1988 – Unwanted in Houston, 40-year-old Jose Cruz signs with the New York Yankees, ending an impressive 13-year run as an Astro. Houston will receive a compensation draft pick for the free agent signing.
On February 23, 1988, lawmakers in Chicago pass legislation that will allow lights at Wrigley Field. By a vote of 29-19, Chicago’s anti-noise laws are officially repealed, paving the way for the playing 18 night games through the year 2002 night at Wrigley field. The legislation prohibits beer sales after 9:20 p.m. and organ music…
1988 – The San Diego Padres sign veteran SS Dickie Thon, released by Houston last month.
1988 – The San Diego Padres trade reliever Rich Gossage to the Chicago Cubs for infielder Keith Moreland in a deal that also includes a pair of minor league players.
The A’s sign a one-year deal with free agent Don Baylor. The 39 year-old designated hitter will appear in 92 games, hitting .220 for the American League champs before retiring at the end of the season.
1988 – Shortstop Dickie Thon, who retired during the 1987 season because of vision problems, is removed from Houston’s “unable to perform” list and granted free agency. He later signs with San Diego and resumes his big league career.
On January 29, 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers sign free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million. Gibson will win the 1988 NL MVP Award (25 HR, 76 RBI, 106 runs, .290 BA, .377 OBP, .860 OPS) . Thanks in large part to Gibson’s fiery leadership, the Dodgers will win the…
1988 – As a result of the Players Association’s 1985 collusion suit against the owners, arbitrator Thomas Roberts declares seven players no-risk free agents until March 1st, giving them a chance to sign with other clubs despite already having contracts. The seven are Juan Beniquez, Tom Brookens, Kirk Gibson, Carlton Fisk, Donnie Moore, Joe Niekro and Butch Wynegar. Gibson will jump to the Dodgers and become the National League MVP and a World Series] hero to boot.
On January 14, 1988, slugging infielder Bob Horner makes a return to the major leagues by signing a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Horner played the 1987 season with the Yakult Swallows of the Japanese Central League, as collusion reduced demand for his services in Major League Baseball to nothing. With St. Louis, Horner will replace Jack Clark at first base. Horner will play…
On January 13, 1988, longtime National League star Steve Garvey announces his retirement. Garvey played a total of 19 major league seasons, batting .294 with 272 home runs. Also a slick-fielding first baseman, Garvey helped the San Diego Padres to the 1984 World Series and contributed to National League pennants for the Los Angeles Dodgers…
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