December 5, 1957 – A trade with the Chicago Cubs brought the Milwaukee Braves starting pitcher, veteran right-hander Bob Rush. To get him the Braves gave up a pair of Taylors, Sammy and Phillips. Rush will go 10-6 for the Braves and help them to the 1958 World Series. He will lose his only World…
St. Louis Cardinals make one of their best trades ever, acquiring Curt Flood
The American League purchases a $1.8 million group accident policy to help clubs buy new players in case of a major disaster.
The minor leagues threaten to sue Major League Baseball if it televises Sunday games in their territory.
The Cards turn down the Phillies’ offer of Richie Ashburn and Harvey Haddix for Ken Boyer, trusting that Boyer will turn into a good third baseman. Then, in one of their best trades ever, the Cardinals acquire outfielders Curt Flood and Joe Taylor from the Redlegs for pitchers Marty Kutyna and Ted Wieand. The 19-year-old Flood, who appeared in eight games for Cincinnati over the past two seasons, will anchor the St. Louis outfield for the next 12 years.
The major league owners raise the minimum salary to $7,000 and eliminate the bonus rule.
Cleveland Indians trade pitcher Early Wynn
1957 – Al Lopez, who traded OF Larry Doby when he was managing the Cleveland Indians, does it again with the Chicago White Sox. The Baltimore Orioles swap P Ray Moore, IF Billy Goodman and OF Tito Francona to the White Sox for Doby, Ps Jack Harshman and Russ Heman and IF Jim Marshall.
1957 – In the Pacific Coast League, some franchises are forced to relocate when the Dodgers and Giants confirm their long-rumored move to California for the 1958 season. The Hollywood Stars move from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City; the Los Angeles Angels move to Spokane, and the San Francisco Seals transfer to Phoenix.
1957 – Mayor Robert Wagner forms a four-member committee to find a replacement for the Dodgers and Giants in New York City.