At the National League meeting, President John Heydler proposes the designated hitter for pitchers to improve and speed up the game. He contends fans are tired of seeing weak-hitting pitchers come to bat. Heydler refers to his idea as “the tenth regular.”

ByTom

At the National League meeting, President John Heydler proposes the designated hitter for pitchers to improve and speed up the game. He contends fans are tired of seeing weak-hitting pitchers come to bat. Heydler refers to his idea as “the tenth regular.”

The Phils sell star pitcher Grover Alexander and his personal catcher “Reindeer” Bill Killefer to the Cubs for righthander “Iron” Mike Prendergast, C Pickles Dillhoefer, and $55,000

The Phils sell star pitcher Grover Alexander and his personal catcher “Reindeer” Bill Killefer to the Cubs for righthander “Iron” Mike Prendergast, C Pickles Dillhoefer, and $55,000

ByThis Day in Baseball

1917 – The Phils sell star pitcher Grover Alexander, twice a 30-game winner, and his personal catcher “Reindeer” Bill Killefer to the Cubs for righthander “Iron” Mike Prendergast, C Pickles Dillhoefer, and $55,000. Phils owner William Baker later admits he made the trade because, “I needed the money.” The 5th-place Cubs expect the addition of Alexander to greatly strengthen their staff, but Alex will be drafted in the Army.

Boston acquires lefty Patsy Flaherty, 2B Claude Ritchey, and OF Ginger Beaumont 

Boston acquires lefty Patsy Flaherty, 2B Claude Ritchey, and OF Ginger Beaumont 

ByThis Day in Baseball

In a good trade for Boston, they acquire lefty Patsy Flaherty, 2B Claude Ritchey, and OF Ginger Beaumont from the Pirates for good-fielding 2B Ed Abbaticchio. Abbaticchio will lead the National League in fielding in 1908, but Ritchey will lead in 1907, and the other pair will be mainstays.

National League owners to “have something closely resembling a fit when Players Protective Association meet with Ban Johnson

National League owners to “have something closely resembling a fit when Players Protective Association meet with Ban Johnson

ByTom

1900 – A rumor that the Players Protective Association leaders have gone to Philadelphia to meet with Ban Johnson causes National League owners to “have something closely resembling a fit,” says the New York Times. Players later admit the meeting took place.