July 24, 1972 – Ted Simmons, who has been playing all season without a signed contract, signs a new contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The team claim the signing, reportedly for two years at $35,000 per year, when the Federal Pay Board exempted athletes from wage controls. Whether the owners fear a possible…
On April 21, 1972, the Texas Rangers play the first home game in franchise history. Veteran slugger Frank Howard hits the first home run at Arlington Stadium, as the Rangers post a 7-6 win over California. The Rangers, formerly the Washington Senators, had moved to Texas after the 1971 season.
On March 4, 1972, the Texas Rangers trade former two-time Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain to the Oakland A’s for minor league pitchers Don Stanhouse and Jim Panther. McLain, who lost a league-leading 22 games pitching for the Washington Senators in 1971, will last only five starts in Oakland before being traded to the…
On September 20, 1971, the American League approves the transfer of the Washington Senators to Texas. AL owners vote, 10-2, in favor of the move, which ends 71 years of baseball in the capital city and will result in the birth of the Texas Rangers…
On April 5, 1971, the Washington Senators play the final home opener in team history. Dick Bosman beats the Oakland A’s, 8-0, before a crowd of 45,000 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium. After the season, owner Bob Short will move the Senators to Texas, where they will play under the name “Rangers.”
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