Terry Forster, the American League saves leader in 1974 with the White Sox, signs a big contract with the Dodgers, becoming the team’s first free agent. Last season, the southpaw compiled a 6-4 record with a 4.43 ERA pitching for the Pirates and will post an 11-13 record during his five years in Los Angeles.

ByTom

Terry Forster, the American League saves leader in 1974 with the White Sox, signs a big contract with the Dodgers, becoming the team’s first free agent. Last season, the southpaw compiled a 6-4 record with a 4.43 ERA pitching for the Pirates and will post an 11-13 record during his five years in Los Angeles.

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Cesar Cedeno and Lee May are the first Astros to crack the top ten in N.L. Most Valuable Player voting.

ByTom

1972 – Cesar Cedeno and Lee May are the first Astros to crack the top ten in N.L. Most Valuable Player voting. Cedeno finishes sixth and May finishes ninth. Cincinnati’s Johnny Bench takes the prize. 

Johnny Bench is named the National League’s Rookie of the Year by the narrowest of margins

Johnny Bench is named the National League’s Rookie of the Year by the narrowest of margins

ByThis Day in Baseball

Johnny Bench, who kept his freshman status by missing the final three games of the 1967 season due to a hand injury, is named the National League’s Rookie of the Year by the narrowest of margins. The 20 year-old Reds’ catcher edges Mets’ southpaw Jerry Koosman for the award when Chicago American veteran scribe Jim Enright splits his choice because he “couldn’t vote for one and ignore the other.”

Outfielder Curt Blefary of the Baltimore Orioles edges California Angels pitcher Marcelino López for American League Rookie of the Year honors.

Outfielder Curt Blefary of the Baltimore Orioles edges California Angels pitcher Marcelino López for American League Rookie of the Year honors.

ByTom

1965 – Outfielder Curt Blefary of the Baltimore Orioles edges California Angels pitcher Marcelino López for American League Rookie of the Year honors.

1960 – The American League proposes that both leagues expand to nine teams in 1961 and begin interleague play. There will be expansion in the American League in 1961, but interleague play will not arrive until 1997.

ByTom

1960 – The American League proposes that both leagues expand to nine teams in 1961 and begin interleague play. There will be expansion in the American League in 1961, but interleague play will not arrive until 1997.