For the second time in his career, Seattle Mariners skipper Lou Piniella is named the American League Manager of the Year. Piniella, the only person to appear on every ballot, guided to the Mariners to an historical 116 victories which tied the 1906 Chicago Cubs as the winningest team in major league history.

For the second time in his career, Seattle Mariners skipper Lou Piniella is named the American League Manager of the Year. Piniella, the only person to appear on every ballot, guided to the Mariners to an historical 116 victories which tied the 1906 Chicago Cubs as the winningest team in major league history.

Larry Bowa, with an 86-76 record, is named the National League Manager of the Year, becoming the first manager in Philadelphia Phillies history to win the award. In his first year at the helm, Philadelphia improved by 21 games finishing the season two games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves.

Larry Bowa, with an 86-76 record, is named the National League Manager of the Year, becoming the first manager in Philadelphia Phillies history to win the award. In his first year at the helm, Philadelphia improved by 21 games finishing the season two games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves.

Diamondback southpaw Randy Johnson wins the NL Cy Young Award for the third time in his career

Diamondback southpaw Randy Johnson wins the NL Cy Young Award for the third time in his career

Diamondback southpaw Randy Johnson wins the NL Cy Young Award for the third time in his career, copping the prestigious pitching prize for the second consecutive season. The 37-year old ‘Big Unit’ struck out a league-leading 347 batters while posting a 19-7 record along with an ERA of 2.64 for the third-place team

After annually alternating the schedule of the League Championship Series between the divisions, with a 2-3 format in the best-of-five series (1969-84) and a 2-3-2 format in the best-of-seven matchups (1985-1997), the LCS home-field advantage will now be awarded to the team with the best record. In the series that features the wild-card winner, the divisional winner will receive home-field advantage, regardless of which team has the best record.

After annually alternating the schedule of the League Championship Series between the divisions, with a 2-3 format in the best-of-five series (1969-84) and a 2-3-2 format in the best-of-seven matchups (1985-1997), the LCS home-field advantage will now be awarded to the team with the best record. In the series that features the wild-card winner, the divisional winner will receive home-field advantage, regardless of which team has the best record.

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates complete a nine-player swap with the Jays acquiring the second baseman they are looking for in 29-year-old Carlos Garcia. In addition, Toronto picks up outfielder Orlando Merced and reliever Dan Plesac. The Pirates receive six prospects, including C Craig Wilson, infielder Abraham Núñez and pitcher Jose Silva.

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates complete a nine-player swap with the Jays acquiring the second baseman they are looking for in 29-year-old Carlos Garcia. In addition, Toronto picks up outfielder Orlando Merced and reliever Dan Plesac. The Pirates receive six prospects, including C Craig Wilson, infielder Abraham Núñez and pitcher Jose Silva.

Texas Rangers outfielder Juan Gonzalez edges Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners by three votes to win the American League MVP Award. It is the tightest race for the award in the AL since 1960. Gonzalez batted .314 with 47 home runs and 144 RBI despite missing 28 games with an injury.

Texas Rangers outfielder Juan Gonzalez edges Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners by three votes to win the American League MVP Award. It is the tightest race for the award in the AL since 1960. Gonzalez batted .314 with 47 home runs and 144 RBI despite missing 28 games with an injury.

Texas Rangers outfielder Juan Gonzalez edges Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners by three votes to win the American League MVP Award. It is the tightest race for the award in the AL since 1960. Gonzalez batted .314 with 47 home runs and 144 RBI despite missing 28 games with an injury.

1995 – Mark Kotsay, of Cal State Fullerton, is named as winner of the Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s top amateur baseball player.

1995 – Mark Kotsay, of Cal State Fullerton, is named as winner of the Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s top amateur baseball player.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Doug Drabek, who posted a 22-6 record with 131 strikeouts and a 2.76 ERA, is named the 1990 National League Cy Young Award winner, collecting 23 of a possible 24 first-place votes.

1990 – Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Doug Drabek, who posted a 22-6 record with 131 strikeouts and a 2.76 ERA, is named the 1990 National League Cy Young Award winner, collecting 23 of a possible 24 first-place votes.

1989 – San Diego Padres relief ace Mark Davis is selected the Cy Young Award winner in the National League. Davis saved 44 games while sporting an ERA of 1.85. In 1990, Davis will save only six games after signing a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals.

1989 – San Diego Padres relief ace Mark Davis is selected the Cy Young Award winner in the National League. Davis saved 44 games while sporting an ERA of 1.85. In 1990, Davis will save only six games after signing a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals.

The Angels announce Doug Rader will replace Cookie Rojas, their fired rookie manager who stunned when the improved fourth-place team (75-79) released him with eight games left in the regular season. The Halos’ new skipper compiled a 155-200 (.437) record while piloting the Rangers from 1982 to 1985.

The Angels announce Doug Rader will replace Cookie Rojas, their fired rookie manager who stunned when the improved fourth-place team (75-79) released him with eight games left in the regular season. The Halos’ new skipper compiled a 155-200 (.437) record while piloting the Rangers from 1982 to 1985.