American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford
American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford
After leading the Giants to the pennant, Willie Mays becomes the game’s presently highest paid player, signing a $100,000 contract, a ten-thousand dollar increase from last season. The 31 year-old outfielder, who slugged a major league-leading 49 home runs last year, joins Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams in inking a six-figure deal.
After leading the Giants to the pennant, Willie Mays becomes the game’s presently highest paid player, signing a $100,000 contract, a ten-thousand dollar increase from last season. The 31 year-old outfielder, who slugged a major league-leading 49 home runs last year, joins Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams in inking a six-figure deal.
Flushing Meadows renamed Shea Stadium
ON February 4, 1963 – Mayor Robert Wagner signs a bill that officially changes the name the of the stadium being constructed in Queens to William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, honoring the New York lawyer who was instrumental in obtaining a National League team for the Big Apple… The ballpark, formerly known as Flushing Meadows…
1963 – James M. Johnston, James H. Lemon, and George M. Bunker purchase 80 percent of the Washington Senators, buying out five of the original owners, including club president Pete Quesada. Johnston is elected chairman of the board.
1963 – James M. Johnston, James H. Lemon, and George M. Bunker purchase 80 percent of the Washington Senators, buying out five of the original owners, including club president Pete Quesada. Johnston is elected chairman of the board.
John Clarkson, Elmer Flick, Sam Rice and Eppa Rixey are elected to the Hall of Fame
On January 27, 1963, John Clarkson, Elmer Flick, Sam Rice and Eppa Rixey are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Rixey will die before the induction ceremonies that summer, marking the first time that a Hall of Famer passes away between the time of election and induction….
Major League Baseball’s Rules Committee increases the size of the strike zone
On January 26, 1963, Major League Baseball’s Rules Committee increases the size of the strike zone. The zone will stretch from the top of the batter’s shoulders to the bottom of the knees. The committee hopes the return to the 1950s strike zone will result in a decrease in runs scored. The results will…
Hoyt Wilhelm and Luis Aparicio headline 7 player trade between Orioles and White Sox
On January 14, 1963, the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox exchange future Hall of Famers in a blockbuster seven-player trade. The Orioles send pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm and three other players to the White Sox for shortstop Luis Aparicio and third baseman-outfielder Al Smith. Wilhelm will save 21 games for the Sox in ’63, while…
1963 – The Chicago Cubs hire retired Air Force Colonel Robert V. Whitlow as athletic director.
1963 – The Chicago Cubs hire retired Air Force Colonel Robert V. Whitlow as athletic director.
funeral services for Hall of Fame second baseman Rogers Hornsby are held in Chicago
On January 8, 1963, funeral services for Hall of Fame second baseman Rogers Hornsby are held in Chicago, Illinois. Hall of Fame director Sid Keener, American League president Will Harridge and Hall of Famers Lou Boudreau, Charles “Gabby” Hartnett, Ted Lyons and Ray Schalk attend the services for Hornsby, who died from a…
Craig Shipley is born in Parramatta, Australia. The utility infielder bats .263 in 1995, his lone season as an Astro.
Craig Shipley is born in Parramatta, Australia. The utility infielder bats .263 in 1995, his lone season as an Astro.
