March 10 , 1966 Third barman Dick Allen of the Philadelphia Phillies is bark on base Monday after stealing home. But the $65,000 question remains: How deep Is the lift between All-Star infielder and the Philadelphia Phillies’ high command? The Phillies’ management is apparently disenchanted with the fence-busting Allen who makes a reported $65,000 a…
The Orioles trade minor league outfielder Lou Piniella to the Indians for reserve catcher Camilo Carreon, who will play in only four games for his new team before retiring at the end of the season. The Tribe’s latest flycatcher will appear in more than 1,700 big league games, but only six games for Cleveland, all in 1968.
On March 8, 1966, the Veterans Committee waives one of its election rules and selects manager Casey Stengel as the newest member of the Hall of Fame. Stengel had managed the New York Mets for much of the 1965 season before falling and breaking his hip. The injury ended the elderly Stengel’s career. Given his…
On March 5, 1966, United Steelworkers union official Marvin Miller is named the executive director of the Major League Players Association. Under Miller’s guidance, the players union will make major gains such as salary increases, improvements in pension benefits, and the advent of free agency and salary arbitration.
On March 2, 1966, Commissioner William Eckert voids the contract recently signed by collegiate star Tom Seaver. The Atlanta Braves had signed Seaver to a $50,000 bonus a week earlier, but Eckert cites a rule prohibiting teams from signing players while their college seasons are ongoing. A special draft will be held after the collegiate…
Refusing to report to spring training, Dodger pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale begin their joint holdout, asking for a $1 million, three-year contract, to be divided equally between them. The deal, equivalent to an annual salary of $167,000 for each hurler, will make them the best-paid players in baseball, easily surpassing Willie Mays’ $125,000 yearly paycheck with the Giants.
Atlanta Braves sign Tom Seaver to a bonus contract worth $50,000
1966 – The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.
Judge Robert Cannon of Wisconsin is named a full-time administrator of the Players’ Association at a $50,000 salary.
Wisconsin State Circuit Court Judge Elmer W. Roller rules that the Braves must stay in Milwaukee or else the National League must promise Wisconsin an expansion team for the 1966 season.
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