1979 – The Houston Astros sign free agent pitcher Nolan Ryan. The former California Angels ace and future Hall of Fame member signs a four-year deal worth $4.5 million, making him the highest-paid player in major league history. Ryan also becomes the first player to earn a $1 million annual salary.
On November 19, 1976, the Milwaukee Brewers sign free agent third baseman Sal Bando to a multi-year contract. Bando, the captain of three consecutive World Championship teams in Oakland, will play the final five seasons of his career in Milwaukee. Bando will bat .250 with 17 home runs and 82 RBIs in his first season…
On November 19, 1975, Joe Morgan the Cincinnati Reds Gold Glove Secondbaseman wins the National League’s MVP Award in one of the most lopsided votes in history. He receives 21 of the 23 first-place votes cast by the writers. One of the key cogs in the big red machine, Morgan bats ,327 with 17 homeruns,…
1968 – New York Yankees pitcher Stan Bahnsen, who posted a 17-12 record with 162 strikeouts and a 2.05 ERA, is named American League Rookie of the Year. Bahnsen easily outdistances outfielder Del Unser of the Washington Senators.
1963 – Hank Bauer is named to replace Billy Hitchcock as manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
The Cardinals trade pitcher Don Cardwell and infielder Julio Gotay to the Pirates for shortstop Dick Groat and pitcher Diomedes Olivo. The Redbirds’ new infielder will become a central cog in the team’s World championship in 1964.
On November 19, 1960, the expansion Washington Senators name Mickey Vernon the first manager in franchise history. An exceptional hitter during his playing career, Vernon played for the original Washington Senators’ franchise from 1939 to 1948. During his three-year tenure with the new club, ‘Mickey’ will compile a dismal 135-227 record, finishing no higher than…
1952 – American League President Will Harridge says there will be greater fines for managers who use abusive language while arguing with umpires.
1939 – The National Professional Indoor Baseball League, headed by league president Tris Speaker, begins play. The league has 10 clubs, one in each then major-league city except Washington. Alas, it disappears within a month.
With 20,000 well-wishers jamming the streets in the City by the Bay, Joe DiMaggio marries actress Dorothy Arnold at St. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco. The Yankees outfielder met his future bride on the set of ‘Manhattan Merry-Go-Round’, a movie in which he had a minor role.
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