1989 – Nick Esasky, who became one of the most coveted free agents after hitting .277 with 30 home runs and 108 RBI for the Boston Red Sox, signs a three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. Esasky lives in Marietta, Georgia. However, he will be forced into early retirement because of an inner-ear infection that gives him chronic vertigo.
Twenty-five year-old right-hander Bret Saberhagen (23-6, 2.16) signs a three-year extension with the Royals for $8.9 million. The Cy Young Award recipient barely misses being baseball’s first $3 million-a-year player; a mark Kirby Puckett will reach five days later when he comes to terms with the Twins for $9 million over three years.
Kevin Bass, who batted .300 for the Astros last season, signs as a free agent with the National League champion Giants. The 30 year-old outfielder will hit .249 during his three seasons with San Francisco.
1989 – Bret Saberhagen of the Kansas City Royals becomes the fourth pitcher ever to win the American League Cy Young Award twice, getting 27 of a possible 28 first-place votes for his 23 wins, 2.16 ERA season. Previously, he won the award in the 1985 season.
1989 – San Diego Padres relief ace Mark Davis is selected the Cy Young Award winner in the National League. Davis saved 44 games while sporting an ERA of 1.85. In 1990, Davis will save only six games after signing a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals.
1989 – After 16 years with the same team, outfielder Jim Rice is released by the Boston Red Sox. Rice retires from the game with 382 home runs and a .298 average. He will eventually be elected to the Hall of Fame.
1989 – Chicago Cubs outfielder Jerome Walton wins the 1989 National League Rookie of the Year Award, collecting 22 of 24 first-place votes to defeat teammate Dwight Smith. They are the first NL’ers to finish 1-2 in the voting since Philadelphia Phillies rookies Jack Sanford and Ed Bouchee in 1957. Walton also becomes the first Cubs player to win rookie honors since Billy Williams, in 1961.
1989 – Gregg Olson of the Baltimore Orioles becomes the first relief pitcher to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Olson receives 26 of 28 first-place votes. Tom Gordon and Ken Griffey, Jr. are runner-ups.
On November 3, 1989, Lou Piniella is named to replace Pete Rose as manager of the Cincinnati Reds. Rose was banned from baseball for his gambling activities while managing the team. In his first season in Cincinnati, Piniella will guide the Reds to the World Series title. CINCINNATI – Piniella REDS HAVE TALENT…
1989 – The Senior Professional Baseball Association begins its first season. The list of retired major leaguers playing in the 35-and-older league includes future Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers and Ferguson Jenkins, and former All-Stars like Paul Blair, Vida Blue, Bert Campaneris, Cheo Cruz, Dock Ellis, George Foster, Graig Nettles and Amos Otis.