3B Ray Jablonski to the Redlegs for Frank Smith (8-1 in 1954). After a year in St. Louis the Cards will waive good-bye to Smith and Cincinnati will sign him back.
The Orioles conclude their second large trade in three weeks sending C Clint Courtney to White Sox in 7 player deal
The Orioles conclude their second large trade in three weeks sending C Clint Courtney‚ SS Jim Brideweser‚ and P Bob Chakales to the White Sox for C Matt Batts‚ IF Fred Marsh‚ and P Don Johnson and Don Ferrarese. Courtney batted .270 in 397 at bats‚ and struck out an American League-low 7 times‚ the league’s lowest since Joe Sewell hung up his spikes in 1933.
The Tigers trade 1B Walt Dropo in 5 player deal
1954 – The Tigers trade 1B Walt Dropo with P Ted Gray and OF Bob Nieman to the White Sox for 1B Ferris Fain and Jack Phillips.
The Yankees and Orioles complete the largest trade in major league history
1954 – The Yankees and Orioles complete the largest trade in major league history as 17 players, including Don Larsen, Gene Woodling, Bob Turley change teams. The first phase of the transaction began November 18th and will conclude today after the major league draft.
The Pittsburgh Pirates draft outfielder Roberto Clemente from the AAA roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers
1954 – The Pittsburgh Pirates draft outfielder Roberto Clemente from the AAA roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although Clemente hit only .257 for the Montreal Royals last season, he will become a Hall of Fame member with the Pirates.
The Kansas City Athletics hire Lou Boudreau as manager, replacing Eddie Joost, who is given his unconditional release
The Kansas City Athletics hire Lou Boudreau as manager, replacing Eddie Joost, who is given his unconditional release. During his three-year tenure in Kansas City, the future Hall of Famer will pilot the second-division club to a 151-260 record.
