Three days into spring training, Dick Howser’s attempted comeback after undergoing brain tumor surgery comes to an end when the frail-looking Royals manager finds he is physically too weak to continue. Third base coach Billy Gardner replaces the ill skipper, who will die three months later at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.
After signing a contract as a free agent with the A’s less than a month ago, 37 year-old Vida Blue unexpectedly retires from baseball. The veteran southpaw, who played a significant role in the A’s consecutive world championships in 1972, 1973, and 1974, compiled a 209-161 record during his 17-year major league career, which also included stints with the Giants and Royals.
1987 – New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly wins his $1.975 million arbitration case, breaking the record for the largest amount ever awarded to a player set by Jack Morris just four days ago.
1987 – Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Morris is awarded a $1.85 million salary by arbitrator Richard Bloch, the highest amount awarded to date through the salary arbitration process.
1987 – After refusing the Mets’ $800,000 one-year offer, 1986 World Series MVP Ray Knight signs with the Orioles for $475,000 plus incentives and an option for an additional year.
1987 – For only the second time in major league history, a player is forced to take a pay cut due to salary arbitration, when Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser signs for $800,000, which is a twenty percent reduction from his 1986 salary. Hershiser was 14-14 with a 3.85 ERA in 1986.
Minnesota Twins acquire relief ace Jeff Reardon
Dennis Leonard announces his retirement
On January 30, 1987, the Oakland A’s acquire veteran third baseman Ron Cey from the Chicago Cubs for infielder Luis Quinones. Nicknamed “The Penguin,” Cey will hit .221 for the A’s in 1987 – his final major league season. Nicknamed the ‘Penguin’, Cey will be released after playing 45 games and hitting .221 for Oakland,…
1987 – Boston Red Sox third baseman Wade Boggs avoids going to salary arbitration for the third consecutive year by signing a three-year contract worth over $5 million.
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