Joe Morgan signs a free agent contract with the San Francisco Giants
Joe Morgan signs a free agent contract with the San Francisco Giants
The late Yankee catcher Thurman Munson is inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame of Kent State University.
1980 – The late Yankee catcher Thurman Munson is inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame of Kent State University.
Oscar Charleston is selected for the Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues
1976 – Oscar Charleston is selected for the Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues.
California Angels infielder Chico Ruiz is killed in an auto accident
On February 9, 1972, former California Angels infielder Chico Ruiz is killed in an auto accident, just 11 days before the start of spring training. The 33-year-old Ruiz had recently signed with the Kansas City Royals. In 1971, Ruiz had been involved in an incident with Angels’ teammate Alex Johnson, in which Ruiz allegedly threatened…
Satchel Paige becomes the first Negro League star selected to the Hall of Fame
Satchel Paige becomes the first Negro League star selected to the Hall of Fame. The right-hander, the oldest player in the majors to make his big league debut, became a legend during his professional career, which lasted from the 1920s until 1965, playing in several different Negro Leagues and with the Indians, Browns, and A’s.
Mayor let’s Eddie Mathews off for speeding
February 9, 1962 – The mayor of Burlington, Wisconsin, filed charges against the city’s police chief for allegedly fixing a speeding ticket given to Eddie Mathews more than a month ago. Mathews was charged with driving 37 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. Mathews works in the off-season doing public relations for a…
Willie Mays signs for $85,000
1961 – Willie Mays signs for $85,000, currently the biggest contract in Major League Baseball.
Frank D. Lawrence files a $250,000 suit against MLB for breach of contract
1959 – Frank D. Lawrence, owner of the Portsmouth, VA, club, files a $250,000 suit against Commissioner Ford Frick and Major League Baseball for breach of contract, alleging that broadcasts of major league games effectively forced him out of business.
St. Louis Browns sign the legendary Satchel Paige
St. Louis Browns sign the legendary Satchel Paige
The St. Louis Browns sign Satchel Paige, 45
1951 – The St. Louis Browns sign Satchel Paige, 45. He has been out of Major League Baseball since last pitching for the Cleveland Indians in 1949.
