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This Day In Baseball History: December 24th
By Administrator | December 24, 2009
In 1949, Hall-of-Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander was found unconscious in an alley in Hollywood, CA, suffering from alcoholism and epilepsy.
In 1959, the Braves signed 20-year old outfielder Rico Carty
In 1967, Red Sox Cy Young Award winner Jim Lonborg (22-9) tore the ligaments in his left knee while skiing at Lake Tahoe, NV. After surgery, he returned at mid-season to post a 6-10 record in the second half.
In 1969, in a letter to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, Cardinal outfielders Curt Flood stated he would not report to the Philadelphia Phillies after being traded to the City of Brotherly Love… in his letter, Flood declared that he was not a piece of property to be sold.
In 1974, Cardinals speedster Lou Brock was named “Sportsman of the Year” by The Sporting News, finishing ahead of such sports luminaries as tennis great Jimmy Connors and golfer Johnny Miller.
In 2002, Cuban defector Jose Contreras reached an agreement to pitch for the NY Yankees. The 31-year right-hander, considered the top pitcher on Cuba’s national team, had been declared a free-agent after gaining residency in Nicaragua.
In 2004, Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek agreed to a four-year deal to stay in Boston… at the press conference announcing the deal, “‘Tek” was also named captain of the team.
Born Today: Zeke Wilson (1869), John D’Acquisto (1951), Kevin Millwood (1974)
Topics: MLB History |
