1999 – Fighting shoulder injuries, five-time All-Star pitcher Jimmy Key retires from baseball. The 37-year-old lefthander appeared in the postseason with all the teams he played for, which included the Blue Jays, Orioles and Yankees.
The Cleveland Indians signs free agent DH-OF Gerónimo Berroa to a $2.2 million, one-year contract.
Former Chicago White Sox shortstop Ozzie Guillen signs a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who invite him to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Guillen will make the big team, but will be released on May 1st.
1996 – The Boston Red Sox trade outfielders Lee Tinsley and Glenn Murray and pitcher Ken Ryan to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for pitcher Heathcliff Slocumb and two prospects.
1994 – Free agent relief pitcher Lee Smith is signed by the Baltimore Orioles.
1989 – After nine years of use, the game-winning run batted in (GWRBI) is dropped as an official statistic. New York Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez will remain the all-time leader with 129.
On January 29, 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers sign free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million. Gibson will win the 1988 NL MVP Award (25 HR, 76 RBI, 106 runs, .290 BA, .377 OBP, .860 OPS) . Thanks in large part to Gibson’s fiery leadership, the Dodgers will win the…
1987 – Boston Red Sox third baseman Wade Boggs avoids going to salary arbitration for the third consecutive year by signing a three-year contract worth over $5 million.
Pitcher Wayne Garland, the major leagues’ first millionaire free agent, is waived by the Cleveland Indians with five seasons remaining on his 10-year contract. Garland posted a 3-7 record with a 5.79 ERA in 1981.
On January 29, 1982, the New York Yankees name Graig Nettles the 6th team captain. Nettles becomes the first Yankee captain since Thurman Munson, who was killed in a 1979 plane crash. The honor was held by only two other players in the last 40 years. The slick-fielding veteran third baseman is the American League…