Pittsburgh Pirates scout Howie Haak dies at the age of 87 of complications from a stroke

ByThis Day in Baseball

On February 22, 1999, Pittsburgh Pirates scout Howie Haak dies at the age of 87 of complications from a stroke. Haak, who worked for the Pirates from 1950 to 1988, scouted Roberto Clemente while he played in the Brooklyn Dodgers’ farm system and recommended that the Pirates sign him. Dubbed the “King of the Caribbean,”…

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Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker announces that outfielder Moises Alou has suffered a knee injury while working out in the Dominican Republic. While initial reports are optimistic, Alou is lost for the entire season. Alou claims he hurt the knee while running on a treadmill but management expresses some skepticism. 

ByTom

1999 – Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker announces that outfielder Moises Alou has suffered a knee injury while working out in the Dominican Republic. While initial reports are optimistic, Alou is lost for the entire season. Alou claims he hurt the knee while running on a treadmill but management expresses some skepticism. 

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.

The Yankees put an end to trade rumors by acquiring Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitchers David Wells and Graeme Lloyd and IF Homer Bush.

ByTom

The Yankees put an end to trade rumors by acquiring Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitchers David Wells and Graeme Lloyd and IF Homer Bush.

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds announce that they are dropping their long-standing policy of no facial hair for players. The change is the result of a talk between owner Marge Schott and newly-acquired OF Greg Vaughn.

ByTom

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds announce that they are dropping their long-standing policy of no facial hair for players. The change is the result of a talk between owner Marge Schott and newly-acquired OF Greg Vaughn.

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Boston Red Sox outfielder Midre Cummings has his arbitration case heard by Elizabeth Neumeier

ByTom

1999 – Boston Red Sox outfielder Midre Cummings has his arbitration case heard by Elizabeth Neumeier. It is the first arbitration case in MLB history to be decided by a female arbitrator. Since the arbitration rule went into effect in 1974, all 409 cases have been decided by men.

Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron

Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron

ByTom

1999 – Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron. The all-time home run king learns about the honor on his 65th birthday at an event which includes US President Bill Clinton and Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Reggie Jackson.

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Billy Wagner signs a three-year $10-million dollar deal, avoiding arbitration. Wagner is coming off a season where he fans 14.55 batters per nine innings, setting a major league mark for pitchers tossing 50 or more innings. 

ByTom

1999 – Billy Wagner signs a three-year $10-million dollar deal, avoiding arbitration. Wagner is coming off a season where he fans 14.55 batters per nine innings, setting a major league mark for pitchers tossing 50 or more innings.