Astros extend a spring training invitation to reliever Aurelio Lopez
1986 – Astros extend a spring training invitation to reliever Aurelio Lopez. The righthander rewards them with three wins and seven saves during their division-title season.
Keith Hernandez and Mets come to terms on an $8 million, five-year contract
After five months of discussion, the Mets and Keith Hernandez, who was eligible for free-agency at the end of the season, come to terms on an $8 million, five-year contract. The deal makes the first baseman the second-highest paid player in franchise history, earning slightly less than George Foster’s $10 million, five-year pact signed precisely two years ago.
New York Mets come to terms with slugging outfielder George Foster on a five-year deal
1982 – The New York Mets come to terms with slugging outfielder George Foster on a five-year contract, thereby completing a four-player trade with the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets had already agreed to send catcher Alex Treviño and pitchers Greg Harris and Jim Kern to the Reds for the power-hitting Foster.
Lance Berkman is born in Waco, TX.
1976 – Lance Berkman is born in Waco, TX. The Rice grad was a major power source with the Astros, leading the league in RBIs in 2002. In 12 seasons (1999-2010), he batted .296 while powering 326 home runs and driving in 1090 runs. He hit .321 with six homers in postseason play.
Former Negro Leagues player Judy Johnson wins election to the Hall of Fame
1975 – Former Negro Leagues player Judy Johnson wins election to the Hall of Fame. A third baseman in the 1920s and 1930s, Johnson batted .309 over a 17-year professional career.
Bill White becomes the first black play-by-play broadcaster in major league history
Bill White becomes the first black play-by-play broadcaster in major league history
Los Angeles Dodgers acquire left-handed pitcher Al Downing from the Milwaukee Brewers
Los Angeles Dodgers acquire left-handed pitcher Al Downing from the Milwaukee Brewers
Astros sell pitcher Ron Taylor to the New York Mets
1967 – Astros sell pitcher Ron Taylor to the New York Mets. A washout over two seasons in Houston, Taylor emerges as the saves leader for the Mets when they win it all in 1969.
Chicago White Sox send 3 players to the Boston Red Sox for Vern Stephens
1953 – The Chicago White Sox send pitchers Marv Grissom, Bill Kennedy and Hal Brown to the Boston Red Sox for 33-year-old infielder Vern Stephens. A perennial All-Star in the 1940s, Stephens’ best years are behind him.
Cincinnati Reds sell veteran pitcher Johnny Vander Meer to the Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds sell veteran pitcher Johnny Vander Meer to the Chicago Cubs
