« Sox On Verge Of Shipping Lowell To Texas | Home | This Day In Red Sox History: December 11, 1953 »
This Day In Baseball History: December 11th
By Administrator | December 11, 2009
In 1928, in an effort to speed up the game and add more offense, NL president John Heydler proposed the concept of a designated batter for the pitcher. Ironically, the American League opposed the idea and the NL withdrew the proposal before Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis was asked to break the deadlock.
In 1950, major league owners failed to renew ‘Happy’ Chandler’s contract as commissioner in a 9-7 vote… the former Kentucky senator incurred the wrath of owners when he initiated an investigation into the gambling activities of some of the owners. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 in recognition of his contributions to the sport, which include the integration of the game.
In 1951, Joe DiMaggio officially retired from baseball… “The Yankee Clipper” ended his thirteen year career with a life time .325 BA and 361 home runs.
In 1956, a major league player association was formed. Bob Feller, a star pitcher with the Indians, was named as the organization’s first president.
In 1959, the NY Yankees traded Hank Bauer, Marv Throneberry, Don Larsen and Norm Siebern to the Kansas City A’s for outfielder Roger Maris and two other players.
In 1991, the KC Royals dealt right-handed pitcher Bret Saberhagen and utility player Bill Pecota to the NY Mets for Gregg Jefferies, Kevin McReynolds and Keith Miller.
In 2007, after declining offers from Yomiuri Giants and his former team, the Chunichi Dragons, Kosuke Fukudome agreed to terms with the Chicago Cubs on a four-year, $48 million deal.
Born Today: Lee Maye (1934), Mike Henneman (1961), Derek Bell (1968)
Topics: MLB History |
