Instead of negotiating a new multiyear contract with their designated hitter, the Red Sox decide to exercise their $12.5 million option on 34 year-old David Ortiz for the upcoming season. ‘Big Papi,’ who would have preferred a long-term contract, led Boston with 32 homers along with 102 RBIs.

ByBaseball

Instead of negotiating a new multiyear contract with their designated hitter, the Red Sox decide to exercise their $12.5 million option on 34 year-old David Ortiz for the upcoming season. ‘Big Papi,’ who would have preferred a long-term contract, led Boston with 32 homers along with 102 RBIs.

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In Game 6 of the Fall Classic, the Yankees captured their 27th World Championship and their first since 2000, with a 7-3 decision over the Phillies, the defending champs. Hideki Matsui, New York’s designated hitter, collects six RBIs, tying a World Series mark, and Andy Pettitte became the second pitcher to get the victory in all three postseason-clinching games, joining Derek Lowe, who accomplished the feat with Boston in 2004.

ByThis Day in Baseball

In Game 6 of the Fall Classic, the Yankees captured their 27th World Championship and their first since 2000, with a 7-3 decision over the Phillies, the defending champs. Hideki Matsui, New York’s designated hitter, collects six RBIs, tying a World Series mark, and Andy Pettitte became the second pitcher to get the victory in all three postseason-clinching games, joining Derek Lowe, who accomplished the feat with Boston in 2004.

Barack Obama, a long-time White Sox fan, is elected as the 44th president of the United States. The junior senator from Illinois, the first African-American to become the nation’s Commander-in-Chief, is friendly with the team’s general manager Kenny Williams, also a prominent member of Chicago’s black community.

ByBaseball

Barack Obama, a long-time White Sox fan, is elected as the 44th president of the United States. The junior senator from Illinois, the first African-American to become the nation’s Commander-in-Chief, is friendly with the team’s general manager Kenny Williams, also a prominent member of Chicago’s black community.

The Yankees continue to makeover their coaching staff when Ron Guidry, a former three-time 20-game winner, is named to replace Mel Stottlemyre as the team’s pitching coach, and former Red Sox skipper Joe Kerrigan joins the team as its bullpen coach. Earlier in the week, former big league managers Larry Bowa (third base coach), Lee Mazzilli (bench coach), and Tony Pena (first base coach) also are added to Joe Torre’s staff.

ByTom

The Yankees continue to makeover their coaching staff when Ron Guidry, a former three-time 20-game winner, is named to replace Mel Stottlemyre as the team’s pitching coach, and former Red Sox skipper Joe Kerrigan joins the team as its bullpen coach. Earlier in the week, former big league managers Larry Bowa (third base coach), Lee Mazzilli (bench coach), and Tony Pena (first base coach) also are added to Joe Torre’s staff.

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The Mets introduced Willie Randolph as the franchise’s 18th manager. The long-time Yankee second baseman and third base coach becomes the first black to manage in New York.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Mets introduced Willie Randolph as the franchise’s 18th manager. The long-time Yankee second baseman and third base coach becomes the first black to manage in New York.

Philadelphia names Charlie Manuel as the team’s new manager, replacing Larry Bowa, who was fired at the end of the season after the much-favored Phillies failed to make the postseason. The former Cleveland skipper compiled a 220-190 (.537) record and won a division during his three years with the Tribe.

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Philadelphia names Charlie Manuel as the team’s new manager, replacing Larry Bowa, who was fired at the end of the season after the much-favored Phillies failed to make the postseason. The former Cleveland skipper compiled a 220-190 (.537) record and won a division during his three years with the Tribe.

Former Yankee captain Don Mattingly is named as the Bronx Bombers’ hitting coach, replacing Rick Down, who did not have his contract renewed last week. The 42 year-old, who retired due to back problems, will be a top candidate to replace Joe Torre as manager in 2005.

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Former Yankee captain Don Mattingly is named as the Bronx Bombers’ hitting coach, replacing Rick Down, who did not have his contract renewed last week. The 42 year-old, who retired due to back problems, will be a top candidate to replace Joe Torre as manager in 2005.

Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved a plan committing $73 million in tax money toward a new major league ballpark for the Marlins. The World Champions, who have agreed to change their name to the Miami Marlins if the city builds the ballpark, want to begin playing in the $325 million new park in 2007, but still don’t have a plan for raising $137 million needed as part of their commitment.

ByBaseball

Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved a plan committing $73 million in tax money toward a new major league ballpark for the Marlins. The World Champions, who have agreed to change their name to the Miami Marlins if the city builds the ballpark, want to begin playing in the $325 million new park in 2007, but still don’t have a plan for raising $137 million needed as part of their commitment.

Colorado Rockies right-hander Jason Jennings (16-6, 4.52) becomes the first member of the Rockies to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League Rookie of the Year. The 24 year-old right-hander receives 27 first-place votes from the 32 writers participating in the balloting.

ByBaseball

Colorado Rockies right-hander Jason Jennings (16-6, 4.52) becomes the first member of the Rockies to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League Rookie of the Year. The 24 year-old right-hander receives 27 first-place votes from the 32 writers participating in the balloting.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Eric Hinske, who posted a .279 batting average with 24 home runs and 84 RBI, is named American League Rookie of the Year. Hinske receives 19 of 28 first-place votes cast by the Baseball Writers Association of America with Baltimore Orioles pitcher Rodrigo López getting the other 9 first-place votes.

ByBaseball

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Eric Hinske, who posted a .279 batting average with 24 home runs and 84 RBI, is named American League Rookie of the Year. Hinske receives 19 of 28 first-place votes cast by the Baseball Writers Association of America with Baltimore Orioles pitcher Rodrigo López getting the other 9 first-place votes.