The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.

The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1966 – The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.

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1964 – Colts trade in cacti for grapefruits as they begin their first spring training in Cocoa, FL. The new facility is hailed as “state-of-the-art” but soon becomes disparaged because of poor drainage, snakes, and a spartan dormitory where the players are housed. Prankster Turk Farrell livens things up by purchasing a young alligator and slipping him into the clubhouse whirlpool. 

ByTom

1964 – Colts trade in cacti for grapefruits as they begin their first spring training in Cocoa, FL. The new facility is hailed as “state-of-the-art” but soon becomes disparaged because of poor drainage, snakes, and a spartan dormitory where the players are housed. Prankster Turk Farrell livens things up by purchasing a young alligator and slipping him into the clubhouse whirlpool. 

The Chicago Cubs put an end to their radical “College of Coaches” system and hire Bob Kennedy as manager. Under Kennedy, the Cubs will sport a respectable record of 82-80 this season.

ByTom

The Chicago Cubs put an end to their radical “College of Coaches” system and hire Bob Kennedy as manager. Under Kennedy, the Cubs will sport a respectable record of 82-80 this season.

After leading the Giants to the pennant, Willie Mays becomes the game’s presently highest paid player, signing a $100,000 contract, a ten-thousand dollar increase from last season. The 31 year-old outfielder, who slugged a major league-leading 49 home runs last year, joins Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams in inking a six-figure deal.

ByTom

After leading the Giants to the pennant, Willie Mays becomes the game’s presently highest paid player, signing a $100,000 contract, a ten-thousand dollar increase from last season. The 31 year-old outfielder, who slugged a major league-leading 49 home runs last year, joins Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams in inking a six-figure deal.

Casey Stengel announces 65-year old Rogers Hornsby will be the New York Meta hitting instructor

Casey Stengel announces 65-year old Rogers Hornsby will be the New York Meta hitting instructor

ByTom

February 20, 1962, New York Mets Manager Casey Stengel announces 65-year old Rogers Hornsby will be the New York Meta hitting instructor and third base coach.  Hornsby batted .424 for the 1924 St Louis Cardinals and hit over 400 for five seasons and unmatched mark in history. The ‘62 Mets posted a team batting average…