Former major leaguer Heinie Zimmerman dies in New York, NY at the age of 82. The one-time Triple Crown winner was banned from baseball in 1919 for his alleged involvement in fixing games. Later research will show that he had not in fact led the National League in RBI in 1912, and the Triple Crown banner will also be stripped away from him.
1966 – Roberto Clemente’s three-run, 450-foot home run powers the Pirates to their fourth straight exhibition victory. Clemente’s blast follows 8th-inning singles by Manny Mota and Gene Alley and, judging from its epic dimensions, the early indications are that manager Harry Walker’s call for increased power and run production from his already-raking right fielder has not fallen on deaf ears. And just in case these indications are somehow too subtle or ambiguous, Clemente will amplify them by about 50 feet on March 24th.
The Mets, who will play their inaugural season next year, lure former Yankee general manager George Weiss out of retirement to become the club’s first president. The expansion team is believed to have been offered the iron-fisted executive a five-year deal at $100,000 annually, more than he ever earned during his 14 seasons with the Bronx Bombers.
On March 14, 1960, future Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett is born in Chicago, Illinois. Puckett will make his major league debut in 1984, when he hits .296 for the Minnesota Twins. Over a 12-year career, Puckett will bat .318 with 207 home runs and 1,085 RBIs, helping the Twins to two World Championships. He…
On March 14, 1956, 50-year-old pitching star Satchel Paige signs a contract to play for the Birmingham Barons of the Negro National League. Paige also agrees to manage the team in 1956.
On March 14, 1954, future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron makes his first spring training start for the Milwaukee Braves. Aaron, taking advantage of an injury suffered by starting outfielder Bobby Thomson, he raps out three hits, including a home run.in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox. Aaron will eventually start for the Braves…
Joseph Darst vows to fight losing the hometown Browns to Baltimore. The St. Louis mayor’s efforts will not be enough to prevent the franchise shifting cities when the team shareholders drop their suit against Bill Veeck and approve the move to the east coast after learning the club will be bankrupt if it stays put.
On March 14, 1932, the Cincinnati Reds acquire catcher Ernie Lombardi, outfielder Babe Herman, and infielder Wally Gilbert from the Brooklyn Dodgers for catcher Clyde Sukeforth and infielders Tony Cuccinello and Joe Stripp. Lombardi will star for the Reds over the next 10 seasons. Winning a batting title and MVP in 1938. Herman will bat…
1894 – A U.S. Immigration Inspector in Buffalo, NY asks the Treasury Department if baseball is a “recognized profession” in order to determine if Buffalo has violated the alien contract labor law by signing two Canadian players. Before the inspector gets a reply, Buffalo decides to play only American residents.
1883 – In a Northwestern League meeting, Peoria moves to ban black players in order to prevent Toledo from playing star catcher Moses Fleetwood Walker. After an “exciting discussion” the motion is withdrawn and Walker is allowed to play.
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