On February 24, 1986, Dick Williams resigns as manager of the San Diego Padres, eleven weeks after Padres executives attempt to buy out his contract, only to be thwarted by team owner Joan Kroc, and is replaced by Steve Boros. In 1985, Williams guided the Padres to a record of 83-79. The previous year, Williams…
1977 – The Oakland A’s trade Ron Fairly to the Toronto Blue Jays for minor leaguer Mike Weathers and cash. The Macon, Georgia native, who played with the Montreal Expos from 1969 to 1974, will become the first major leaguer to appear with both Canadian teams.
1967 – Astros send pitcher Jim Ray to the Mets on a 30-day conditional deal. The Mets send him back a month later. It’s a lucky break as Ray goes 42-25 with 23 saves over the next six years in Houston, used as both a reliever and a spot starter.
Atlanta Braves sign Tom Seaver to a bonus contract worth $50,000
1948 – The Chicago White Sox trade Ed Lopat to the New York Yankees for Aaron Robinson, Bill Wight and Fred Bradley. Lopat will star for seven seasons in pinstripes, winning 21 in 1951 and going 16-4 in 1953. Robinson’s main value to the Sox will come at the end of the season when he’s swapped for another lefty pitcher, Billy Pierce.
1943 – The Texas League announces it will suspend operations for the duration of the war. The St. Louis Cardinals, with 260 farm players in the service, will reduce farm clubs from 22 to 6. Only nine minor leagues will start the 1943 season. Advertisements for players appear in The Sporting News.
On February 24, 1926, Hall of Famer Eddie Plank dies at the age of 50 in his native Gettysburg, PA.. Plank won 326 games and posted a 2.35 over a 17-year career. In 1905, the durable Plank completed a league-leading 36 of his 41 starts.
1917 – Smoky Joe Wood, his arm dead at 26, is sold by the Boston Red Sox to Cleveland for $15,000. He will become an outfielder after one last, losing start on the mound, and will play five more years.
1896 – The National League adopts changes in the National Agreement. The minor leagues are divided into six classifications based on population, and new draft fees are instituted. The league also forbids players from deliberately soiling baseballs, and declares that “a ball cutting the corners of the home plate, and being requisite height, must be called a strike.” It also empowers umpires to eject players.
1886 – Kansas City hires 30-year-old Dave Rowe to manage the Cowboys.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!