1981 – The Executive Board of the Players’ Association votes unanimously to strike on May 29th if the issue of free agent compensation remains unresolved. That deadline will be extended briefly, however, when the Players’ Association’s unfair labor practices complaint is heard by the National Labor Relations Board.
On February 12, 1981, Arbitrator Raymond Goetz officially declares Carlton Fisk a free agent, citing the Boston Red Sox had violated the CBA by not mailing the catcher’s contract by the December 20th deadline as specified in the agreement. Next month, the 33 year-old future Hall of Fame backstop will sign a $3.5 million deal…
1981 – Catcher Bruce Bochy is dealt to the Mets for two minor leaguers. Bochy spent parts of three seasons with the Astros and is best remembered for the forearm he took from Pete Rose in Game 4 of the 1980 N.L.C.S. Later he becomes the manager for the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants.
Joe Morgan signs a free agent contract with the San Francisco Giants
1981 – American League owners approve the sales of two franchises, the Chicago White Sox to Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn for $20 million, and 80 percent of the Seattle Mariners to George Argyros for $10.4 million.
On January 23, 1981, the Boston Red Sox trade one-time American League MVP Fred Lynn and pitcher Steve Renko to the California Angels for outfielder Joe Rudi and pitchers Frank Tanana and Jim Dorsey. Lynn will struggle in his first year with the Angels, batting only .219 in 76 games.
The Commissioner’s office announces lifetime passes to any major or minor league regular season game will be given to the returning 52 Iranian hostages and the 14 others who were released earlier during the ordeal. In 1973, MLB made a similar gesture to the hundreds of prisoners of war who were returning from Vietnam.
1981 – Four-time Gold Glove Award winner Cesar Gerónimo is traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the Kansas City Royals for a minor league prospect, German Barranca.
On January 15, 1981, former St. Louis Cardinals ace Bob Gibson is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. In 17 seasons with the Cardinals, Gibson won 251 games, compiled a 2.91 era, and earned two World Championship rings. Gibson also gained a reputation as a fierce competitor who was…
On January 14, 1981, Frank Robinson is named manager of the San Francisco Giants, replacing the fired Dave Bristol. In 1975, Robinson became the first black manager in major league history when he was hired by the Cleveland Indians. Robinson will manage 541 games into the 1984 season going 264 – 277, he will be…
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