On January 5 on this day in baseball history, there were notable events, debuts, birthdays, deaths, and final games all on January 5 on this Day In Baseball history. 

PODCAST – Don Wilson Passes Away

Subscribe to our Podcast

on Apples Podcast | Spotify  | Google | Stitcher

And connect with us wherever else you listen to Podcast.

[saf]

Events on January 5 – Major League Baseball History 

Sort bySearch Days, Events, Players Title (A - Z)Date (Newest)

January 5, 1906

John McGraw and jockey Tod Sloan open a billiard parlour at 34th Street and Broadway

January 5, 1915

Philadelphia Athletics purchase future Hall of Famer Nap Lajoie

January 5, 1915

The Federal League sues organized baseball, claiming it to be an illegal trust and asking that it be dissolved and all contracts voided

January 5, 1916

Charles H. Weeghman buys the Cubs

January 5, 1920

Ruth deal announced

January 5, 1920

I think the Yankees are taking a gamble. While Ruth is undoubtedly the greatest hitter the game has ever seen, he is likewise one of the most selfish and inconsiderate men ever to put on a baseball uniform.

January 5, 1925

French Baseball Federation presents medals to Giants’ manager John McGraw, Jennings and Comiskey

January 5, 1927

Judge Landis begins a three-day public hearing to investigate the allegation the Detroit Tigers threw a four-game series to the Chicago White Sox in 1917

January 5, 1931

Lucille Thomas becomes the first woman to purchase a professional baseball team

January 5, 1934

An early afternoon five-hour blaze destroys much of Fenway Park’s newly-constructed concrete and steel left-field grandstand and center-field bleachers

January 5, 1943

Teams agree to start the season later than usual and prepare to train in northern areas because of World War II. Resorts, armories, and university facilities are chosen for training sites

January 5, 1944

Long time American League third baseman Joe Dugan, hit by a car while crossing a Boston street, escapes with a slight concussion and a lacerated scalp.

January 5, 1946

St. Louis Cardinals sell star catcher Walker Cooper to the New York Giants for a record $175,000

January 5, 1957

Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers officially announces his retirement, voiding a recent trade to the rival New York Giants

January 5, 1960

The Continental League, a proposed third major league, gets an assurance of congressional support from New York Senator Kenneth Keating.

January 5, 1961

A contest to name the new Houston ballclub is announced. Entries will be accepted through the end of the month by the Houston Sports Association.

January 5, 1963

Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby dies at the age of 66 from a heart attack

January 5, 1965

1965 – James M. Johnston and James H. Lemon purchase the remaining 40 percent of the Washington Senators’ stock to acquire complete control of the club.

January 5, 1974

Due to heavy financial losses, Rheingold Beer announces it will close its Brooklyn-based plant. As as a result, the brewery will be forced to end its 13-year relationship with the Mets as the team’s primary radio-TV sponsor.

January 5, 1975

Pitcher Don Wilson , at age 29, dies at home from carbon monoxide poisoning.

January 5, 1979

1979 – The Minnesota Twins re-sign reentry free agent pitcher Mike Marshall.

January 5, 1982

1982 – Free agent pitcher Frank Tanana signs a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers.

January 5, 1983

1983 – The Cincinnati Reds send pinch-hitter Mike Vail to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitcher Rich Gale.

January 5, 1984

New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Phil Niekro to a two-year contract

January 5, 1989

1989 – Three weeks after signing a record four-year, $1.1 billion network television contract with CBS, Major League Baseball signs a $400 million contract with ESPN. The deal will put 175 games per year on cable television beginning in 1990.

January 5, 1993

Reggie Jackson is the lone player elected by the Baseball Writers Association of America to the Hall of Fame

January 5, 1993

The Houston Astros sign free agents Kevin Bass and Jose Uribe.

January 5, 1994

The Mets trade Vince Coleman to the Royals along with $500,000, reacquiring Kevin McReynolds

January 5, 1995

1995 – According to players’ union chief Donald Fehr, all 835 unsigned major league players are free agents since the owners unilaterally changed the uniform contract.

January 5, 1997

1997 – Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield escapes serious injury when he is hit by a car while out jogging. He is released from the hospital after being treated for bruises.

January 5, 1998

Don Sutton gets into the Hall of Fame on his fifth try

January 5, 1999

In their first year of eligibility, George Brett, Nolan Ryan and Robin Yount are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America

January 5, 1999

Yogi Berra receives an apology from Yankees owner George Steinbrenner

January 5, 2000

2000 – The Los Angeles Dodgers sign free agent pitcher Gregg Olson to a two-year contract.

January 5, 2001

Free agent signings include outfielder Reggie Sanders by the Diamondbacks; infielder Greg Norton by the Rockies, both for one year; and pitcher Mark Guthrie by the Athletics for two years.

January 5, 2001

Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, who has won seven batting titles in the Pacific League, is signed by the Seattle Mariners to a $14,088,000, three-year contract.

January 5, 2001

The plan to name a new downtown Montréal, QC ballpark “Labatt Park” dim as the Canadian Labatt Brewing Company announces it is ending its 15-year sponsorship of the Expos. The company cites the lack of a local television contract and stalled stadium plans as factors in the decision.

January 5, 2001

The St. Louis Cardinals, needing help due the departures of infielder Shawon Dunston and outfielder Eric Davis, sign their first free agents of the off-season: outfielders Bobby Bonilla, Bernard Gilkey and John Mabry, and infielder Shane Andrews.

January 5, 2004

former reliever Tug McGraw dies at the age of 59

January 5, 2006

In a trade involving four pitchers, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Jae Seo and Tim Hamulack from the New York Mets in exchange for Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll.

January 5, 2006

Jeff Conine and the Baltimore Orioles finalize a $1.7 million, one-year contract. Conine, who was with the Orioles from 1999 to 2003, hit .304 and had a .374 on-base percentage in 131 games for the Florida Marlins last season, batting .327 after the All-Star break.

January 5, 2006

Major League Baseball files for mediation against the District of Columbia after the city failed to approve a lease for the Washington Nationals’ new ballpark by the December 31st deadline.

January 5, 2006

The Texas Rangers complete their six-player trade with the San Diego Padres to acquire starting pitcher Adam Eaton. Texas also gets relief pitcher Akinori Otsuka and minor league catcher Billy Killian, sending pitcher Chris Young, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Terrmel Sledge to San Diego in a deal that will turn out to be outrageously in favor of the Padres.

January 5, 2007

Felipe Alou is named special assistant to Brian Sabean, general manager of the Giants. The team’s 72 year-old former manager (2003-06), handling both major league and minor League scouting assignments, will provide insights on personnel for the GM.

January 5, 2009

The Chicago Cubs reach a preliminary agreement with free agent Milton Bradley for three years and $30 million. Bradley led the American League in on-base percentage last season (.436) but has not played the outfield regularly for five years. The signing will turn out to be a huge bust.

January 5, 2009

The Tampa Bay Rays come to terms with Pat Burrell, whose Phillies beat Tampa Bay in the 2008 World Series. The deal is for two years and $16 million. Burrell hit 33 homers and drew 102 walks last season, but his production will plummet in Tampa.

January 5, 2009

According to reports, a preliminary agreement has been reached between the Cubs and free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley on a $30 million, three-year deal. The switch-hitting All-Star, who batted .321 and led the American League with a .436 on-base percentage, will fill the team’s need for a left-handed presence in the middle of the lineup.

January 5, 2010

OF Matt Holliday signs a seven-year deal worth $120 million to stay with the St. Louis Cardinals. The contract is the largest awarded this offseason and the biggest in team history, surpassing that of superstar Albert Pujols.

January 5, 2010

Randy Johnson, who won his 300th game with the San Francisco Giants last season, announces his retirement, ending a 22-year career that began with the Montreal Expos in 1988. The 6’10” lefthander amassed 4875 strikeouts, the second-most in major league history after Nolan Ryan, and pitched both a no-hitter and a perfect game while winning five Cy Young Awards.

January 5, 2010

The Atlanta Braves sign 3B Troy Glaus to a one-year deal.

January 5, 2010

In a deal intended to strengthen Philadelphia’s bullpen, right-handed reliever Danys Baez (4-6, 4.02) and the Phillies come to terms on a $5.25 million, two-year contract. The 32 year-old former Baltimore closer will be used with Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero as a setup man but could become an option to replace an unreliable Brad Lidge, who led the majors last season with 11 blown saves while compiling an 0-8 record along with a 7.21 ERA.

January 5, 2011

Jeff Bagwell draws 41.7% of the vote in his first year on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, which sets off a debate about Bagwell’s credentials and suspicions of steroid use. Bagwell insists he’s never used them and no accuser has comes forward with any proof yet that doesn’t seem to be good enough for some writers who declare their opposition. 

January 5, 2011

Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven are voted into the Hall of Fame when the results of the 2011 Hall of Fame Election are announced. Alomar, twice a World Champion with the Toronto Blue Jays and a perennial Gold Glove winner at second base, makes it in his second year on the ballot. For workhorse pitcher Blyleven, it’s been harder. He started out at 17.5% in his first year of eligibility, and finally crossed the 75% threshold in his 14th year after a dedicated campaign on his behalf conducted through the internet. Once again, voters express their disgust with avowed steroid users, as Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro, both members of the 500 home run club, finish well down on the ballot.

January 5, 2011

The Rangers land a big name free agent, signing 3B Adrian Beltre to a six-year deal worth $96 million. The signing means veteran Michael Young will move from 3B to DH, the third time the acquisition of a new teammate has resulted in a switch of position for him.

January 5, 2011

Adrian Beltre agrees to a $96 million, six-year deal with the Rangers, the reigning American League champs. The acquisition of the All-Star third baseman will make incumbent Michael Young the team’s designated hitter, giving Texas a potent lineup and a much-improved defense.

January 5, 2012

The Cubs trade P Carlos Zambrano to Miami in return for P Chris Volstad. Zambrano, who walked out on his team after a rough outing on August 12th, is considered a chronic malcontent in spite of his success over the years and the new regime in Chicago did not want to have to put up with his periodic tantrums. The Marlins are glad to take him, however, as new manager Ozzie Guillen is one of the Big Z’s closest friends and is convinced he can keep him focused on playing the game.

January 5, 2012

The Mariners sign Japanese P Hisashi Iwakuma to a one-year contract as a free agent. Iwakuma had gone through the posting system a year ago, but the 2008 Pacific League MVP failed to agree on a contract with the winning bidders, the Oakland A’s. For their part, the Yankees announce they have been unable to reach an agreement with SS Hiroyuki Nakajima, whose rights they secured through the posting system last month; Nakajima will return to play for the Seibu Lions this season.

January 5, 2012

The Rockies acquire 1B Chad Tracy, the son of manager Jim Tracy, in a deal with the Rangers for former top draft pick Greg Reynolds. Colorado also signs 3B Casey Blake as a free agent.

January 5, 2012

The Cubs trade Carlos Zambrano to the Marlins for right-hander Chris Volstad and cash. The 30 year-old right-hander will join fellow Venezuelan Ozzie Guillen, Miami’s new manager, who has been publicly supportive during the combative hurler’s controversial moments, which have included firing a ball into the outfield and physically fighting with teammates.

January 5, 2013

2013 – The Rangers sign free agent Lance Berkman and plan to use his as their DH this season.

January 5, 2014

2014 – Veteran player, manager, broadcaster and World War II and Korean War hero Jerry Coleman passes away at age 89. An infielder for the New York Yankees from 1949 to 1957, he spent 71 years in the game, acting as a broadcaster for the San Diego Padres since 1972 – except for one-year hiatus in 1980 when he managed the Friars.

January 5, 2015

2015 – A few signings are announced today, as the White Sox ink utility player Emilio Bonifacio to a one-year deal, the Phillies sign starting pitcher Aaron Harang and the Rockies add catcher Nick Hundley to their squad.

January 5, 2017

2017 – In an embarrassing moment, manager Pat Kelly of the Tigres del Licey in the Venezuelan League comes to the mound to replace reliever Rafael Soriano in trying to protect a 2- – 0 lead in the 8th inning without realizing no one is warming up in the bullpen. He is forced to bring in a cold Leyson Septimo to the mound, who walks the first batter he faces as the Águilas del Zulia score five times in the inning and win the game, 5 – 2. Kelly’s bosses are not amused, as he is fired the next day.

Major League Baseball Birthdays On January 5th

Sort bySearch Days, Events, Players Title (A - Z)

Bob Oldis Stats & Facts

Earl Battey Stats & Facts

Daryl Robertson Stats & Facts

Bud Bloomfield Stats & Facts

Wally Wolf Stats & Facts

Charlie Vinson Stats & Facts

Tom Kelley Stats & Facts

Sandy Vance Stats & Facts

Bill Laxton Stats & Facts

Charlie Hough Stats & Facts

Bob Reece Stats & Facts

Luke Sewell Stats & Facts

Regis Leheny Stats & Facts

Ted Petoskey Stats & Facts

Jack Salveson Stats & Facts

Joe Grace Stats & Facts

Jack Kramer Stats & Facts

Fred Marsh Stats & Facts

J. P. Arencibia Page

Eduardo Escobar Page

Danny Ortiz Page

Jose Iglesias Page

C. J. Cron Page

A. J. Cole Page

Jim Gantner Stats & Facts

John Littlefield Stats & Facts

Bob Dernier Stats & Facts

Ron Kittle Stats & Facts

Milt Thompson Stats & Facts

Roger Samuels Stats & Facts

John Russell Stats & Facts

Henry Cotto Stats & Facts

Danny Jackson Stats & Facts

Jeff Fassero Stats & Facts

John Davis Stats & Facts

Juan Nieves Stats & Facts

Steve Shifflett Stats & Facts

Chris Nabholz Stats & Facts

Jason Bates Stats & Facts

Ramon Tatis Stats & Facts

Fred Rath Stats & Facts

Mark Redman Stats & Facts

Ryan Minor Stats & Facts

Damon Minor Stats & Facts

Kevin Witt Stats & Facts

Eric Junge Stats & Facts

Ruben Quevedo Stats & Facts

Andy Cavazos Stats & Facts

Nori Aoki Stats & Facts

Bob Caruthers Stats & Facts

Bill Dahlen Stats & Facts

Izzy Hoffman Stats & Facts

William Matthews Stats & Facts

Zaza Harvey Stats & Facts

Dutch Jordan Stats & Facts

Newt Hunter Stats & Facts

Jim Byrnes Stats & Facts

Art Fletcher Stats & Facts

Rube Foster Stats & Facts

Benny Kauff Stats & Facts

Chuck Wortman Stats & Facts

Art Delaney Stats & Facts

Riggs Stephenson Stats & Facts

Bob Kinsella Stats & Facts

Bill Hunnefield Stats & Facts

George Newell Stats & Facts

John McGlone Stats & Facts

Ban Johnson Stats & Facts

Major League Baseball Deaths on January 5 

Sort bySearch Days, Events, Players Title (A - Z)

Jay Ritchie Stats & Facts

Tug McGraw Stats & Facts

Don Wilson Stats & Facts

Clay Van Alstyne Stats & Facts

Neal Baker Stats & Facts

Emil Roy Stats & Facts

George Washburn Stats & Facts

Rod Dedeaux Stats & Facts

Elmer Singleton Stats & Facts

Dale Mitchell Stats & Facts

Jerry Coleman Stats & Facts

Jack Brittin Stats & Facts

Bobby Balcena Stats & Facts

Charlie Kelly Stats & Facts

Rabbit Maranville Stats & Facts

Rogers Hornsby Stats & Facts