This Day In Baseball December 7

Ted Williams

Baseball history on December 7 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.

 

 

1876 – The first annual meeting of the National League is held. The New York Mutuals and the Philadelphia Athletics are expelled because the two teams had decided not to play their final games in the west without permission. Also, William Hulbert is elected to succeed Morgan Bulkeley as president.

1881 – At the National League’s annual meeting, the owners reject the applications of Phil Baker and Charley Jones for reinstatement.

1887 – The Arbitration Committee meets and grants reserve rights to minor league clubs for the first time. In the most prominent contract dispute‚ prospect Bug Holliday signs with minor league Des Moines‚ despite the claims by major league St. Louis.

1898 – Roy Thomas‚ University of Pennsylvania outfielder‚ is signed by the Phillies for next season. Sporting Life calls him the “greatest amateur player of this generation.”

Chief Bender signs a two-year deal with the Federal League; he will be assigned to Baltimore.

Chief Bender signs a two-year deal with the Federal League; he will be assigned to Baltimore.

The Red Sox acquire the contract of 19-year-old Ted Williams from San Diego (Pacific Coast League).

The Red Sox acquire the contract of 19-year-old Ted Williams from San Diego (Pacific Coast League).

The National League extends permission for night baseball but the American League refuses to permit arc light games.

Five of baseball's pioneers are added to the Hall of Fame: Connie Mack‚ John McGraw‚ Morgan G. Bulkeley‚ Ban Johnson‚ and George Wright.

Five of baseball’s pioneers are added to the Hall of Fame: Connie Mack‚ John McGraw‚ Morgan G. Bulkeley‚ Ban Johnson‚ and George Wright.

At the urging of Senator owner Clark Griffith, the other American League owners enact a rule prohibiting the league’s pennant winner from buying, selling or trading players during the following season. The winter meeting decision appears to have the desired effect as the Yankees finish in third place.

Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig is elected to the Hall of Fame

Robert “Lefty” Grove announces his retirement

Robert “Lefty” Grove announces his retirement

Al Lopez

The Indians send young OF Gene Woodling to Pittsburgh for veteran receiver Al Lopez

Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench is born in Oklahoma City, OK.

Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench is born in Oklahoma City, OK.

After ten years in pinstripes‚ Charlie "King Kong" Keller is released by the Yankees. He'll sign for a season in Detroit.

After ten years in pinstripes‚ Charlie “King Kong” Keller is released by the Yankees. He’ll sign for a season in Detroit.

Tony Kubek is selected by the BBWAA as the American League Rookie of the Year

Tony Kubek is selected by the BBWAA as the American League Rookie of the Year

1959 – American League umpires Bill Summers and Ed Rommel retire.

Detroit trades 2B Frank Bolling and a player to be named later (OF Neil Chrisley) to Milwaukee for OF Bill Bruton‚ 2B Chuck Cottier‚ C Dick Brown‚ and P Terry Fox.

Detroit trades 2B Frank Bolling and a player to be named later (OF Neil Chrisley) to Milwaukee for OF Bill Bruton‚ 2B Chuck Cottier‚ C Dick Brown‚ and P Terry Fox.

Tom Tresh, the Yankees shortstop and left fielder, is selected as the American League's Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA

Tom Tresh, the Yankees shortstop and left fielder, is selected as the American League’s Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA

J.G. Taylor Spink, the publisher of The Sporting News, dies at the age of 74

1966 – The Cubs trade P Dick Ellsworth to the Phils for P Ray Culp and cash.

1967 – The Yankees trade C Bob Tillman and P Dale Roberts to the Braves for minor leaguer Bobby Cox.

"Lefty" O'Doul, one of the most popular figures in baseball history, dies at the age of 72

“Lefty” O’Doul, one of the most popular figures in baseball history, dies at the age of 72

Juan Marichal 1963

San Francisco Giants sell future Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal to the Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox make a 5 player deal acquiring Reggie Cleveland

Piniella_Lou

The Royals deal outfielder Lou Piniella and pitcher Ken Wright to the Yankees for veteran pitcher Lindy McDaniel.

1976 – The Seattle Mariners make their first-ever trade. Grant Jackson goes to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Craig Reynolds and Jimmy Sexton.

1977 – In a swap that helps both teams‚ the Orioles trade P Rudy May‚ Randy Miller‚ and Bryn Smith to the Expos for P Don Stanhouse‚ P Joe Kerrigan‚ and OF Gary Roenicke.

1978 – The Red Sox trade P Bill Lee to the Expos for IF Stan Papi.

The Tigers swap OF Ron LeFlore to the Expos for P Dan Schatzeder.

The Cardinals trade OF Jerry Mumphrey and P John Denny to the Indians for OF Bobby Bonds.

The Cardinals trade OF Jerry Mumphrey and P John Denny to the Indians for OF Bobby Bonds.

Darrell Porter signs with Cardinals

Darrell Porter signs with Cardinals

The Royals trade P Mike Armstrong and minor league C Duane Dewey to the Yankees for slugger Steve Balboni and P Roger Erickson.

The Reds sign their first major free agent: OF Dave Parker‚ who accepts a two-year contract.

The Mariners trade 2B Tony Bernazard to the Indians for OF Gorman Thomas and IF Jack Perconte.

The Mariners trade 2B Tony Bernazard to the Indians for OF Gorman Thomas and IF Jack Perconte.

In a complicated three-team swap‚ pitcher Scott Sanderson is traded from the Expos to the Cubs. Montreal receives pitcher Gary Lucas from San Diego‚ and the Padres get P Craig Lefferts‚ 1B-OF Carmelo Martinez and 3B Fritzie Connally from Chicago, and IF Al Newman from Montreal.

The Mets send right-handed starter Walt Terrell to the Tigers in exchange for infielder Howard Johnson

The Mets send right-handed starter Walt Terrell to the Tigers in exchange for infielder Howard Johnson

1987 – Free agent OF Bob Dernier‚ who hit a career-high .317 with 31 stolen bases for the Cubs last season‚ signs a one-year contract with his original major league club‚ the Phillies.

Bill Wood is named General Manager. He had been the interim GM for two months and gets the official word right before baseball’s winter meetings begin.

Texas Rangers sign pitcher Nolan Ryan 

1989 – Storm Davis‚ 19-7 for the A’s last season‚ signs as a free agent with the Royals. Other free agent signees include Craig Lefferts (San Diego)‚ Pete O’Brien (Seattle)‚ Oil Can Boyd (Montreal)‚ and Keith Hernandez (Cleveland).

Houston has a tentative deal in place with the Chicago White Sox. The Sox want pitcher Mark Portugal and are expected to trade a disappointing outfielder who hit just .203 after being acquired from the Texas Rangers. Eventually, the White Sox find a better offer for Sammy Sosa and the deal never happens. 

Paul Molitor leaves the Milwaukee Brewers to sign a free agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays

Paul Molitor leaves the Milwaukee Brewers to sign a free agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays

The Reds sign free agent OF Roberto Kelly to a three-year contract.

The Reds sign free agent OF Roberto Kelly to a three-year contract.

The owners, meeting in Louisville, KY, vote to re-open the collective bargaining agreement. They focus on free agency, salary arbitration, and salary minimums.

1994 – The Cardinals trade 2B Luis Alicea to the Red Sox in exchange for P Nate Minchey and minor league OF Jeff McNeely.

New York Yankees acquire first baseman Tino Martinez and pitcher Jeff Nelson from the Seattle Mariners

The Red Sox sign free agent OF-DH Jose Canseco to a two-year contract.

1997 – Jeff Bagwell blasts the front office after pitcher and close friend Darryl Kile agrees to a contract with the Colorado Rockies. Bagwell disputes the numbers the Astros say they offered Kile to stay. General Manager Gerry Hunsicker says he’s disappointed with the reaction of his star player. 

The Diamondbacks lure Padres free agent OF Steve Finley with a four-year contract.

The Cubs sign two free agents, 3B Gary Gaetti and OF Glenallen Hill.

1999 – In a disappointment to the Mets‚ the Mariners sign free agent 1B John Olerud to a three-year contract.

The Mariners sign Mets’ free-agent first baseman John Olerud to a $20-million, three-year deal. The former Washington State University All-American will garner a Gold Glove in each of his three seasons in Seattle, and he will play a pivotal role in the team’s historic 116-46 campaign in 2001, compiling a .401 on-base percentage.

2000 – The Red Sox sign free agent P Frank Castillo to a two-year contract.

The Orioles sign free agent OF Brady Anderson to a one-year contract.

The Mets send 3B Robin Ventura to the Yankees in exchange for OF David Justice. It is the first deal between the two New York teams in eight years.

The Blue Jays trade closer Billy Koch to the A’s. In return‚ Toronto gets minor league 3B Eric Hinske and minor league P Justin Miller.

Figures released by Major League Baseball show that the Milwaukee Brewers were baseball’s most profitable club‚ after revenue sharing‚ in 2001. Without revenue sharing‚ the Brewers were the fourth-most profitable team.

2002 – The Giants sign free agent 2B Ray Durham to a three-year contract.

2003 – The Giants sign free agent OF Michael Tucker to a two-year contract.

The Toronto Blue Jays acquire solid-hitting first baseman Lyle Overbay and right-handed pitching prospect Ty Taubenheim in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers; going the other way are pitcher David Bush and pitching prospect Zach Jackson, as well as outfielder Gabe Gross.

The Rangers trade 2B Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals for OF-1B Brad Wilkerson‚ OF Terrmel Sledge and minor league P Armando Galarraga.

The Marlins shed the last of their high-priced talent, trading CF speedster Juan Pierre to the Cubs for P Sergio Mitre and minor league Ps Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto.

The Dodgers hire former Red Sox manager Grady Little as their new manager.

The Rangers trade Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge, and minor league pitching prospect Armando Galarraga. By dumping the All-Star second baseman’s salary, Texas frees up funds to seek much-needed pitching.

The Diamondbacks acquire All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada (.261, 4, 39) from the Braves for a pair of right-handed relievers, Lance Cormier (7-3, 5.11) and Oscar Villarreal (2-0, 5.27). The deal, which is the first for Arizona’s new general manager Josh Byrnes, fills the D-Backs’ need for a starting backstop and provides Atlanta to give emerging rookie Brian McCann more playing time.

The Royals sign a five-year deal with P Gil Meche.

The Braves trade P Horacio Ramirez to the Mariners for P Rafael Soriano.

Near the end of the Winter Meetings, the Royals sign Gil Meche to a five-year deal valued $55 million, which matches Mike Sweeney’s contract as the largest in franchise history. During his five years in the major leagues, all with the Mariners, the 28 year-old right-hander has compiled a 55-44 career record with an earned-run average of 4.65 in 147 games.

The Pittsburgh Pirates deal veteran reliever Salomon Torres (10th on the team’s games pitched leaderboard at the time) to the Milwaukee Brewers for Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts, two minor leaguers. Torres, a resident of the Pittsburgh suburbs, says he is considering retirement rather than reporting, but will decide to stay active for one more year. He will have a solid year as Milwaukee’s closer while Salas will only pitch 13 games for the Pirates, with a 8.47 ERA, and Roberts won’t reach the majors.

Barry Bonds pleads not guilty to five charges of perjury and obstruction of justice in federal hearings regarding the BALCO investigation.

The Veterans Committee holds two votes for election to the Hall of Fame, in the managers and umpires category and the executives category. In the first group, former umpire Doug Harvey and manager Whitey Herzog are elected and will be inducted in 2010. No one from the second group receives the required 75% of votes. Harvey is the first umpire elected in 11 years.

The 2009 Winter Meetings start slowly in Indianapolis, IN, with the only deals announced on the first day being SS Adam Everett re-signing with the Tigers for one year, and the Nationals acquiring reliever Brian Bruney from the Yankees for a player to be named later.

The Lowell Spinners, the Red Sox short-season affiliate, well-known for their unique promotional events, publicly extend an invitation to Michaele and Tareq Salahi to attend the team’s Eighth Annual Alumni Dinner to be held later this month at the city’s Memorial Auditorium. The infamous couple has become recently newsworthy for their appearance at a White House State Dinner without being included on the guest list.

Signings today include OF Matt Diaz going to the Pirates and utility player Ty Wigginton going to Colorado, both on two-year deals, and the Mets reaching agreement with P D.J. Carrasco and C Ronny Paulino. Paulino still has 8 games remaining on 50-game suspension for PED use which he began to serve as a member of the Marlins at the end of last season.

A judge in the divorce proceedings of Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt muddies the waters when he invalidates a 2004 marital property agreement that stated the Dodgers were McCourt’s sole property. As a result, his former wife Jamie is recognized as half-owner of the team; she is considering selling her share to outside investors.

Tim McCarver is named the recipient of the Hall of Fame’s Ford Frick Award for 2012 in recognition of his three decades as a national broadcaster following his playing career.

The Yankees win the posting for SS Hiroyuki Nakajima from the Seibu Lions, and now have 30 days to reach a contract agreement. Nakajima is being considered as a back-up infielder in New York but the two sides will fail to come to an agreement on contract terms.

The Marlins continue their free agent signing binge, adding P Mark Buehrle with a four-year, $48 million deal days after signing two other top players, closer Heath Bell and SS Jose Reyes. Buehrle will rejoin manager Ozzie Guillen, who was his manager with the Chicago White Sox since 2004. Meanwhile, the Padres acquire closer Huston Street from the Rockies to take over for Bell.

The Houston Astros hire Jeff Luhnow to be their new General Manager, one week after Ed Wade was fired. Luhnow was a Vice-President with the St. Louis Cardinals, responsible for overseing their drafting and for player development in Latin America.

At the Winter Meetings, Jose Reyes is introduced as the Marlins’ new shortstop. The 28 year-old switch-hitting infielder, the NL’s batting champ, signed a six-year, $106 million contract to play with Miami after the cash-strapped Mets showed little interest in retaining their homegrown All-Star.

Jacoby Ellsbury agrees to a seven-year deal, valued around $153 million, to patrol center field for the Yankees, joining Brian McCann as the team’s second major free-agent signing this week. The outfielder, who played a major role in the Red Sox’ World Championship last season, also received offers from his former team, the Tigers, and Mariners.

The Veterans Committee fails to elect any of the ten candidates from the “pre-integration era” up for consideration for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. Early baseball pioneer Doc Adams comes closest with 10 votes out of the 12 required.

The Red Sox trade P Wade Miley to Seattle, along with P Jonathan Aro, in return for Ps Roenis Elias and Carson Smith.

A trade between the Reds and Dodgers for All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman is held up when a police report emerges that the player fired a gun eight times after a domestic altercation on October 30th. While no charges were made a the time, the incident is still under investigation by police and Chapman also faces a possible suspension under Major League Baseball’s new domestic violence policy.

The Diamondbacks obtain right-handed starter Shelby Miller from the Braves for outfielder Ender Inciarte, pitching prospect Aaron Blair, and Dansby Swanson, the first player selected in this year’s MLB June Amateur Draft. The deal marks the first time a #1 overall pick has been traded within the first year of their career, a move made possible because teams are now allowed to trade recently drafted picks after the World Series.

There is a lot of action at the Winter Meetings in National Harbor, MD. The Nationals acquire OF Adam Eaton from the White Sox for three young pitchers: Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning. The Royals trade closer Wade Davis to the Cubs in return for OF Jorge Soler and the Giants send P Chris Heston to the Mariners for a player to be named. Finally, the Rockies sign SS-turned-OF Ian Desmond for five years and $70 million.

Bill King, former broadcaster for the Oakland Athletics, is honored posthumously as the winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for meritorious service in baseball broadcasting. The award will be bestowed as part of the 2017 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The Marlins trade 2B Dee Gordon to the Mariners for three prospects, Ps Nick Neidert and Robert Dugger and IF Christopher Torres. The Mariners also receive $1 million in international bonus pool money, which is clearly intended to make a bid to sign Japanese star Shohei Ohtani. Gordon is expected to move to the outfield with Robinson Cano entrenched at 2B for Seattle.

The Cubs sign free agent P Tyler Chatwood to a three-year deal worth $38 million. While Chatwood led the NL with 15 losses last year, he has also posted excellent road ERAs for the last two seasons and is seen as a potential break-out candidate now that he no longer needs to pitch his home games in Coors Field.

Dick Allen passes away at age 78

Dick Allen passes away at age 78

Todays Major League Birthdays On December 7

Major League Baseball Deaths On December 7

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