1995 – Michael Stirn, the fan who caught the ball Cal Ripken, Jr. hit for a home run on the night he broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive game streak, sells it to a Maryland businessman for $41,736.
1993 – Astros deal righthanders Doug Jones and Jeff Juden to Philadelphia for lefthander Mitch Williams. The two closers both falter in their new roles while Juden fails to catch on despite pitching for eight different organizations.
1993 – In a pair of transactions, Cleveland signs free agent first baseman Eddie Murray to a four-year contract and the Phillies trade closer Mitch Williams to the Astros in exchange for relievers Doug Jones and Jeff Juden.
1991 – The New York Mets sign free agent outfielder Bobby Bonilla to a five-year, $29 million contract.
1986 – Astros announce the firing of Gene Elston, play-by-play voice of the ballclub since 1962. Outcry from fans and the Houston media are swift but Elston moves on to do work for CBS Radio and write books. 20 years later, he receives the Ford C. Frick Award by the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1981 – Following the strike-shortened season, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the third consecutive Dodgers player to be named National League Rookie of the Year. The Mexican lefthander posted a 13-7 record with a 2.48 ERA and led the NL in strikeouts (180), games started (25), complete games (11), shutouts (8) and innings pitched (192 1/3). His 13 wins tied him with Steve Carlton in second place behind Tom Seaver, who finished with 14. Valenzuela also made his first All-Star Game appearance and received the Cy Young and TSN Rookie of the Year awards.
1978 – The Sporting News announces the Gold Glove winners. Shortstop Mark Belanger wins for the eighth and final time, while first baseman Keith Hernandez and catcher Bob Boone are each honored for the first time.
1976 – Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh dies at the age of 59. Murtaugh, who had retired from managing after the 1976 season, had suffered a heart attack three days before his death. Known as “The Irishman,” Murtaugh had led the Pirates to World Championships in 1960 and 1971.
Dec 2, 1974 – After several rounds of bourbon are consumed by Phillies GM Paul Owens and Detroit General Manager Jim Campbell at the winter meetings‚ Owens agrees to trade promising C Bob Boone and P Larry Christenson to Detroit for veterans Bill Freehan and Jim Northrup. Tomorrow morning‚ Owens won’t recall the trade and…
The Boston Red Sox trade outfielder Tommy Harper to the California Angels for infielder Bob Heise.
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