1977 – Baltimore Orioles first baseman Eddie Murray is named American League Rookie of the Year. Murray garners 12 1/2 points to beat out runner-up Mitchell Page of the Oakland Athletics, who polled 9 1/2 votes. Murray will go on to a Hall of Fame career, while Page will never come close to matching his rookie numbers.
White Sox owner Bill Veeck gives Yankee free-agent Ron Blomberg, who has played in only one game during the last two seasons, a generous four-year contract worth $500,000 that includes an additional $80,000 signing bonus. The questionable deal will turn out to be a complete bust when ‘Boomer’ hits only .231 in 169 plate appearances in his one year with Chicago.
On November 16, 1977, Rod Carew of the Minnesota Twins wins the American League MVP Award. Carew easily outpointing right-fielders Al Cowens (A’s) and Ken Singleton (Orioles), the runner-ups for the honor. The AL’s batting champion with a mark of .388, the future Hall of Famer also led the league runs (128), hits (239) and triples (16)….
Hall of Fame manager Bucky Harris dies on his 81st birthday. Harris won two World Championships and three American League pennants over a 29-year career with the Washington Senators and New York Yankees, among other teams.
George Foster of the Cincinnati Reds is named the National League MVP. The slugging left fielder, part of Cincinnati’s explosive “Big Red Machine” , led the NL in home runs with 52 and in RBI with 149.
1977 – Free agent Richie Zisk, formerly of the Chicago White Sox, signs a 10-year $2.3 million contract with the Texas Rangers.
1977 – The second free agent re-entry draft is held at the New York Plaza Hotel. Big names include Lyman Bostock, Goose Gossage, Larry Hisle, Mike Torrez and Oscar Gamble.
On November 2, 1977, receiving 17 of the 24 first-place votes, Steve Carlton wins his second National League Cy Young Award over Tommy John. The Philadelphia Phillies’ ace posted a record of 23-10 with 198 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA, helping the club to their second straight NL East title. Game ticket & learn…
1977 – In a trade of pitchers, Cincinnati sends Woodie Fryman and Bill Caudill to the Cubs for Bill Bonham.
Calvin Griffin confirms he has rejected skipper Gene Mauch’s request to leave the team to manage the Angels. Two days ago, the Twins owner informed Gene Autry, the owner of the Halos, of his decision, citing the three-year contract was Mauch’s idea and he didn’t want to lose a competent manager who is liked by the players and the Minnesota fans.
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