Graig Nettles homers for the Yankees in the first inning, and brother Jim Nettles homers for the Tigers in the 2nd. This is the second time that the two brothers have homered in the same game for different teams, having done it on June 11, 1972, when Graig was with Cleveland and Jim with Minnesota. Graig’s team wins, 10 – 7.
Graig Nettles will be suspended for ten days after stuffing his bat with six super balls, that are collected by Tigers catcher Bill Freehan when the piece of lumber is shattered on a disallowed infield hit. The Yankee third baseman, who said the doctored bat was given to him by a fan in Chicago, hit a home run in his first at bat for the game’s only run in the Yankees’ 1-0 victory over Detroit at Shea Stadium.
On July 8, 1974, journeyman shortstop Jim Mason of the New York Yankees ties a major league record by swatting four doubles in a game against the Texas Rangers. Usually a light hitter, Mason will finish the season with only 18 doubles and a mediocre .250 batting average.
1974 – The Baseball Writers Association of America elects former New York Yankees teammates Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford to the Hall of Fame. Mantle becomes only the seventh player to make it in his first try. His 536 home runs with the Yankees rank second only to Babe Ruth, and he played in more games (2,401) than any other pinstriper, including Lou Gehrig. Ford was arguably the greatest Yankees pitcher of all time, retiring with more wins (236), innings pitched (3,171), strikeouts (1,956), and shutouts (45) than anyone in club history.
On January 3, 1974, the New York Yankees give up on their pursuit of former Oakland A’s manager Dick Williams and hire Bill Virdon. In December, the Yankees had announced the signing of Williams, only to learn that A’s owner Charlie Finley would not surrender him without compensation. Although the former Pirates skipper will manage…
1973 – Siding with the A’s, American League president Joe Cronin rules the Yankees cannot sign manager Dick Williams. The Yankees had announced a deal with the Oakland skipper two days earlier.
New York Yankees announce the signing of Dick Williams as manager
The Royals deal outfielder Lou Piniella and pitcher Ken Wright to the Yankees for veteran pitcher Lindy McDaniel. The controversial trade draws the Kansas City fans’ ire, and rightfully so, when the 38 year-old right-hander wins a total of only six games during his two years with the club, with the 29 year-old outfielder enjoying 11 solid seasons in the Bronx, batting .295 and playing a major role in New York’s four appearances in the World Series.
The day after the season finale at Yankee Stadium, Mayor John Lindsay, who had given his approval for the renovation of the Bronx ballpark, ceremonially begins the project by scooping a pile of dirt from right field with a bulldozer. The on-field ceremony at the empty stadium includes the widows of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, who are given home plate and first base, respectively.
test On September 6, 1973 — The two Alou brothers are released by the Yankees when Felipe is selected off waivers by the Expos and Matty is purchased by Cardinals. Felipe and Matty will finish the season with their new teams, retiring the following season after brief stints with the Brewers and the Padres, respectively….
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