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1996 – Infielders Pat Listach and Bill Spiers, along with pitcher Sid Fernandez, are signed as free agents. While Listach is slated to be the starting shortstop and Fernandez is expected to find a role in the starting rotation, it is the versatile Spiers who has the more lasting impact with the ballclub. 

ByTom

1996 – Infielders Pat Listach and Bill Spiers, along with pitcher Sid Fernandez, are signed as free agents. While Listach is slated to be the starting shortstop and Fernandez is expected to find a role in the starting rotation, it is the versatile Spiers who has the more lasting impact with the ballclub. 

2016 – For the sixth time in seven years, Reds 1B Joey Votto is named the recipient of the Tip O’Neill Award given out by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to honor the best baseball player in Canada. Votto hit .326 with a National League-leading .434 OBP, 29 homers and 97 RBIs in an outstanding all-around season for the last-place club.

ByTom

2016 – For the sixth time in seven years, Reds 1B Joey Votto is named the recipient of the Tip O’Neill Award given out by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to honor the best baseball player in Canada. Votto hit .326 with a National League-leading .434 OBP, 29 homers and 97 RBIs in an outstanding all-around season for the last-place club.

Veteran major league umpire and crew chief Dale Scott openly acknowledges his homosexuality, as he is featured in a magazine article with his long-time life partner. The reaction from baseball circles is overwhelmingly positive.

ByTom

Veteran major league umpire and crew chief Dale Scott openly acknowledges his homosexuality, as he is featured in a magazine article with his long-time life partner. The reaction from baseball circles is overwhelmingly positive.

On a day when a large number of players become free agents when they are not tendered with contracts for the upcoming season, the Mariners sign All-Star 3B Kyle Seager to a seven-year deal worth $100 million.

ByTom

On a day when a large number of players become free agents when they are not tendered with contracts for the upcoming season, the Mariners sign All-Star 3B Kyle Seager to a seven-year deal worth $100 million.

The Orioles send closer Jim Johnson, author of back-to-back 50-save seasons, to the Athletics in return for 2B Jemile Weeks. The A’s also sign free agent P Scott Kazmir to a two-year deal worth $22 million, in expectation of losing both starter Bartolo Colon and closer Grant Balfour to free agency. Kazmir’s signing will prove to be a good move, but Johnson will be a complete bust, earning his unconditional release by mid-season.

ByTom

The Orioles send closer Jim Johnson, author of back-to-back 50-save seasons, to the Athletics in return for 2B Jemile Weeks. The A’s also sign free agent P Scott Kazmir to a two-year deal worth $22 million, in expectation of losing both starter Bartolo Colon and closer Grant Balfour to free agency. Kazmir’s signing will prove to be a good move, but Johnson will be a complete bust, earning his unconditional release by mid-season.

The Nationals obtain Tigers starter Doug Fister for southpaws Ian Krol and Robbie Ray and infielder Steve Lombardozzi. Washington’s acquisition of the 29 year-old right-hander improves the team’s already strong rotation that includes Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, and Gio Gonzalez.

ByTom

The Nationals obtain Tigers starter Doug Fister for southpaws Ian Krol and Robbie Ray and infielder Steve Lombardozzi. Washington’s acquisition of the 29 year-old right-hander improves the team’s already strong rotation that includes Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, and Gio Gonzalez.

Ron Santo, who played more games at third base than anyone in Chicago Cubs history, dies at age 70, a victim of bladder cancer. Also beloved as a broadcaster, Santo led a lifetime battle against diabetes that forced to have both of his legs amputated in recent years, but always maintained a positive attitude. He was a leading candidate for election to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee; he fell short of the honor during his lifetime but will gain election barely a year from today.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Ron Santo, who played more games at third base than anyone in Chicago Cubs history, dies at age 70, a victim of bladder cancer. Also beloved as a broadcaster, Santo led a lifetime battle against diabetes that forced to have both of his legs amputated in recent years, but always maintained a positive attitude. He was a leading candidate for election to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee; he fell short of the honor during his lifetime but will gain election barely a year from today.