1995 – Retired second baseman Ryne Sandberg announces that he will return to the major leagues in 1996. The ten-time All-Star signs a one-year contract to play for the Chicago Cubs.
Mike Flanagan (23-9, 3.08) wins the Cy Young Award, easily outdistancing New York’s Tommy John (21-9, 2.97). The Orioles’ southpaw receives 26 of the 27 first-place votes cast by the writers.
1977 – In a trade of pitchers, Cincinnati sends Woodie Fryman and Bill Caudill to the Cubs for Bill Bonham.
1973 – Lefthander Jerry Reuss is traded to the Pirates for catcher Milt May. Reuss has an inconsistent two seasons in Houston, posting a 25-26 record with one save, but he improves on his way through a major league career that lasts 22 years. May, stuck behind Manny Sanguillen in Pittsburgh, bats .265 in two seasons before leaving for Detroit during a rebuilding purge. Also on this date, reliever Tim Byrdak is born in Oak Lawn, IL. The lefthander works out of the bullpen from 2008 to 2010 with a 3.53 ERA.
In a seven-player trade, Don Money is dealt by the Phillies along with Bill Champion and John Vukovich to the Brewers in exchange for Ken Brett, Jim Lonborg, Ken Sanders, and Earl Stephenson. The 25 year-old versatile infielder will spend over a decade with Milwaukee, becoming a four-time All-Star.
Gaylord Perry (24-16,1.92) of the Indians edges Wilbur Wood (24-17, 2.51) for the American League Cy Young Award. Although the future Hall of Fame hurler receives only 9 of the 24 first-place votes, the North Carolina native still out points the White Sox starter, 64-58.
1967 – San Francisco Giants pitcher Mike McCormick, the National League leader with 22 victories, is honored with the 1967 National League Cy Young Award. It is the first year in which pitchers are honored in both leagues.
As the overwhelming choice of 23 of the 24 experts surveyed, Dick Williams is selected as the United Press International’s American League Manager of the Year. The 38 year-old skipper guided the underdog Red Sox to a pennant, emerging on top from a fierce four-team pennant race that went down to the last day of the season.
1961 – A federal judge rules that Birmingham, Alabama laws against integrated playing fields are illegal, eliminating the last barrier against integration in the Southern Association. The circuit will choose to disband rather than abide the ruling and will be replaced in 1964 by the integrated Southern League.
The Giants trade infielder Andre Rodgers to Milwaukee for Alvin Dark. San Francisco obtains their former team captain not to be a player, but rather to be the team’s new manager for the upcoming season.
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