Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

In the re-entry draft, Dave Winfield is selected by ten of the 26 teams

In the re-entry draft, Dave Winfield is selected by ten of the 26 teams

ByThis Day in Baseball

In the re-entry draft, Dave Winfield is selected by ten of the 26 teams, including the Mets, Yankees, and Braves, the front-running clubs hoping to land the San Diego superstar. The 29 year-old slugging outfielder, who will ink a record ten-year free-agent deal with the Bronx Bombers worth $16 million, is limited to signing a contract with one of the teams that had chosen him, a provision which usually weakens a free agent’s bargaining position.

Two players share the Most Valuable Player Award for the first time in history

Two players share the Most Valuable Player Award for the first time in history

ByThis Day in Baseball

1979 – For the first time in major league history, two players share the Most Valuable Player Award. The National League co-winners are Willie Stargell, the spiritual leader of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who hit .281 with 32 home runs, and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Keith Hernandez, who led the NL in runs (116), doubles (48) and batting average (.344).

Boston Red Sox ace Luis Tiant signs a free agent contract with the rival New York Yankees

Boston Red Sox ace Luis Tiant signs a free agent contract with the rival New York Yankees

ByThis Day in Baseball

On November 13, 1978, Boston Red Sox ace Luis Tiant signs a free agent contract with the rival New York Yankees. Tiant the first free agent to sign, signs a two-year $875,000 contract. The 38 year-old El Tiante will post 21-17 (.553) record during his tenure in New York, but will not appear in the…

Bob Gibson wins the 1968 National League Most Valuable Player Award
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Bob Gibson wins the 1968 National League Most Valuable Player Award

ByTom

Bob Gibson (22-9, 268 strikeouts, 1.12 ERA) wins the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award, edging out Reds infielder Pete Rose. The Cardinals’ right-hander was also the unanimous winner of the Senior Circuit’s Cy Young Award when he garnered all 20 of the first-place votes cast by the BBWAA.

1967 – Following a meeting of National League owners, president Warren Giles says the league will not stand in the way of American League expansion to Seattle and Kansas City.

ByBaseball

1967 – Following a meeting of National League owners, president Warren Giles says the league will not stand in the way of American League expansion to Seattle and Kansas City.

Branch Rickey collapses over the podium

Branch Rickey collapses over the podium

ByBaseball

At the beginning of his induction speech at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Branch Rickey mumbles to the audience before collapsing over the podium, “I don’t believe I’m going to be able to speak any longer.” The 83 year-old baseball executive, who suffered a massive heart attack on stage, will remain unconscious while in intensive care at Boone County Memorial Hospital in Columbia, Missouri before dying three weeks later.

Mayor Robert Wagner of New York announces preliminary plans for a third major league

Mayor Robert Wagner of New York announces preliminary plans for a third major league

ByThis Day in Baseball

1958 – Mayor Robert Wagner of New York announces preliminary plans for a third major league. Chairman William Shea, of what will become the Continental League, says it is apparent that the National League is going to ignore New York City. He implies that the new league will be free to raid major league rosters.