On February 18, 2001, Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews dies at the age of 69, succumbing to respiratory failure caused by pneumonia. Born in 1931 at Texarkana, Texas, Mathews made his major league debut for the Boston Braves in 1952 and quickly established himself as a powerful threat from the left side, teaming with Hank…
The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their “Celebrate the Century” program. Robinson was selected to represent the 1940s, the second ballplayer chosen. Babe Ruth, last May, represented the 1920s.
The Yankees put an end to trade rumors by acquiring Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitchers David Wells and Graeme Lloyd and IF Homer Bush.
On February 18 1998 — Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray dies four days after collapsing at a Valentine’s Day supper. Caray, age 84, after suffering a heart attack four days earlier while having Valentine’s Day dinner with his wife, Dutchie. The colorful “Mayor of Rush Street” started his career in 1945 with the Cardinals and…
The New York Yankees sign OF Bernie Williams to a $8.5 million, one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.
1974 – Houston trades pitcher Pat Darcy and cash to Cincinnati for infielder Denis Menke. For former All-Star Menke, he closes his career hitting .103 in a bench role. For the Ohio-born Darcy, it’s great timing as two of his three big-league seasons are on World Championship teams.
1967 – During a special softball exhibition game, pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out six consecutive major leaguers. The victims are Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Harmon Killebrew, Roberto Clemente and Maury Wills.
1960 – Walter O’Malley, owner of the Dodgers, completes the purchase of the Chavez Ravine area in Los Angeles by paying $494,000 for property valued at $92,000.
1958 – Cleveland sends veteran C Jim Hegan and P Hank Aguirre to Detroit for C-OF Jay Porter and P Hal Woodeshick. Aguirre will pitch 10 years for Detroit.
In their first significant trade since moving from St. Louis, the Orioles, formerly known as the Browns, exchange outfielders with the Senators, sending Roy Sievers to Washington for Gil Conan. Sievers will spend five solid seasons in the nation’s capital, making the All-Star squad twice, and Conan, playing less than two seasons in Baltimore, compiles a .266 batting average with three home runs, appearing in 155 games.
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