January 18, 1975, Tom Seaver agrees to take a 20% pay cut. He made a record $173,000 last season and he takes a $34K pay hit after winning only 11 games in 1974. He said the decision was made after a meeting with M. Donald Grant. “I wasn’t disturbed by the cut. The club has…
On January 18, 1973, the Boston Red Sox sign veteran slugger Orlando Cepeda to be their first designated hitter. The Red Sox become the first team to sign a player specifically for the role of DH, a new rule that will go into effect in 1973.
1969 – The last-place Washington Senators name former Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams as their new manager. Williams signs a five-year contract worth a reported salary of $75,000 per season. Under his leadership, the Senators will finish with a record of 86-76, the best mark in the franchise’s history in Washington.
The U.S. Congress approves renaming D.C. Stadium to Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium to honor the memory of the former Attorney General and N.Y. Senator, who was assassinated last June while campaigning to be president. The ballpark, which will become better known as RFK Stadium, will continue to host the ‘new’ Washington Senators franchise that replaced the original team that left after the 1960 season to play in Minnesota.
1961 – Harris County officials and members of the Houston Sports Association stump for votes in favor of the upcoming bond election to be held on January 31st. The bonds would allow the County to begin building the first indoor baseball arena, a condition National League owners gave Judge Hofheinz while approving Houston for an expansion franchise.
Willie O’Ree becomes the first black player in the National Hockey League when he plays left wing for the Bruins in their 3-0 victory over the Canadiens at the Montreal Forum. The 22 year-old’s NHL debut for Boston occurs 18 months before Pumpsie Green breaks the color line of the Red Sox, the last team to integrate in the major leagues.
January 18, 1954 – Eddie Mathews expressed dissatisfaction with the Braves’ contract offer for 1954. “I may even hold out,” he said, but he said it with a laugh. The 22-year-old slugger, who led the majors in home runs in 1953, had reportedly earned $12,000 last year. He also said he might give…
The White Sox board of directors accept the resignation of Charlie A. Comiskey, Jr., the team’s vice president and secretary, after turning down his request for a promotion and more money. The 25 year-old’s dissatisfaction with the club came as a complete surprise to his mother, Grace Comiskey, the president of Chicago ball club.
1952 – The Chicago White Sox accept the resignation of general manager Charlie A. Comiskey, Jr. after his request for more money is refused.
On January 18, 1950, star right-hander Bob Feller tells the Cleveland Indians that he should receive a cut in pay after a subpar 15-14 season in 1949. The Indians agree to the suggestion, cutting the future Hall of Famer’s pay by $20,000. Feller will receive a salary of $45,000 in 1950.
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