In Caracas, Venezuela, the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates play the first of a three-game series.
1972 – In Caracas, Venezuela, the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates play the first of a three-game series.
Oakland A’s holdout Vida Blue announces that he has rejected the team’s latest contract offer
On March 16, 1972, Oakland A’s holdout Vida Blue announces that he has rejected the team’s latest contract offer and will retire to work for a company that makes toilet fixtures. The “retirement” won’t last long. The “retirement” won’t last long, as Blue will eventually come to terms with Oakland and begin his season in…
Hall of Famer Pie Trayner passes away
On March 16, 1972 — Hall of Fame third baseman Pie Traynor dies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the age of 72. Traynor batted .320 over a 17-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a career-high .366 in 1930.
Yogi Berra fines Willie Mays
March 12, 1973: New York Mets manager Yogi Berra fines Willie Mays for leaving the team for two days without notice. “I didn’t think I’d have to tell them everytime I cross the street. He made his point and he was right. I made a mistake. I should have told him.” – Willie Mays
Fregosi breaks thumb
March 6, 1972: Jim Fregosi, acquired by the @Mets for Nolan Ryan, breaks his right thumb during a spring training workout. Fregosi hits just .232 in 101 games. from – Metsrewind
Texas Rangers trade former two-time Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain to the Oakland A’s for minor league pitchers Don Stanhouse and Jim Panther
On March 4, 1972, the Texas Rangers trade former two-time Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain to the Oakland A’s for minor league pitchers Don Stanhouse and Jim Panther. McLain, who lost a league-leading 22 games pitching for the Washington Senators in 1971, will last only five starts in Oakland before being traded to the…
Hall of Fame outfielder Zach Wheat dies at the age of 83
On March 11, 1972, Hall of Fame outfielder Zach Wheat dies in Sedalia, Missouri, at the age of 83. A .317 lifetime batter, Wheat starred for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He batted a league-leading .335 in 1918 and possessed one of the most accurate throwing arms among outfielders. As of 2020 he is the franchise all time…
Hank Aaron becomes the first player to earn $200,000 in average annual salary
On February 29, 1972, future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron becomes the first player to earn $200,000 in average annual salary. Aaron signs a three-year deal with the Atlanta Braves on the heels of one of his best seasons – a .327 average, 47 home runs, and 118 RBIs.
St. Louis Cardinals trade future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton to the Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Cardinals trade future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton to the Philadelphia Phillies
California Angels infielder Chico Ruiz is killed in an auto accident
On February 9, 1972, former California Angels infielder Chico Ruiz is killed in an auto accident, just 11 days before the start of spring training. The 33-year-old Ruiz had recently signed with the Kansas City Royals. In 1971, Ruiz had been involved in an incident with Angels’ teammate Alex Johnson, in which Ruiz allegedly threatened…
