Matt and Tom Discuss – Bob Feller, Pitching Machines, December 15th, Free Agency, Bill Hamilton and Tommie Agee December 15th Show Notes December 15, 1896 – THE PITCHING CANNON AT WORK In 1896, Princeton University mathematics instructor Charles Hinton designed a gunpowder-powered baseball pitching machine for the Princeton University baseball team’s batting practice….
One of the most flamboyant, innovative, and controversial baseball club owners ever, Charles Finley began as a semi-pro first baseman-manager in Indiana. Near-fatal tuberculosis in 1946 ended his playing career but inspired him to found a life insurance empire. Outbid for the Kansas City A’s in 1960 by Arnold Johnson, Finley acquired the team a…
1978 – The U.S. Court of Appeals upholds an earlier court decision in support of Commissioner Bowie Kuhn’s voiding of attempted player sales by Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley in June 1976. Finley’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court will be rejected on October 2nd.
Chuck Tanner signs a three-year deal to manage the A’s. After compiling an 87-74 (.540) record to finish in second place, Oakland will release the New Castle, PA native from his contract, allowing him to manage the Pirates in exchange for catcher Manny Sanguillen and $100,000 from Pittsburgh.
New York Yankees announce the signing of free agent pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter
1973 – Siding with the A’s, American League president Joe Cronin rules the Yankees cannot sign manager Dick Williams. The Yankees had announced a deal with the Oakland skipper two days earlier.
Houston owner Judge Roy Hofheinz votes along with the rest of the National League to allow the American League to conduct a three-year experiment using the Designated Hitter. It will be the first time since the A.L. was formed in 1901 that the two major leagues would have a different set of rules. The gimmick has survived ever since and is now used by National League teams when involved in interleague play.
The Tigers tie a club record with six homers, and Denny McLain wins his 19th, beating the A’s at Oakland, 9 – 4. Al Kaline homers in the 7th and 9th off relievers, but the first three Bengal homers come off starter Catfish Hunter.
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