New York Yankee star Phil Rizzuto signs on as one of the team’s radio and television broadcasters
New York Yankee star Phil Rizzuto signs on as one of the team’s radio and television broadcasters
the Cleveland Indians shake things up
1952 – In a shake-up of the Cleveland Indians, Hank Greenberg stays on as general manager, while Ellis W. Ryan resigns as president after losing a showdown. Mike Wilson, who buys Ryan’s share, will be the Indians’ new president.
New York Yankee great Tommy “Old Reliable” Henrich calls it a career as a player
1950 – Yankee great Tommy “Old Reliable” Henrich calls it a career as a player. He accepts a coaching position with the Yankees.
The Giants purchase the Albany International League franchise and move it to Jersey City where the team will play in the new Roosevelt Stadium. Recently-retired Travis Jackson will manage the team.
1936 – The Giants purchase the Albany International League franchise and move it to Jersey City where the team will play in the new Roosevelt Stadium. Recently-retired Travis Jackson will manage the team.
Bill Skowron is born
On December 18, 1930 1B Bill “Moose” Skowron is born Chicago, Illinois, and was of Polish descent. His father was a city garbage collector. One day his grandfather gave the seven-year-old Skowron a haircut that resembled a known Italian dictator’s, which resulted in his friends jokingly calling him “Mussolini”, and caused his family…
On his 34th birthday, Ty Cobb signs to manage the Tigers for $32,500.
1920 – On his 34th birthday, Ty Cobb signs to manage the Tigers for $32,500.
Lewis traded upon returning from World War I
The day after he receives an ensign’s gold stripe to become the only big-leaguer to earn a Navy commission serving World War I, the Red Sox trade Ernie Shore, along with Dutch Leonard and outfielder Duffy Lewis to the Yankees for Frank Gilhooley, Slim Love, Ray Caldwell, Roxy Walters and $15,000. The once promising right-hander, who missed the entire season last year due to military service, will retire after two seasons with Bronx Bombers, compiling a meager 7-10 record.
At the league meeting, Ban Johnson is reelected American League president and given a raise to $10,000. Also, the AL votes to allow coaches at third base and first base at all times: till now, only one coach was permitted except if there were two or more baserunners. The AL also institutes the “foul strike” rule, used by the National League since 1901: a foul will be counted as a strike unless there are already two strikes.
1903 – At the league meeting, Ban Johnson is reelected American League president and given a raise to $10,000. Also, the AL votes to allow coaches at third base and first base at all times: till now, only one coach was permitted except if there were two or more baserunners. The AL also institutes the “foul strike” rule, used by the National League since 1901: a foul will be counted as a strike unless there are already two strikes.
The Brotherhood meets and expels members who have signed National League contracts
1889 – The Brotherhood meets and expels members who have signed National League contracts, including Jack Glasscock, John Clarkson, Kid Gleason, and George Miller. Among those expelled, Jake Beckley, Joe Mulvey, and Ed Delahanty will eventually jump back to the Players League and be reinstated.
Tyrus Raymond Cobb is born in a rural Georgian farming community known as “The Narrows.”
On December 18, 1886, Tyrus Raymond Cobb is born in a rural Georgian farming community known as “The Narrows.” He makes his major league debut in 1905 at the age of 18, and plays 24 seasons in the big leagues, retiring with more hits, runs scored, RBI, and stolen bases than any other player in…
