The history of sports is both vast and rich, thanks to the existence of so many different events and the longevity associated with them. With so much history to cull through, We offer the opportunity to look back and see what memorable things happened or milestones were reached on November 20 in baseball history.
- On November 20, 1990 — Oakland Athletics outfielder Rickey Henderson edges Cecil Fielder of the Tigers for the American League MVP Award. Henderson hit .325 with 28 home runs and a major league-best 65 stolen bases. Henderson acquired 14 first-place votes to Fielders 10. Henderson just missed out on the batting title to George Brett, and after sweeping the Red Sox in the ALCS, the Red’s will get swept by the Reds.
- On November 20, 1984, Four days after his 20th birthday, New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden becomes the youngest player ever to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Gooden posted a 17-9 record with a 2.60 ERA and a major league-leading 276 strikeouts. Bryce Harper will be even younger when he wins the award in 2012.
- On November 20, 1967 — New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver, who posted a 16-12 record with 170 strikeouts and 2.76 ERA, is named National League Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA. Seaver pitching for the last-place Mets, easily outdistances fellow righties Dick Hughes of St. Louis and Cincinnati’s Gary Nolan for the freshman honor.
- On November 20, 1951, the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues sign a 17-year-old infielder named Henry Aaron. The skinny Mobile, Alabama native will spend one season in the Negro Leagues before signing a contract with the Milwaukee Braves’ organization.
- On November 20, 1957 — The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Athletics execute a 13-player trade. Among the players involved are second baseman Billy Martin, outfielder Gus Zernial and pitcher Mickey McDermott, who are headed to Detroit. The Athletics acquire pitcher Duke Maas, catcher Frank House, and outfielders Bill Tuttle and Jim Small
- On November 20, 1962, Mickey Mantle collects his third American League MVP Award. Mantle, who hit .321 with 30 home runs, also led the AL in walks (122) and slugging percentage (.605), while helping the Yankees to a berth in the World Series against the San Francisco Giants.
