Charles Finley Biography flamboyant, innovative, and controversial

American League owners approve the transfer of the Kansas City A’s to Oakland

ByThis Day in Baseball

On October 18, 1967, The American League owners grant Charlie Finley permission to move the Kansas City Athletics to Oakland, California, in time for the start of the 1968 season. Kansas City is promised a new team by 1971, but when Senator Stuart Symington and Kansas City Mayor Ilus Davis threaten action against the move, AL President Joe Cronin reopens talks. The expansion deadline is moved forward to 1969, and will award new franchises to Kansas City and Seattle, the Pilots, will play in Seattle, an ill-advised decision given the fact that new owners will prove to be under-financed.

Connie Mack retires as manager of the Philadelphia A’s
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Connie Mack retires as manager of the Philadelphia A’s

ByThis Day in Baseball

On October 18, 1950 — After spending a half of a century managing in the major leagues, Connie Mack retires as manager of the A’s. The 87 year-old manager, who has the most wins and losses in the history of the game, will be replaced by Jimmy Dykes, after compiling a 3731-3948 (.486) record during his 50 years in the dugout.

Chuck Klein

Chuck Klein is named the National League’s Most Valuable Player

ByThis Day in Baseball

On October 18, 1932 Chuck Klein (.348, 38, 137), receiving all six first-place votes, is named the National League’s Most Valuable Player. The 27-year outfielder, who is the first Phillies player to win the award, led the Senior Circuit in hits (226), runs (152), home runs (38), and stolen bases (20).

Tragic End for Reds Pitcher Marvin Goodwin After Plane Crash in 1925

Tragic End for Reds Pitcher Marvin Goodwin After Plane Crash in 1925

ByThis Day in Baseball

Two weeks after pitching his final game for the Reds, Army Reserve First Lieutenant pilot Marvin Goodwin’s plane goes into a tailspin and crashes near Houston’s Ellington Field. The 34 year-old right-hander, who appeared in four games for Cincinnati, three as a starter, and posted an 0-2 record, which included two complete games, will die in three days as the result of being severely injured, with two broken legs, a fractured skull, along with critical internal injuries.

Kansas City Monarchs stage a dramatic 9th-inning three-run rally to win Colored World Series 

Kansas City Monarchs stage a dramatic 9th-inning three-run rally to win Colored World Series 

ByThis Day in Baseball

1924 – The Kansas City Monarchs stage a dramatic 9th-inning three-run rally to come from behind and defeat Hilldale, 3 – 2, in Game 8 of the Colored World Series to take a 4-3-1 lead in the best-of-nine series. Following the game, Hilldale manager Frank Warfield verbally assaults catcher Louis Santop, blaming his defensive lapse for the team’s loss. Santop is reduced to tears by the tirade.

Harry Heilmann beats Ruth for the batting title then sells him a $50,000 life insurance policy

Harry Heilmann beats Ruth for the batting title then sells him a $50,000 life insurance policy

ByThis Day in Baseball

October 21, 1921, Soon after Babe Ruth receives his World Series winner’s share of $6,160.46, insurance agent Harry Heilmann, who beat Ruth for the batting title by 10 points, sells him a $50,000 life insurance policy. Beneficiaries are Mrs. Ruth and adopted daughter Dorothy.

Giants rout the White Sox, 11-2 in wprld wide barnstorming trip

Giants rout the White Sox, 11-2 in wprld wide barnstorming trip

ByThis Day in Baseball

In Cincinnati, the Giants rout the White Sox, 11-2, beginning a five-month world-wide barnstorming trip that will include stops in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The teams recruit top players from both leagues, including Tris Speaker, Buck Weaver, Christy Mathewson as well as Sam Crawford, but former Olympian Jim Thorpe is the main attraction during the global tour.