Freddie Freeman signed to largest deal in braves history
The Braves sign 1B Freddie Freeman to the largest deal in franchise history, for 8 years and $135 million. The 24-year-old was eligible for arbitration for the first time.
Veteran pitcher Brad Penny signs a contract with the Softbank Hawks of Japan’s Pacific League
Veteran pitcher Brad Penny signs a contract with the Softbank Hawks of Japan’s Pacific League, after spending the last 12 seasons in the U.S. major leagues.
Major League Baseball announces the withdrawal of its plan for contraction
Major League Baseball announces the withdrawal of its plan for contraction this upcoming season, but the sport is still determined to eliminate two teams in 2003. Attempts to contract the Minnesota Twins and Montreal Expos this season could not be accomplished due to a series of legal decisions and fierce opposition from the Players Association.
Houston Astros file a motion in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York
The Houston Astros file a motion in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, asking the court to determine whether the 30-year naming agreement with Enron signed in 1999 should continue. The team does not want to call its stadium Enron Field any longer due to the financial burden placed on many Houston-area residents caused by the bankrupt energy company’s disputable business practices.
Troy Percival’s Angels All-Star reliever signs a two-year contract extension to stay with the club
Troy Percival’s seven-year tenure with Anaheim, which is the longest on the current roster, will increase when the All-Star reliever signs a two-year contract extension to stay with the club. The 32 year-old right-hander, who is the Angels’ all-time leader with 210 career saves, converted 39 of 42 save opportunities last season.
Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron
1999 – Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron. The all-time home run king learns about the honor on his 65th birthday at an event which includes US President Bill Clinton and Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Reggie Jackson.
The Toronto Blue Jays acquire minor league first baseman Cecil Fielder from the Kansas City Royals
1983 – The Toronto Blue Jays acquire minor league first baseman Cecil Fielder from the Kansas City Royals for journeyman outfielder Leon Roberts. Although the Blue Jays won’t see the benefits, Fielder will become one of the American League’s top power hitters after a stint in the Japanese Central League, leading the AL in home runs in 1990 and 1991 with the Detroit Tigers.
Dickie Thon makes a comback
1988 – Shortstop Dickie Thon, who retired during the 1987 season because of vision problems, is removed from Houston’s “unable to perform” list and granted free agency. He later signs with San Diego and resumes his big league career.
The Yankees obtain third baseman Toby Harrah in 6 player deal
The Yankees obtain third baseman Toby Harrah and minor leaguer Rick Brown from the Indians for Dan Boitano, rookie outfielder Otis Nixon, and minor leaguer Guy Elston. The team’s new third baseman will hit just .217 in the one season he plays for the Bronx Bombers, but Nixon will go on to have a solid 17-year major league career, leaving the game in 1999 with a lifetime batting average of .270.
Second baseman Roberto Alomar is born in Ponce, Puerto Rico
1968 – Second baseman Roberto Alomar is born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the son of major league IF Sandy Alomar. One of the best fielders ever at the position, he will also be a top hitter, with 9 seasons with a .300 average, and 6 with 100 or more runs scored. He will be a key part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ back-to-back World Series-winning teams in 1992 and 1993 and will gain election to the Hall of Fame in 2011.