The Major Leagues vote at a joint meeting to reduce player limits to 28 by Opening Day.
The Major Leagues vote at a joint meeting to reduce player limits to 28 by Opening Day.
With the Athletics poised to move to Kansas City, the Phillies purchase Connie Mack Stadium.
1954 – With the Athletics poised to move to Kansas City, the Phillies purchase Connie Mack Stadium.
The Pirates name Fred Haney to be the team’s manager, replacing Billy Meyer who was selected as The Sporting News Major League Manager of the Year in 1948 following his first season at the helm. The Bucs will finish in last place each season, compiling a dismal 163-299 (.353) record during their new skipper’s three-year tenure in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates name Fred Haney to be the team’s manager, replacing Billy Meyer who was selected as The Sporting News Major League Manager of the Year in 1948 following his first season at the helm. The Bucs will finish in last place each season, compiling a dismal 163-299 (.353) record during their new skipper’s three-year tenure in Pittsburgh.
Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement
Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement
A. B. ‘Happy’ Chandler’s contract as commissioner isn’t renewed for a second term when he receives only nine of the twelve owners’ votes needed for re-election. The former Kentucky Senator, an 1982 Hall of Fame inductee due to his lasting contributions to the game, is given credit for helping to integrate the majors, putting six umpires on the field during the World Series, and establishing the players’ pension fund in 1947, with the $475,000 made by selling the rights to broadcast the World Series on the radio.
A. B. ‘Happy’ Chandler’s contract as commissioner isn’t renewed for a second term when he receives only nine of the twelve owners’ votes needed for re-election. The former Kentucky Senator, an 1982 Hall of Fame inductee due to his lasting contributions to the game, is given credit for helping to integrate the majors, putting six umpires on the field during the World Series, and establishing the players’ pension fund in 1947, with the $475,000 made by selling the rights to broadcast the World Series on the radio.
The Reds trade 1B Bert Haas to the Phils for P Tommy Hughes.
The Reds trade 1B Bert Haas to the Phils for P Tommy Hughes.
Dodgers move to Vero Beach
Branch Rickey announces that the Dodgers have signed an agreement with Bud Holman and the city of Vero Beach to rent 104 acres of a former pre-war municipal airport. They will pay $1 a year and take over the maintenance. In 1952 the Dodgers will sign a new 20-year lease for $1 a year, and on March 11, 1953, a new field will be named Holman Stadium.
1945 – The Giants obtain a genuine “phenom,” pitcher/outfielder Clint Hartung, from Minneapolis for $20,000 and three players. Much ballyhooed, Hartung hit .358 in 66 games in 1942 for Eau Claire (Northern League) while winning three games. He was then in the military for the next three years, and will be still playing in the military for the 1946 season. The New York World Telegram’s Tom Meany writes, “Hartung’s a sucker if he reports to the Giants. All he has to do is sit at home, wait till he’s eligible, and he’s a cinch to make the Hall of Fame.”
1945 – The Giants obtain a genuine “phenom,” pitcher/outfielder Clint Hartung, from Minneapolis for $20,000 and three players. Much ballyhooed, Hartung hit .358 in 66 games in 1942 for Eau Claire (Northern League) while winning three games. He was then in the military for the next three years, and will be still playing in the military for the 1946 season. The New York World Telegram’s Tom Meany writes, “Hartung’s a sucker if he reports to the Giants. All he has to do is sit at home, wait till he’s eligible, and he’s a cinch to make the Hall of Fame.”
The Giants acquire Johnny Mize from the Cardinals for three players.
1941 – The Giants acquire Johnny Mize from the Cardinals for three players – Bill Lohrman, Ken O’Dea and Johnny McCarthy – and $50,000. Because of injuries, Mize’s home run production fell from 43 to 16 in 1941, but he will bounce back to lead the National League in 1947 and 1948.
1940 – The Major Leagues extend commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis to another four-year term. They also vote to limit night games to seven per team.
1940 – The Major Leagues extend commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis to another four-year term. They also vote to limit night games to seven per team.
