Philadelphia Phillies sign future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to a six-year contract worth $1.2 million per season

Philadelphia Phillies sign future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to a six-year contract worth $1.2 million per season

On December 21, 1981, the Philadelphia Phillies sign future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to a six-year contract worth $1.2 million per season.  During the strike-shortened 1981 season, Schmidt led the National League in home runs (31), RBI (91) and runs (78). During the course of the contract, Schmidt will lead the league in home…

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis clears Ty Cobb

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis clears Ty Cobb

Given the outpouring of public support for the popular players and the failure of the accuser to publicly defend his claim at a hearing last month, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis announces Ty Cobb’s former Tiger teammate Dutch Leonard had accused the Georgia Peach and Indian outfielder Tris Speaker of betting on a fixed baseball game played six years ago. The commissioner will declare the matter closed, giving both future Hall of Famers a clean bill of health.

Josh Gibson

Hall of Fame catcher Josh Gibson is born in Buena Vista, Georgia

On December 21, 1911, future Hall of Fame catcher Josh Gibson is born in Buena Vista, Georgia. Although record-keeping in the Negro Leagues is somewhat nebulous, Gibson will become the leading home run hitter in all of black baseball. Gibson’s legendary power will earn him the nickname, “The Black Babe Ruth.” Gibson began his pro…