Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends convicted Kansas City Royals Willie Wilson, Willie Aikens, and Jerry Martin, and Dodgers pitcher Steve Howe for one season without pay for their use of illegal drugs

ByTom

1983 – Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends convicted Kansas City Royals Willie Wilson, Willie Aikens, and Jerry Martin, and Dodgers pitcher Steve Howe for one season without pay for their use of illegal drugs. The suspensions will be shortened by an arbitrator and lifted on May 15th. Former Royal Vida Blue, who was released during the season and is currently out of a job, is also suspended.

Dave Winfield becomes the highest-paid player in the history of sports, when he agrees to a ten-year free-agent deal with the Yankees worth a record $16 million.

Dave Winfield becomes the highest-paid player in the history of sports, when he agrees to a ten-year free-agent deal with the Yankees worth a record $16 million.

ByTom

Dave Winfield (.276, 20, 87) becomes the highest-paid player in the history of sports, when he agrees to a ten-year free-agent deal with the Yankees worth a record $16 million. After announcing the former Padres outfielder’s deal, team owner George Steinbrenner tells 34 year-old Reggie Jackson (.300, 41, 111) who had been asked his opinion about the acquisition by The Boss and had heartily endorsed the signing, he will not be offered an extended contract when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season because of his age.

Arbitrator Peter Seitz rules in favors of Cy Young Award winner Catfish Hunter making him an unrestricted free agent.

Arbitrator Peter Seitz rules in favors of Cy Young Award winner Catfish Hunter making him an unrestricted free agent.

ByTom

1974 – Arbitrator Peter Seitz rules in favors of Cy Young Award winner Jim Hunter in a dispute with A’s owner Charlie Finley making “Catfish” a very attractive unrestricted free agent.

1970 – The Reds trade former ace Jim Maloney to the Angels for Greg Garrett. Maloney was just 0-1 this year and will do no better in California.

ByTom

1970 – The Reds trade former ace Jim Maloney to the Angels for Greg Garrett. Maloney was just 0-1 this year and will do no better in California.

1969 – The National Labor Relations Board accepts the case of fired umpires Bill Valentine and Al Salerno, thereby issuing a challenge to baseball’s antitrust status.

ByTom

1969 – The National Labor Relations Board accepts the case of fired umpires Bill Valentine and Al Salerno, thereby issuing a challenge to baseball’s antitrust status.