This Day In Baseball December 20

Baseball history on December 20  includes Major League baseball players born that day of the year, Major League baseball players who died on that date, baseball players who made their Major League debut on that date, and Major League baseball players who appeared in their final game that date.

1885 – The St. Louis Maroons announce that Jerry Denny, Dude Esterbrook, Paul Hines, and George Myers are to play for them in 1886. Denny and Myers do so, but Esterbrook stays with the Giants and Hines goes to the newly-formed Washington Nationals.

Toledo is admitted to the American Association.

Papers are served on Charles Buffinton and Bill Hallman for allegedly breaking their contracts with Philadelphia (National League). This will be the first of many battles between the Players League and NL.

hartnett gabby

future Hall of Famer Gabby Hartnett is born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Tom Hughes

In an unpopular trade in Boston, the Americans send Long Tom Hughes to the Highlanders for lefty Jesse Tannehill. Hughes, 20-7 for the champs, had jumped to the American League from the National League Chicago team in 1902. Hughes will come up short in New York and be shipped to Washington in July, while Tannehill will win 20 for the Hubmen.

After a two-year absence from the majors, pitcher Kid Nichols signs as player-manager of the Cardinals. He will win 21 himself, but the team will finish 4th.

After a two-year absence from the majors, pitcher Kid Nichols signs as player-manager of the Cardinals. He will win 21 himself, but the team will finish 4th.

1904 – The last-place Phillies send minor-league 1B Del Howard to Pittsburgh for Moose McCormick, Otto Krueger and 1B Kitty Bransfield.

The Yankees raid Boston again, and come away with P Bullet Joe Bush, SS Everett Scott, and P Sad Sam Jones in exchange for SS Roger Peckinpaugh (who goes on to Washington), pitchers Jack Quinn, Rip Collins, and Bill Piercy, and $50,000.

At the Major League meetings, the American League votes to return to the best-of-seven World Series; the National League votes to keep the five-of-nine format. Judge Landis casts the deciding vote, and the four-of-seven format is reinstated.

At the Major League meetings, the American League votes to return to the best-of-seven World Series; the National League votes to keep the five-of-nine format. Judge Landis casts the deciding vote, and the four-of-seven format is reinstated.

The World Champion Cardinals trade Rogers Hornsby to the Giants for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring

The World Champion Cardinals trade Rogers Hornsby to the Giants for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring

Bill Carrigan has had enough of managing the Red Sox. He quits, and Heinie Wagner signs on for a year.

Bill Carrigan has had enough of managing the Red Sox. He quits, and Heinie Wagner signs on for a year.

The White Sox sell veteran C Luke Sewell to Brooklyn.

The White Sox sell veteran C Luke Sewell to Brooklyn.

For a reported $42,000, A's manager Connie Mack buys a controlling interest in the club from the Shibe family.

For a reported $42,000, A’s manager Connie Mack buys a controlling interest in the club from the Shibe family.

Connie Mack announces he has acquired the controlling interest in the A’s, a team he has managed for the past 40 years, for a reported $42,000. The Philadelphia skipper, who will celebrate his 78th birthday in three days, had shared the ownership with the heirs of Benjamin Shibe, who started the franchise on a joint basis in 1901.

Al Lopez

With the trade for Al Lopez, the Indians send young catcher Sherm Lollar and 2B Ray Mack to the Yankees for minor league P Gene Bearden, P Al Gettel, and OF Hal Peck. Peck never played for New York after they acquired him in June. Lollar will play just 33 games in two years, while Mack is swapped after one game. Bearden, as a rookie knuckleballer in 1948, will win 20 games and the lead the American League in ERA.

Jackie Jensen (.286, 35, 122), breaking New York’s four-year stronghold on the award, is selected as the American League Most Valuable Player. The outcome is unexpected as the Red Sox fleet outfielder played on a non-contender, unlike runner-up Bob Turley, who pitched for the World Champion Yankees.

Charlie Finley buys the 52 per cent of the Kansas City A’s contained in the estate of the late Arnold Johnson

Charlie Finley buys the 52 per cent of the Kansas City A’s contained in the estate of the late Arnold Johnson

1960 – Charlie Finley buys the 52 percent of the A’s in the late Arnold Johnson’s estate.

1966 – The Yankees acquire SS Dick Howser from Cleveland for minor leaguer Gil Downs and cash.

hartnett gabby

Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett dies on his 72nd birthday

Joe Cronin sides with A's - Dick Williams can not manage Yankees

Joe Cronin sides with A’s – Dick Williams can not manage Yankees

American League president Joe Cronin, siding with Charlie Finley, rules the Yankees cannot sign A’s manager Dick Williams. The Bronx Bombers, who will eventually hire Bill Virdon to manage the team, had announced a deal with the Oakland skipper two days earlier.

famed baseball cartoonist Willard Mullin dies at the age of 76

Don Blasingame becomes the first American to manage a team in the Japanese leagues

Willard Mullin, 76, the nation’s top sports cartoonist and creator of the “Brooklyn Bum,” dies at Corpus Christi, TX.

Don Blasingame is named manager of the Hanshin Tigers, the first American not of Japanese descent to lead a Japanese team.

1980 – Unless contracts are tendered to certain veterans by today’s deadline, the Basic Agreement requires they be allowed to become free agents. In a major blunder, the Red Sox will miss the deadline, permitting All-Stars Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk to be eligible for free agency.

1989 – Six months after obtaining him from the Phillies, the Mets trade 2B-OF Juan Samuel to the Dodgers for 1B Mike Marshall and P Alejandro Pena.

1990 – The Chicago White Sox sign veteran knuckler Charlie Hough, a free agent. Hough spent every year of the 1970s with the Dodgers and every year of the 1980s with Texas.

The Yankees sign free agent OF Luis Polonia.

The Indians trade SS Felix Fermin and 1B Reggie Jefferson to the Mariners in exchange for SS Omar Vizquel.

The Athletics trade SS Kurt Abbott to the Marlins in exchange for OF Kerwin Moore.

The Orioles sign free agent IF-OF B.J. Surhoff to a three-year contract.

The Astros trade P Dave Veres and minor league C Raul Chavez to the Expos in exchange for 3B Sean Berry.

1996 – The Blue Jays send 1B John Olerud and his $5 million contract to the Mets for pitcher Robert Person. The move leaves 1B open for Joe Carter.

Faustino Corrales of Pinar del Río strikes out 22 Holguín batters to set a new Cuban record for a nine-inning game; Santiago Mederos had held the mark for 31 years.

After trading their All-Star shortstop to the Mets last season, the Orioles get him back agreeing to a two-year deal with free agent Mike Bordick. The move will send Melvin Mora, the player obtained from the Mets to replace Bordick, to the outfield where he is a stronger defensive player.

The Jean Yawkey Trust announces all the partners have unanimously voted to sell 100 percent of the Red Sox, a family-owned business since 1933, to a group of investors led by Florida Marlins owner John Henry who also has a one percent share of the Yankees and is the managing partner-in-waiting of the Sox. The price tag, rumored to be $600+ million, doubles the largest amount ever spent to buy a team.

The Dodgers sign last season’s American League strikeout leader with 220, free agent P Hideo Nomo, to a two-year contract. It is Nomo’s second tour of duty with the Dodgers, whom he first played for in 1995.

The Braves sign free agent P Albie Lopez to a one-year contract.

Last season’s American League strikeout leader with 220, free agent Hideo Nomo (13-10, 4.50), inks a $13.75 million, two-year deal with the Dodgers. The former Red Sox right-hander was the National League Rookie of the Year when he broke into the majors with Los Angeles in 1995.

The Jean Yawkey Trust announces all the partners have unanimously voted to sell 100 percent of the Red Sox, a family-owned business since 1933, to a group of investors led by Florida Marlins’ owner John Henry, who also has a one-percent share of the Yankees and is Boston’s managing partner-in-waiting. The price tag, rumored to be $600+ million, doubles the largest amount ever spent to buy a major league team.

The White Sox sign free agent C Sandy Alomar to a contract.

The Braves trade P Kevin Millwood to the Phillies for C Johnny Estrada. Meanwhile, according to Braves general manager John Schuerholz, “The economics stink. The economics stink, and if this isn’t a clear enough signal to the doubters and naysayers, to be forced to trade an 18-game winner to your arch enemy… The economics stink.” Millwood stunned the Braves’ management by accepting binding salary arbitration when he was expected to leave via free agency, forcing the Braves to trade him in order to stay within budget.

Hoping to fill the void after trading Eric Karros to the Cubs, the Dodgers reach an agreement with 39-year-old veteran first baseman Fred McGriff (.273, 30, 103) on a one-year deal. The “Crime Dog”, who has also played for the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves and Devil Rays as well as the Cubs, is fourth among active players behind Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Rafael Palmeiro with 478 career homers.

After rejecting salary arbitration from the Red Sox, Cliff Floyd (.288, 28, 79), agrees to a $26 million, four-year contract deal with the Mets. The 30-year-old outfielder played with the Marlins, Expos and Red Sox last season.

2005 – The World Champion White Sox finalize the trade with the Diamondbacks which brings starter Javier Vazquez and $4 million dollars to the Windy City. Veteran right-hander Orlando Hernandez, reliever Luis Vizcaino and minor league outfield prospect Chris Young go to Arizona to complete the deal.

The Mariners and right-hander Carlos Silva (13-14, 4.19) finalized a $48 million, four-year contract. The M’s expect the 28 year-old free-agent, formerly with the Twins, to ‘bring a quality arm to the starting rotation’ and to be the workhorse of the pitching staff.

Boss, Jonathan Papelbon’s bulldog, ate the ball used to record the final out of 2007 World Series, according to the Red Sox closer during an interview with the Hattiesburg American. Teammate Jason Varitek had given the ball to the reliever when Rockies pinch-hitter Seth Smith struck out to complete the Fall Classic sweep of Colorado.

The 2008 Hoofdklasse awards are given out. Mark Duursma becomes the first Pioniers player to win MVP honors after having hit .386 to lead the league. Rob Cordemans, the leader in ERA and strikeouts, wins his 5th Pitcher of the Year Award. The Coach of the Year is Rikkert Faneyte, the former major leaguer who led the Amsterdam Pirates to the 2008 Holland Series title in his first year at the reins.

Aroldis Chapman of Holguín hits 102 mph on the radar gun, breaking the Cuban record held by Maels Rodríguez. Less than a year later, Chapman will follow Rodriguez’s footsteps in defecting from Cuba.

2009 – The Indians add two pitchers, starter Mitch Talbot whom they obtain from the Rays as the player to be named later in the December 1st deal for C Kelly Shoppach, and reliever Saul Rivera, who is signed as a free agent after being recently released by the Nationals.

2011 – Among free agents signing today are 3B Casey Blake, who goes to Colorado; SS Yuniesky Betancourt, who heads back to Kansas City one year after being dealt; and P Ryota Igarashi and 1B Jeff Clement who both ink deals with Pittsburgh.

The Miami Marlins sign .299 career hitter Placido Polanco for a one-year, $2.75 million deal, hoping his .257 mark from 2012 was not a sign of decline at age 37. In other signings, P Tom Gorzelanny inks a deal with the Brewers, while C A.J. Pierzynski goes to Texas.

Edwin Jackson joins his 8th team in 11 years, signing a four-year, $52 million deal with the Chicago Cubs despite a career record of 70-71.

Veteran 3B-1B Kevin Youkilis signs a one-year contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, hoping for a comeback in Japan after an injury-plagued year with the Yankees. He replaces Casey McGehee, who had turned a strong season in Japan into a return to the US for 2014. In other signings, the Twins ink C Kurt Suzuki as a replacement for Joe Mauer, who will move to 1B in 2014.

Orioles P Troy Patton is suspended for 25 games at the start of the 2014 season for testing positive for amphetamines.

2016 – The Phillies acquire veteran SP Clay Buchholz from the Red Sox in return for 2B prospect Josh Tobias.

The Rays send 3B Evan Longoria, arguably the greatest player in team history, to the Giants in a trade for four players, the most prominent of whom is OF Denard Span. Longoria comes with a risk as he is due to make $86 million over the next five seasons, but his acquisition fills a huge hole as the Giants got the worst offensive production from their third basemen among all major league teams last year.

Cleveland sign free agent 1B Yonder Alonso for two years, filling the hole recently created when Carlos Santana moved to the Phillies, also as a free agent. In other signings, the Brewers ink SP Jhoulys Chacin to a two-year deal and Washington adds 1B Matt Adams, pending a successful physical.

2018 – In free agent signings today, 2B Daniel Murphy joins the Rockies on a two-year contract worth $24 million, while the Padres sign 2B Ian Kinsler. also for two years, but at the relatively bargain price of $8 million.

1995 – Third baseman Sean Berry is acquired from Montreal for pitcher Dave Veres and catcher Raul Chavez. Berry helps Houston to two division titles. Chavez returns to the Astros organization in 2000, working his way into a backup role during 2004 and 2005 where he launched a home run in postseason play. 

1976 – Aubrey Huff is born in Marion, OH. A mid-summer acquisition in 2006, the versatile lefty hits .250 with 13 homers during the second half of the season. 

1949 – Cecil Cooper is born in Brenham, TX. After a 17-year career in the American League, Cooper is named as the first African-American manager of the Astros in 2007. He would compile a 171-170 record until he is dismissed late in the 2009 season.

Todays Major League Birthdays On December 20

Troy Herriage Stats & Facts

Troy Herriage Stats & Facts

Julio Becquer Stats & Facts

Julio Becquer Stats & Facts

Dan Pfister Stats & Facts

Dan Pfister Stats & Facts

Thad Tillotson Stats & Facts

Thad Tillotson Stats & Facts

John Noriega Stats & Facts

John Noriega Stats & Facts

Don Mason Stats & Facts

Don Mason Stats & Facts

Keith Lampard Stats & Facts

Keith Lampard Stats & Facts

Vince Colbert Stats & Facts

Vince Colbert Stats & Facts

Jim Norris Stats & Facts

Jim Norris Stats & Facts

Oscar Gamble Stats & Facts

Oscar Gamble Stats & Facts

Cecil Cooper

Cecil Cooper Stats & Facts

Mike Hart Stats & Facts

Mike Hart Stats & Facts

Paul Moskau Stats & Facts

Paul Moskau Stats & Facts

Carl Yowell Stats & Facts

Carl Yowell Stats & Facts

Spud Davis Stats & Facts

Spud Davis Stats & Facts

Art McLarney Stats & Facts

Art McLarney Stats & Facts

Calvin Chapman Stats & Facts

Calvin Chapman Stats & Facts

Tommy Irwin Stats & Facts

Tommy Irwin Stats & Facts

Marv Felderman Stats & Facts

Marv Felderman Stats & Facts

Julio Gonzalez Stats & Facts

Julio Gonzalez Stats & Facts

Grant Dunlap Stats & Facts

Grant Dunlap Stats & Facts

Erik Goeddel Page

Erik Goeddel Page

Bruce Maxwell Page

Bruce Maxwell Page

Joey Krehbiel Page

Joey Krehbiel Page

Bryse Wilson Page

Bryse Wilson Page

Bill Laskey Stats & Facts

Bill Laskey Stats & Facts

Jose DeLeon Stats & Facts

Jose DeLeon Stats & Facts

Fernando Ramsey Stats & Facts

Fernando Ramsey Stats & Facts

Jeff Mutis Stats & Facts

Jeff Mutis Stats & Facts

Marc Valdes Stats & Facts

Marc Valdes Stats & Facts

Augie Ojeda Stats & Facts

Augie Ojeda Stats & Facts

Aubrey Huff Stats & Facts

Aubrey Huff Stats & Facts

David DeJesus Stats & Facts

David DeJesus Stats & Facts

Luke Carlin Stats & Facts

Luke Carlin Stats & Facts

James Shields Stats & Facts

James Shields Stats & Facts

Chris Narveson Stats & Facts

Chris Narveson Stats & Facts

David Wright Stats & Facts

David Wright Stats & Facts

Tyler Sturdevant Stats & Facts

Tyler Sturdevant Stats & Facts

Joe Gormley Stats & Facts

Joe Gormley Stats & Facts

Bill McCauley Stats & Facts

Bill McCauley Stats & Facts

Jimmy Williams Stats & Facts

Jimmy Williams Stats & Facts

Doc Moskiman Stats & Facts

Doc Moskiman Stats & Facts

Bob Hall Stats & Facts

Bob Hall Stats & Facts

Ham Wade Stats & Facts

Ham Wade Stats & Facts

Joe Wilhoit Stats & Facts

Joe Wilhoit Stats & Facts

Paddy Baumann Stats & Facts

Paddy Baumann Stats & Facts

Joe Berger Stats & Facts

Joe Berger Stats & Facts

fred merkle 1912

Fred Merkle Stats & Facts

Deacon Jones Stats & Facts

Deacon Jones Stats & Facts

Butch Henline Stats & Facts

Butch Henline Stats & Facts

Snooks Dowd Stats & Facts

Snooks Dowd Stats & Facts

George Pipgras Stats & Facts

George Pipgras Stats & Facts

Herm Doscher Stats & Facts

Herm Doscher Stats & Facts

Jack Manning Stats & Facts

Jack Manning Stats & Facts

Harry Stovey Stats & Facts

Harry Stovey Stats & Facts

Branch Rickey Stats & Facts

Branch Rickey Stats & Facts

Gabby Hartnett Stats & Facts

Gabby Hartnett Stats & Facts

Major League Baseball Deaths On December 20

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