1999 – After 16 years of doing local telecasts, the New York Mets do not ask Tim McCarver to return to the broadcast booth. Tom Seaver will replace the highly-regarded broadcaster and will assume other duties within the organization.
The Yankees announce Brian Cashman will replace Bob Watson, who recently resigned as the team’s general manager. During Watson’s brief 2+ year tenure, the Bronx Bombers won their first World Series since 1978.
1997 – Astros avoid arbitration with pitcher Mike Hampton, agreeing to a $1.3 million dollar contract, halfway between what both sides wanted. Hampton responds with a 15-10 record and becomes a critical member of three division-winning Houston teams.
Marge Schott is suspended for one year and fined $25,000 by a committee of her major league peers for bringing “disrepute and embarrassment” to the national pastime. The 64 year-old will also be required to attend and complete multi-cultural sensitivity training programs due to the numerous racial and ethnic remarks she is alleged to have made as the owner of the Reds.
1992 – Two years after it was first disclosed that Dr. John McMullen is looking to sell the Astros, he is no closer to finding a buyer. Complicating matters are a $100 million dollar bid from a Japanese group for the Seattle Mariners and McMullen’s minority stake in a horse racing track to be built outside of Houston. Another group is offering to buy the team and move it to Washington, DC. McMullen, who had earlier nixed an $86 million dollar offer for the club, says the record price for the Mariners is not too high. He cites the Denver and Miami expansion clubs, to begin play in 1993, paid $95 million dollars apiece to join.
Minnesota Twins acquire relief ace Jeff Reardon
February 3, 1982 Hank Aaron appears on Late Night with David Letterman. It’s just the 3rd show for Letterman in his new late night format.
1979 – The Minnesota Twins trade star first baseman Rod Carew to the California Angels for outfielder Ken Landreaux and three lesser players (Dave Engle, Paul Hartzell and Brad Havens). Carew, who hit .333 for the Twins in 1978 but had vowed never to play again for owner Calvin Griffith after he made disparaging remarks against black players a few months earlier, will hit .318 for the Angels this season. He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
1978 – Under the financial reorganization of the club, Steve O’Neill becomes the principal owner of the Cleveland Indians.
Special Committee on the Negro Leagues elects Martin Dihigo and John Lloyd to the Hall of Fame
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