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former umpire Bill McGowan died at the age of 58 at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland

ByThis Day in Baseball

On December 9, 1954, former umpire Bill McGowan died at the age of 58 at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland, two days after suffering a heart attack. McGowan umpired in the American League from 1925 until his death, officiating in eight World Series. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.

1953 – The leagues meet and raise the minimum salary to $6,000. They also adopt a resolution to set up a committee to weigh ending the pension fund in November of 1955. Hank Greenberg and John Galbreath are on the committee. Broadcast revenues from World Series and All-Star games are in dispute.

ByTom

1953 – The leagues meet and raise the minimum salary to $6,000. They also adopt a resolution to set up a committee to weigh ending the pension fund in November of 1955. Hank Greenberg and John Galbreath are on the committee. Broadcast revenues from World Series and All-Star games are in dispute.

The Indians pick up Johnny Berardino from the Browns for Catfish Metkovich and $50,000

The Indians pick up Johnny Berardino from the Browns for Catfish Metkovich and $50,000

ByTom

1947 – The Indians pick up Johnny Berardino from the Browns for Catfish Metkovich and $50,000. Because of a broken finger, Metkovich will be returned to Cleveland, and the Indians will add another $15,000 to complete the deal. At the end of 1952, Berardino will drop baseball as well as the 2nd “r” in his name, and start a successful acting career in Hollywood.

Bob Feller Service on January 6

Bob Fellar becomes the first player to enlist after Pearl Harbor Attack

ByTom

1941 – Although having a 3-C draft deferment due to being the sole support of his family, Bob Feller, last year’s American League-leading pitcher with 27 victories for the Indians, becomes the first major leaguer to enlist after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The 23-year-old navy recruit has already won 107 major league games.

Tommy Holmes

The Yankees trade prospect Tommy Holmes to the Braves for two players to be named later

ByTom

The Yankees trade prospect Tommy Holmes to the Braves for two players to be named later who will be Gene Moore and Buddy Hassett. Boston’s new 24 year-old outfielder, who hit over .300 during his 11-year career, will establish the National League record consecutive game hitting streak with 37, a mark that will be surpassed by Pete Rose in 1978.

1939 – Wally Moses is traded by the Philadelphia A’s to Detroit for Benny McCoy and George Coffman. The deal is later voided by Judge Landis, who declares McCoy a free agent because of a Tigers cover-up. He gets a $10,000 bonus to sign with the A’s.

ByTom

1939 – Wally Moses is traded by the Philadelphia A’s to Detroit for Benny McCoy and George Coffman. The deal is later voided by Judge Landis, who declares McCoy a free agent because of a Tigers cover-up. He gets a $10,000 bonus to sign with the A’s.

The American League okays seven night baseball games for St. Louis. The National League adopts a new design for home plate. It will have beveled edges, the first change in 50 years. The AL adopts a rule stating that no batter can be batting champion unless he has 400 or more at bats.

ByTom

The American League okays seven night baseball games for St. Louis. The National League adopts a new design for home plate. It will have beveled edges, the first change in 50 years. The AL adopts a rule stating that no batter can be batting champion unless he has 400 or more at bats.