1886 – The official American Association batting averages show Dave Orr with .346 edging Bob Caruthers and Guy Hecker, both at .342.

1899 – The National League announces that, starting next season, there will be two umpires working each game.

The National League announces starting next season there will be two umpires working each game. A crew of four umps employed for all regular season games will not begin until 1952.

1931 – New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert buys the Newark Bears International League franchise. The Bears will be very successful and will send many players to New York.

Yankee owner Jacob Ruppert buys the International League’s Newark franchise. The Bears will be very successful, sending many players to the Bronx which include Charlie Keller, Joe Gordon, and Spud Chandler.

Yankee owner Jacob Ruppert buys the International League’s Newark franchise. The Bears will be very successful, sending many players to the Bronx which include Charlie Keller, Joe Gordon, and Spud Chandler.

bucky harris

Washington Senators hire future Hall of Famer Bucky Harris as manager

1934 – Bucky Harris, who managed the 1924 and 1925 American League champion Washington Senators, is hired back to D.C. to replace youthful Joe Cronin, who has been sold to the Boston Red Sox.

Bucky Harris is hired again in Washington, replacing recently-sold manager Joe Cronin. The ‘Boy Wonder,’ previously managed the Senators to American League championships in 1924 and 1925.

Bucky Harris is hired again in Washington, replacing recently-sold manager Joe Cronin. The ‘Boy Wonder,’ previously managed the Senators to American League championships in 1924 and 1925.

1951 – Lefty O’Doul’s All-Stars, including Joe DiMaggio, Ferris Fain and Billy Martin, lose 3 – 1 to a Pacific League All-Star team. This is only the second time since 1922 that an American professional team has lost to Japan, and the first time to professional players.

The Japanese Pacific League All-Star team beats Lefty O’Doul’s All-Stars, 3-1. The contest marks the first time American pros have lost to professional players of another country.

The Japanese Pacific League All-Star team beats Lefty O’Doul’s All-Stars, 3-1. The contest marks the first time American pros have lost to professional players of another country.

1958 – Mayor Robert Wagner of New York announces preliminary plans for a third major league. Chairman William Shea, of what will become the Continental League, says it is apparent that the National League is going to ignore New York City. He implies that the new league will be free to raid major league rosters.

After trying to woo the Reds, Phillies, and Pirates to come to the Big Apple, New York’s mayor Robert Wagner, who appointed a four-person committee to bring the National League back to the city, announces the preliminary plans for the Continental League. Chairman William Shea, proposes the new league, implying that the upstart circuit might raid National and American League rosters due to baseball’s refusal to consider expansion.

After trying to woo the Reds, Phillies, and Pirates to come to the Big Apple, New York’s mayor Robert Wagner, who appointed a four-person committee to bring the National League back to the city, announces the preliminary plans for the Continental League. Chairman William Shea, proposes the new league, implying that the upstart circuit might raid National and American League rosters due to baseball’s refusal to consider expansion.

At the beginning of his induction speech at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Branch Rickey mumbles to the audience before collapsing over the podium, “I don’t believe I’m going to be able to speak any longer.” The 83 year-old baseball executive, who suffered a massive heart attack on stage, will remain unconscious while in intensive care at Boone County Memorial Hospital in Columbia, Missouri before dying three weeks later.

1967 – Following a meeting of National League owners, president Warren Giles says the league will not stand in the way of American League expansion to Seattle and Kansas City.

1968 – St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson edges Pete Rose to win the National League MVP Award.

Bob Gibson (22-9, 268 strikeouts, 1.12 ERA) wins the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award, edging out Reds infielder Pete Rose. The Cardinals’ right-hander was also the unanimous winner of the Senior Circuit’s Cy Young Award when he garnered all 20 of the first-place votes cast by the BBWAA.

Bob Gibson (22-9, 268 strikeouts, 1.12 ERA) wins the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award, edging out Reds infielder Pete Rose. The Cardinals’ right-hander was also the unanimous winner of the Senior Circuit’s Cy Young Award when he garnered all 20 of the first-place votes cast by the BBWAA.

1974 – Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey is selected National League MVP, after he hit for a .312 average with 21 home runs and 111 RBI.

Steve Garvey (.312, 21, 111) receiving 13 of the 22 first-place votes cast by the BBWAA, wins the National League MVP Award, outpointing runner-up Lou Brock. The Dodgers’ Gold Glove first baseman played a pivotal role in the team’s National League championship.

Steve Garvey (.312, 21, 111) receiving 13 of the 22 first-place votes cast by the BBWAA, wins the National League MVP Award, outpointing runner-up Lou Brock. The Dodgers’ Gold Glove first baseman played a pivotal role in the team’s National League championship.

Luis Tiant

Boston Red Sox ace Luis Tiant signs a free agent contract with the rival New York Yankees

1978 – The New York Yankees sign free agent pitcher Luis Tiant to a two-year $875,000 contract. Tiant, formerly of the Boston Red Sox, becomes the first player to sign with a new club following this year’s reentry draft.

The Yankees sign pitcher Luis Tiant as a free agent to a two-year $875,000 contract. The 38 year-old El Tiante will post 21-17 (.553) record during his tenure in New York, but will not appear in the postseason in 1980 when the team wins the American League East division.

1979 – For the first time in major league history, two players share the Most Valuable Player Award. The National League co-winners are Willie Stargell, the spiritual leader of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who hit .281 with 32 home runs, and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Keith Hernandez, who led the NL in runs (116), doubles (48) and batting average (.344).

Two players are named co-winners of the National League MVP award for the first time in major league history. Cardinal first baseman Keith Hernandez and Pirates outfielder Willie Stargell share the honor with both garnering 216 points in the BBWAA balloting, but ‘Pops’ receives ten first-place votes compared to the four cast for the Redbird infielder.

In the re-entry draft, Dave Winfield is selected by ten of the 26 teams, including the Mets, Yankees, and Braves, the front-running clubs hoping to land the San Diego superstar. The 29 year-old slugging outfielder, who will ink a record ten-year free-agent deal with the Bronx Bombers worth $16 million, is limited to signing a contract with one of the teams that had chosen him, a provision which usually weakens a free agent’s bargaining position.

In the re-entry draft, Dave Winfield is selected by ten of the 26 teams, including the Mets, Yankees, and Braves, the front-running clubs hoping to land the San Diego superstar. The 29 year-old slugging outfielder, who will ink a record ten-year free-agent deal with the Bronx Bombers worth $16 million, is limited to signing a contract with one of the teams that had chosen him, a provision which usually weakens a free agent’s bargaining position.

1984 – Ryne Sandberg wins the National League MVP Award, becoming the first Chicago Cubs player to do so since Ernie Banks in 1959. Sandberg hit .314 with 19 home runs and 32 stolen bases and led the NL in runs (114) and triples (19).

Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

1986 – Pitcher Dave Stewart, who went 9-5 for the Oakland Athletics after being released by the Phillies in May, signs a two-year contract with Oakland.

Jim Frey, the team’s former manager and broadcaster, is named the Cubs’ Director of Baseball Operations. The first major move made by the skipper of the 1984 Chicago squad that won the NL East title will be to name Don Zimmer, a longtime friend, as Chicago’s field boss.

Jim Frey, the team’s former manager and broadcaster, is named the Cubs’ Director of Baseball Operations. The first major move made by the skipper of the 1984 Chicago squad that won the NL East title will be to name Don Zimmer, a longtime friend, as Chicago’s field boss.

Boston Red Sox release veteran outfielder-designated hitter Jim Rice, ending his long major league career

1989 – After 16 years with the same team, outfielder Jim Rice is released by the Boston Red Sox. Rice retires from the game with 382 home runs and a .298 average. He will eventually be elected to the Hall of Fame.

Jim Rice is released by the Red Sox, ending his 16-year tenure with the club. The future Hall of Fame outfielder/DH, who played his entire career with Boston, retires from the game with a lifetime .298 average along with 382 home runs.

1990 – Oakland Athletics pitcher Bob Welch is named the 1990 American League Cy Young Award winner. His 27 wins were the most in the major leagues since Steve Carlton in 1972.

A’s hurler Bob Welch (27-6, 2.95, 127) wins the AL Cy Young Award. The 34 year-old right-hander’s 27 wins are the most victories in the majors since 1972 when Steve Carlton won that many for the last-place Phillies.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux wins the National League Cy Young Award for an unprecedented fourth straight time. Maddux had a remarkable 19-2 record with a 1.63 ERA, the second year his ERA is below 1.80.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin is named National League MVP.

Reds’ shortstop Barry Larkin wins the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, with Colorado outfielder Dante Bichette and Atlanta right-hander Greg Maddux as the runners-up in a close election. The Cincinnati infielder, the first shortstop since Maury Wills in 1962 to cop the prestigious prize, provided excellent defense and batted .319 to help his team to capture the NL West Division.

Reds’ shortstop Barry Larkin wins the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, with Colorado outfielder Dante Bichette and Atlanta right-hander Greg Maddux as the runners-up in a close election. The Cincinnati infielder, the first shortstop since Maury Wills in 1962 to cop the prestigious prize, provided excellent defense and batted .319 to help his team to capture the NL West Division.

San Diego Padres third baseman Ken Caminiti becomes the fourth unanimous winner of the National League MVP Award. Caminiti set team records for home runs (40), RBI (130) and slugging percentage (.621), while leading the Padres to the NL West Division title for the first time since 1984.

The Cleveland Indians trade pitcher Julian Tavarez and infielders Jose Vizcaino and Jeff Kent to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for slugging third baseman Matt Williams.

Padres third baseman Ken Caminiti is selected as the fourth unanimous winner of the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, joining Orlando Cepeda (1967 Cardinals), Mike Schmidt (1980 Phillies), and Jeff Bagwell (1994 Astros). The oft-injured San Diego infielder admitted 2002 in a Sports Illustrated cover story that he had used steroids during his 1996 MVP season, and for several seasons afterward.

Padres third baseman Ken Caminiti is selected as the fourth unanimous winner of the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, joining Orlando Cepeda (1967 Cardinals), Mike Schmidt (1980 Phillies), and Jeff Bagwell (1994 Astros). The oft-injured San Diego infielder admitted 2002 in a Sports Illustrated cover story that he had used steroids during his 1996 MVP season, and for several seasons afterward.

1997 – Larry Walker of the Colorado Rockies is named National League MVP, becoming the first Canadian in either league to win the honor. Walker, who hit .366 with 49 home runs and 130 RBI, caps off a big week for Canada. Earlier in the week, pitchers Roger Clemens of the Toronto Blue Jays and Pedro Martinez of the Montreal Expos each won the Cy Young Award.

1998 – The ball thrown by Boston Red Sox pitcher Howard Ehmke and hit by Babe Ruth for the first home run in Yankee Stadium history is sold at an auction for $126,500 (110,000 bid + 15% commission). Mark Scala found the 1923 historic ball in the attic of his grandmother’s home several years ago.

The ball thrown by Red Sox hurler Howard Ehmke and hit by Babe Ruth for the first home run hit in Yankee Stadium is sold at an auction for $126,500 ($110,000 bid + 15% commission). Mark Scala found the 1923 historic ball in the attic of his grandmother’s home several years ago.

The ball thrown by Red Sox hurler Howard Ehmke and hit by Babe Ruth for the first home run hit in Yankee Stadium is sold at an auction for $126,500 ($110,000 bid + 15% commission). Mark Scala found the 1923 historic ball in the attic of his grandmother’s home several years ago.

2000 – Pedro Martinez of the Boston Red Sox becomes the first pitcher to win the American League Cy Young Award unanimously in consecutive years. Martinez, who posted an 18-6 mark with a 1.74 ERA, has copped the “top pitcher” honor three of the last four seasons.

Red Sox hurler Pedro Martinez (18-6, 1.74) wins the American League Cy Young Award, coping the ‘top pitcher’ prize three of the last four seasons. The right-hander is the first AL pitcher to be honored unanimously in consecutive years.

2001 – Pitcher Randy Johnson, who posted a 21-6 record with a 2.49 ERA and 372 strikeouts, wins his fourth Cy Young Award, his third straight as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Previously, Johnson also won the honor in 1995 with Seattle, and is the second pitcher to win three consecutive Cy Young awards, joining Greg Maddux who won four in a row from 1992-1995.

Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.49, 372) wins his fourth Cy Young Award, his third straight as a member of the Diamondbacks. The ‘Big Unit,’ who also won the honor in 1995 with the Mariners, is the second pitcher to win three consecutive Cy Young awards, joining Greg Maddux, who won four in a row from 1992-95.

2002 – The San Francisco Giants select former Montreal Expos veteran skipper Felipe Alou to replace Dusty Baker as their new manager. The 67-year-old Dominican Republic native compiled a 691-717 record during his ten years at the helm with Montreal and was selected as the National League Manager of the Year in the 1994 strike-shortened season.

The Giants select former Expo veteran skipper Felipe Alou to replace Dusty Baker as their new manager. The 67 year-old Dominican Republic native compiled a 691-717 record during his ten years at the helm with Montreal, getting the nod as the National League Manager of the Year in the 1994 strike-shortened season.

Eric Gagne, who saved 55 consecutive games for the Dodgers, becomes the ninth reliever to win a Cy Young Award. The runner-up is Jason Schmidt of the Giants, the pitcher with the NL’s best won-lost percentage (17-4, 77%) and an ERA of 2.34 to lead the circuit.

MLB announces that the drug screens taken during the past baseball season tested positive in 5-to-7 percent of the 1,438 samples provided by the players. The results will set into motion a mandatory testing program for performance-enhancing drugs with punitive consequences for failure for the first time in baseball history.

Eric Gagne, who saved 55 consecutive games for the Dodgers, becomes the ninth reliever to win a Cy Young Award. The runner-up is Jason Schmidt of the Giants, the pitcher with the NL’s best won-lost percentage (17-4, 77%) and an ERA of 2.34 to lead the circuit.

Three of the top four National League vote-getters for Rookie of the Year Honors finishers are Marlins teammates. Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez, in an extremely tight race, edges Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and teammates second baseman Dan Uggla and hurler Josh Johnson.

The Mets stage a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the construction of the 45,000-seat ballpark which will replace Shea Stadium in 2009. The new $800 million ballpark, named Citi Field in association with Citigroup Inc., will be reminiscent of Ebbets Field and will feature a statue of Jackie Robinson in a rotunda named after the immortal Brooklyn Dodger infielder.

Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (17-9, 3.63) cops the AL Rookie of the Year award, receiving 26 of a possible 28 first-place votes cast by the BBWAA. The 23 year-old hard-throwing hurler becomes the first starting pitcher to win the freshman award since Yankee newcomer Dave Righetti accomplished the feat in 1981.

New York Mets break ground on their new ballpark Citi Field

New York Mets break ground on their new ballpark Citi Field

Hiromitsu Ochiai wins the Matsutaro Shoriki Award after having led his Chunichi Dragons to their first Japan Series title in over 50 years.

CC Sabathia wins the 2007 American League Cy Young Award, beating out Josh Beckett. Sabathia is the first African-American Cy Young Award winner since Dwight Gooden in 1985 and the first African-American winner in the American League since Vida Blue in 1971.

Kazuhisa Inao passes away. Inao had gone 276-137 in an amazing career in Nippon Pro Baseball. He was noted for winning four straight games in the 1958 Japan Series after his Nishitetsu Lions fell behind three games to zero.

Given their postseason match-ups of the CYA candidates, many baseball observers are surprised when CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21) beats out Red Sox ace Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27) for the American League Cy Young Award. In the ALCS, the 27 year-old Indian southpaw faced Beckett twice and lost each time, but voting takes place at the end of the regular season.

Cliff Lee wins the 2008 American League Cy Young Award, taking 24 of 28 first-place votes. Lee went 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA for the Cleveland Indians. He led the league in ERA and wins. Lee is the second straight Indians left-hander to win the award, following CC Sabathia in 2007.

The Yankees look to upgrade their offense by trading for OF Nick Swisher. They also pick up P Kanekoa Texeira in the deal with the Chicago White Sox, while giving up prospect Jeff Marquez, infielder Wilson Betemit and pitcher Jhonny Nunez.

Cliff Lee (22-3, 2.54) receives 24 of 28 first-place votes from the BBWAA to win the American League Cy Young award. Joining Gaylord Perry (1972) and CC Sabathia (2007), the 30 year-old southpaw becomes the third Indian hurler to cop the honor.

With a year left on his contract, Ron Gardenhire agrees to a two-year extension to remain as the Twins skipper through 2001. The 51 year-old manager, who replaced Tom Kelly in 2002, has compiled a 622-512 record during his seven-year tenure in Minnesota, winning four division titles with the small market team.

In a five-player trade with the White Sox, the Yankees obtained Nick Swisher and Triple-A right-hander Kaneoka Texeira in exchange for pitching prospects Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez, as well as infielder Wilson Betemit. The Bronx Bombers plan to use the flexible 27 year-old switch hitter to replace departing first baseman Jason Giambi but could be moved to the outfield if the team acquires a big name free agent to play first.

2009 – Indios de Guantánamo shortstop Dainer Moreira goes 6 for 6 with two doubles to tie the Cuban Serie Nacional record for hits in a nine-inning game. Guantánamo beats Ciego de Ávila, 12 – 2.

2010 – The Marlins trade perennial prospect, OF Cameron Maybin, to the Padres for relievers Edward Mujica and Ryan Webb. A former first-round draft pick in 2005, Maybin was the youngest player in the American League in 2007, but has had only a season’s worth of at-bats over four years in the majors, hitting .246.

The Marlins send outfielder Cameron Maybin to the Padres for Edward Mujica and Ryan Webb, who are both right-handed relievers. The 23 year-old outfielder, the 10th overall pick in 2005, was traded by Detroit two years later in a major multiplayer Winter Meeting deal that included Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis.

During an auction at the Louisville Slugger Museum, the winning bid for the ball Yankee slugger Babe Ruth hit for his 702nd career home run is $264,500, three times the estimated price. The historic horsehide, hit at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1934 off Ted Lyons, had been passed down by three generations of a Minnesota family before being made available to the public.

During an auction at the Louisville Slugger Museum, the winning bid for the ball Yankee slugger Babe Ruth hit for his 702nd career home run is $264,500, three times the estimated price. The historic horsehide, hit at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1934 off Ted Lyons, had been passed down by three generations of a Minnesota family before being made available to the public.

For the first time ever, the first two games of the Japan Series go to extra innings. The 2011 Japan Series’s second game is certainly one of déjà vu – for the second straight day, the Chunichi Dragons beat the Softbank Hawks, 2 – 1. Both games go 10 innings at the Yahoo Dome and in both games, Takahiro Mahara takes the loss. Today, Masahiko Morino singles in Masahiro Araki with the winner.

The Cardinals name former catcher Mike Matheny to succeed Tony LaRussa as their manager. An outstanding defensive player, Matheny has no managerial experience and was most recently a minor league instructor for the World Champs.

Davey Johnson, who led Washington to the best record in the National League, and Bob Melvin, who guided the Athletics to a completely unexpected conquest of the AL West flag, are the recipients of the Manager of the Year Award in their respective leagues.

Only one year after splurging on the free agent market, the Miami Marlins change course completely, sending two of their top signees from last season, SS Jose Reyes and P Mark Buehrle, to the Toronto Blue Jays, along with staff ace Josh Johnson. With closer Heath Bell having been traded away earlier this off-season, it’s clear that the Fish are not looking to compete now. In return for the pricey veterans, they receive a package of young players headed by SS Yunel Escobar, IF Adeiny Hechavarria, P Henderson Alvarez, C Jeff Mathis and three minor leaguers (Justin Nicolino, Anthony Desclafani and Jake Marisnick). Two other big league veterans, C John Buck and utility player Emilio Bonifacio are also headed north, as the Blue Jays see a chance to win now in a seemingly wide open AL East. Under pressure from Marlins fans decrying yet another fire sale, Commissioner Bud Selig announces that he will need to review the trade before it goes ahead, but will give his approval on November 19th.

Bob Melvin, for the second time in his career, is selected as the Manager of the Year when the Baseball Writers’ Association of America name him first on 16 of 28 ballots to narrowly outpoint Buck Showalter of the Orioles, 116-108. The Oakland skipper, the National League’s BBWAA managerial award recipient in 2007 with the Diamondbacks, guided the A’s to the American League West title before losing Game 5 in the ALCS to Detroit.

Davey Johnson, who led the Nationals to the most victories in the major leagues with a record of 98-64, is selected as the National League Manager of the Year, easily outdistancing runners-ups Dusty Baker of the Reds and Bruce Bochy of the Giants, when he receives 23 of the 32 first-place votes cast by the writers. The 69 year-old manager, honored by the BBWAA in 1997 for his managerial efforts with the Orioles, joins Bobby Cox (Blue Jays, Braves), Tony La Russa (White Sox and A’s, Cardinals), Lou Piniella (Mariners, Cubs), and Jim Leyland (Pirates, Tigers) as the fifth skipper to have won the award in both leagues.

Bob Melvin, for the second time in his career, is selected as the Manager of the Year when the Baseball Writers’ Association of America name him first on 16 of 28 ballots to narrowly outpoint Buck Showalter of the Orioles, 116-108. The Oakland skipper, the National League’s BBWAA managerial award recipient in 2007 with the Diamondbacks, guided the A’s to the American League West title before losing Game 5 in the ALCS to Detroit.

Davey Johnson, who led the Nationals to the most victories in the major leagues with a record of 98-64, is selected as the National League Manager of the Year, easily outdistancing runners-ups Dusty Baker of the Reds and Bruce Bochy of the Giants, when he receives 23 of the 32 first-place votes cast by the writers. The 69 year-old manager, honored by the BBWAA in 1997 for his managerial efforts with the Orioles, joins Bobby Cox (Blue Jays, Braves), Tony La Russa (White Sox and A’s, Cardinals), Lou Piniella (Mariners, Cubs), and Jim Leyland (Pirates, Tigers) as the fifth skipper to have won the award in both leagues.

Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers, the only 20-game winner in the majors last season, wins the 2013 American League Cy Young Award, while Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is the National League winner after leading the circuit in both ERA and strikeouts.

The Athletics sign utility infielder Nick Punto to a one-year contract.

The Phillies announce the team has reached a two-year, $16 million deal with Marlon Byrd, who helped the Pirates reach the postseason for the first since 1992 by hitting .318 after being traded by the Mets to the Bucs at the end of August. Last offseason, the 36 year-old outfielder signed a minor league contract with New York, emerging as one of the team’s few offensive assets before being dealt to Pittsburgh along with John Buck for two minor league prospects.

Max Scherzer is selected by the BBWAA as the American League’s Cy Young Award winner, receiving 28 of 30 writers’ first-place votes to finish ahead of Ranger ace Yu Darvish and Mariner starter Hisashi Iwakuma. The 29 year-old Tigers right-hander, who posted a 21-3 record with a 2.90 ERA in 32 starts for the pennant-winning club, joins Justin Verlander (2011), Denny McLain (1968-69), and Willie Hernandez (1984) as the fourth hurler to cop the prestigious pitching prize hurling for Detroit.

The Phillies announce the team has reached a two-year, $16 million deal with Marlon Byrd, who helped the Pirates reach the postseason for the first since 1992 by hitting .318 after being traded by the Mets to the Bucs at the end of August. Last offseason, the 36 year-old outfielder signed a minor league contract with New York, emerging as one of the team’s few offensive assets before being dealt to Pittsburgh along with John Buck for two minor league prospects.

Max Scherzer is selected by the BBWAA as the American League’s Cy Young Award winner, receiving 28 of 30 writers’ first-place votes to finish ahead of Ranger ace Yu Darvish and Mariner starter Hisashi Iwakuma. The 29 year-old Tigers right-hander, who posted a 21-3 record with a 2.90 ERA in 32 starts for the pennant-winning club, joins Justin Verlander (2011), Denny McLain (1968-69), and Willie Hernandez (1984) as the fourth hurler to cop the prestigious pitching prize hurling for Detroit.

2014 – OF Mike Trout of the Angels is the unanimous winner of the 2014 American League Most Valuable Player Award, while P Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers adds the 2014 National League Most Valuable Player Award to the Cy Young Award he collected a day earlier.

Clayton Kershaw (21-3, 1.77 ERA ) becomes the first pitcher to win the National League MVP award since Cardinal right-hander Bob Gibson copped the honor in 1968. The 26 year-old Dodger southpaw, who won his third NL Cy Young Award yesterday, receives 18 of 30 of the writers’ first-place votes, easily outdistancing runner-ups Giancarlo Stanton (8) and Andrew McCutcheon (4).

Angels outfielder Mike Trout is the unanimous selection of the BBWAA for the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award, after finishing as the writers’ second choice during the previous two seasons to the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera. The 23-year-old South Jersey native becomes the youngest unanimous MVP selection in baseball history.

Angels outfielder Mike Trout is the unanimous selection of the BBWAA for the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award, after finishing as the writers’ second choice during the previous two seasons to the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera. The 23-year-old South Jersey native becomes the youngest unanimous MVP selection in baseball history.

2015 – The Red Sox acquire closer Craig Kimbrel from San Diego for four prospects: OF Manuel Margot, SS Javy Guerra, IF Carlos Asuaje and P Logan Allen.

Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr passes away in Junction City, OR at the age of 99. He was the Oldest Living MLB Player and also the last surviving player to have played in the 1930s.

OF Aaron Judge, who led the AL in home runs, is the unanimous winner of the 2017 American League Rookie of the Year Award, while 1B Cody Bellinger is also a unanimous winner in the National League.

2018 – Brian Snitker of the Braves is named the Manager of the Year in the National League, while Bob Melvin of the Athletics wins the honor in the AL. Both men helped their teams make significant progress that landed them a postseason slot last season.

The teams required to pay the luxury tax are announced, with the Dodgers leading the way, as their total salary outlay this year amounted to $244 million. They are joined by the Yankees for the 15th straight year, as their salary mass was the second-highest in the majors and the only other to top $200 million. Boston, the Cubs, Detroit and San Francisco are also assessed the tax, the latter two teams in spite of finishing last in their respective divisions.

1996 – Ken Caminiti is named N.L. Most Valuable Player by unanimous vote, two seasons after being traded to the Padres from Houston. Teammate Steve Finley, who also left Houston in the same trade, finishes tenth in the MVP voting. Jeff Bagwell finishes ninth. 

1958 – New York’s mayor Robert Wagner announces the preliminary plans for the Continental League. Chairman William Shea implies that the new third major league might raid National and American League rosters. Rejected big league suitors such as Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis and Denver are expected to take part in the new circuit.