1971 in baseball
Appearance
The following are thebaseballevents of the year1971throughout the world.
Champions
[edit]Major League Baseball
[edit]National League: Pittsburgh Pirates
American League: Baltimore Orioles
1971 World Series: Pittsburgh (NL) def. Baltimore (AL), 4 games to 3.
Inter-league playoff: Pittsburgh (NL) declined challenge by Tokyo Yomiuri Giants.
- World SeriesMVP:Roberto Clemente
- All-Star Game,July 13 atTiger Stadium:American League, 6–4;Frank Robinson,MVP
Other champions
[edit]- Amateur World Series:Cuba
- College World Series:USC
- Japan Series:Yomiuri GiantsoverHankyu Braves(4–1)
- Big League World Series:District 44 LL, Cupertino, California
- Little League World Series:Tainan,Taiwan
- Senior League World Series:La Habra,California
- Pan American Games:CubaoverUnited States
Winter Leagues
- 1971 Caribbean Series:Tigres del Licey
- Dominican Republic League:Tigres del Licey
- Mexican Pacific League:Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Puerto Rican League:Cangrejeros de Santurce
- Venezuelan League:Tiburones de La Guaira
Awards and honors
[edit]- Baseball Hall of Fame
- Most Valuable Player
- Cy Young Award
- Rookie of the Year
- Gold Glove Award
- (P)Jim Kaat,Minnesota Twins(AL);Bob Gibson,St. Louis Cardinals(NL)
- (C)Ray Fosse,Cleveland Indians(AL);Johnny Bench,Cincinnati Reds(NL)
- (1B)George Scott,Boston Red Sox(AL);Wes Parker,Los Angeles Dodgers(NL)
- (2B)Davey Johnson,Baltimore Orioles(AL);Tommy Helms,Cincinnati Reds(NL)
- (3B)Brooks Robinson,Baltimore Orioles(AL);Doug Rader,Houston Astros(NL)
- (SS)Mark Belanger,Baltimore Orioles(AL);Bud Harrelson,New York Mets(NL)
- (OF)Paul Blair,Baltimore Orioles(AL);Bobby Bonds,San Francisco Giants(NL)
- (OF)Amos Otis,Kansas City Royals(AL);Roberto Clemente,Pittsburgh Pirates(NL)
- (OF)Carl Yastrzemski,Boston Red Sox(AL);Willie Davis,Los Angeles Dodgers(NL)
Statistical leaders
[edit]American League | National League | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Name | Stat | Name | Stat |
AVG | Tony Oliva | .337 | Joe Torre | .363 |
HR | Bill Melton | 33 | Willie Stargell | 48 |
RBI | Harmon Killebrew | 119 | Joe Torre | 137 |
Wins | Mickey Lolich | 25 | Ferguson Jenkins | 24 |
ERA | Vida Blue | 1.82 | Tom Seaver | 1.76 |
Major league baseball final standings
[edit]
American League final standings[edit]
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National League final standings[edit]
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Events
[edit]January
[edit]- January 7 – The rupturedAchilles tendonofCincinnati RedscenterfielderBobby Tolanbrings an end to two sports seasons. Tolan suffers the injury while playing basketball for the Reds' offseason squad. He will miss the 1971 season because of the injury and the Cincinnati front office orders the basketball team to be disbanded.
- January 11 –Detroit TigerspitcherJohn Hillersuffers a heart attack at age 27. He'll miss the 1971 season but will make a full recovery and remarkable comeback.
- January 18 – ThePittsburgh PiratessignTony Armasas a free agent.
- January 23 – TheMilwaukee BrewershireFrank "Trader" Laneas general manager, replacingMarvin Milkes.Eight days from his 76th birthday, Lane is the former GM of four MLB teams between 1948 and 1961, and is known for his relentless roster-churning and player transactions. By the time he retires after the 1972 season, Lane will have made more than 400 deals during his MLB career.
- January 29 – Making a trade within theirdivision,theSt. Louis Cardinalsacquire well-traveled southpawGeorge Brunetand formerNLbatting champMatty Aloufrom thePittsburgh Piratesin exchange for right-handerNelson Brilesand outfielderVic Davalillo.
- January 31 – The new Special Veterans Committee selects seven men for enshrinement to theHall of Fame:former playersDave Bancroft,Jake Beckley,Chick Hafey,Harry Hooper,Joe KelleyandRube Marquard,and executiveGeorge Weiss.
February
[edit]- February 9 – FormerNegro leaguespitcherSatchel Paigeis nominated for the Hall of Fame. On June 10, the Hall's new Veterans Committee will formally select Paige for induction.
- February 10 – TheLos Angeles Dodgersacquire left-handed pitcherAl Downingfrom theMilwaukee Brewersin exchange for outfielderAndy Kosco.In 1974, Downing will become part of history as the pitcher who surrendersHank Aaron's 715th career home run, which breaks the all-time record set byBabe Ruth.
March
[edit]- March 6 –Oakland AthleticsownerCharles O. FinleypersuadesAmerican LeaguepresidentJoe Croninto experiment with aCactus Leagueexhibition game in which abase on ballsis granted on threeballsrather than four. The game sees pitchers issue 19 walks, batters slug sixhome runs,and the Athletics outscore theMilwaukee Brewers,13–9.[1]
- March 20 –Alex Johnson's season-long troubles withCalifornia Angels' management begin when managerLefty Phillipsremoves the reigning American Leaguebatting championfrom an exhibition game for failure to run out a ground ball and lackadaisical play on defense. The following day, Johnson also is pulled from a game for not running out a grounder.
April
[edit]- April 5:
- The 1971American Leagueseason begins with a non-traditional "Presidential Opener" atRobert F. Kennedy StadiumwhenRichard Nixon,a devoted baseball fan, misses the contest while on a working trip to California. It also will be the last such opener for theWashington Senators,who will move toDallas–Fort Worthafter the season ends. In the game, Washington'sDick Bosmanthrows asix-hit,complete gameshutoutand the Senators blank theOakland Athletics,8–0, before 45,061 fans.
- InCincinnati,51,702 attend the first-everNational Leagueopener played atRiverfront Stadium.TheAtlanta Bravesspoil the day for the defending NL championCincinnati Reds,7–4, asFélix Millángoes four-for-four.
- TheSt. Louis Cardinalsreturn 21-year-old first basemanCecil Cooperto theBoston Red Sox.The Cardinals had selected Cooper in theRule 5 draftin November 1970.
- April 10:
- ThePhiladelphia Philliesdefeat theMontreal Expos,4–1, in the first game played at Philadelphia'sVeterans Stadium.
- Willie Stargellof thePittsburgh Pirateshits three home runs, including his 200th career homer.
- Willie Maysof theSan Francisco Giantsbecomes the first player to hit a home run in each of his team's first four games of a season. His fourth blast comes offJerry Reussin the third inning of a 6–4 victory over theSt. Louis CardinalsatBusch Memorial Stadium.Earlier, Mays had hit homers in the season's first three games against theSan Diego Padres.
- April 13 – An unusual arrangement sees twoDouble-Acircuits, theSouthern LeagueandTexas League,temporarily merge into one loop, called theDixie Association,for the 1971 season. The union is necessary because each league begins the year with only seven teams. After theCharlotte Hornets,aMinnesota Twinsaffiliate, win the 1971 championship in September, the constituent leagues each gain an eighth team, rebalancing their schedules, and they resume their separate identities in 1972.
- April 16 – TheAtlanta Bravessign free agent pitcherLuis Tiant,released by theMinnesota Twins.Tiant, 30, is battling a sore arm.
- April 26 – Out of shape and his skills rusty after sitting out the entire1970season,Curt Floodnotifies theWashington Senatorsthat he is quitting baseball. Flood, who collected sevensinglesin 35at batsin 13 games with Washington, moves temporarily toSpain,but continues hislegal challengeto thereserve clause.
- April 27 –Hank Aaronbecomes the third player in Major League history to hit his 600th home run.
May
[edit]- May 6 –NBC SportsandMajor League Baseballagree to a four-year, $72 million contract, running through 1976, for 26 Saturday"Game of the Week"telecasts, ten Monday night games, theMajor League Baseball All-Star Game,both the AL and NL League Championship Series, and theWorld Series.Part of the agreement stipulates that all World Series games played during the workweek be played at night.
- May 15:
- Billy Williamsof theChicago Cubshits the 300th home run of his career during a 6–4 win over theSan Diego PadresatWrigley Field.The milestone homer comes offTom Phoebus.
- Alex Johnson,voted theCalifornia Angels' Player of the Month for April, is held out of the lineup for failure to hustle during the previous day's game againstMilwaukeeatAnaheim Stadium.He will be benched four more times for similar reasons over the next six weeks.
- PitcherLuis Tiant,struggling to regain his form atTriple-ARichmond,is released by theAtlanta Bravesjust one month after signing with them. Two days later, free-agent Tiant signs with theBoston Red Soxand is assigned to their Triple-A club, theLouisville Colonels,where he continues his comeback efforts.
- May 17:
- TheCincinnati Reds' 23-year-old superstar,Johnny Bench,hits his 100th career home run.
- TheCleveland Indiansare involved in a bizarre play against theWashington SenatorsatRobert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.The Senators'Tommy McCrawleads off the bottom of the fourth inning with a 140-foot pop fly (some sources say it was 250 feet) into short left-center for what should be an out. Instead, Indians shortstopJack Heidemann,left fielderJohn Lowensteinand center fielderVada Pinsoncollide as they go for the ball, which falls amongst the three players. Before the ball can be recovered, McCraw circles the bases for aninside-the-park home run;meanwhile, Heidemann, Lowenstein and Pinson are all injured and have to be replaced. Despite their embarrassing moment, the Indians defeat the Senators 6–3.
- May 29 – TheCincinnati Redsacquire 22-year-old outfielderGeorge Fosterfrom theSan Francisco Giantsfor pitcherVern Geishertand shortstopFrank Duffy.A powerful, right-handed hitter, Foster has been unable to crack the Giants' lineup. But given an opportunity to play by Cincinnati, he becomes the Reds' regular left-fielder (1975), leads theNational Leagueinruns batted inthree consecutive years (1976–1978), smashes 52 homers to lead MLB and become his league's Most Valuable Player (1977), makes five NL All-Star teams, and wins twoWorld Seriesrings (1975,1976).
- May 30 –Willie Mayshits his 638th career home run and becomes theNational League's all-time career leader inruns scoredwith 1,950. HisSan Francisco Giants,meanwhile, improve to 36–14 (.720) with a 5–4 win over theMontreal ExposatCandlestick Park.They lead theNL Westby 10½ games over their bitter rivals, theLos Angeles Dodgers.
June
[edit]- June 2 – TheAtlanta Bravesrelease third basemanClete Boyer.The 34-year-old formerGold Glove Award-winner has been publicly feuding with Braves' management for three weeks. Boyer plays four more seasons with theTaiyo WhalesofNippon Professional Baseball.
- June 3 – PitcherKen Holtzmanof theChicago Cubsthrows the secondno-hitterof his career, victimizing the hostCincinnati Reds,1–0. Holtzman scores the only run, unearned, in the third inning, to beat Reds pitcherGary Nolan.
- June 6 –Willie Mayshits his major league-leading 22nd and last career extra-inninghome run.It comes againstPhilliesrelieverJoe Hoerner.
- June 8 – TheJune 1971 amateur draftfeatures future notable players who are selected in the early rounds. In the first,Burt Hootongoes to theChicago Cubs,Jim Ricegoes to theBoston Red Sox,andFrank Tananagoes to theCalifornia Angels.In the second round,George Brettis selected by theKansas City RoyalsandMike Schmidtgoes to thePhiladelphia Phillies.
- June 14 – TheCalifornia Angelsare engulfed in controversy whenAlex Johnsoncharges that teammateHiraldo "Chico" Ruizpulled a gun on him in the Angels' clubhouse the previous day. There are no witnesses to the incident, which will be confirmed by Angels' general managerDick Walshin September.[2]Johnson and Ruiz, formerly friends, have become bitter enemies.
- June 21 – Struggling at the plate (.199 with only 32 hits in 52 games played),Cleveland Indiansfirst basemanKen Harrelson,29, announces his retirement from baseball and his intention to qualify for theprofessional golftour. However, he will return to baseball as a colorful analyst and play-by-play announcer in 1975, and forge a 40-year broadcasting career that culminates with aFord C. Frick Award.
- June 23 – In a singular performance, pitcherRick Wiseof thePhiladelphia Philliesno-hitsthe Cincinnati Reds, 4–0, and bangs two home runs in the game. Wise joinsWes Ferrell(1931),Jim Tobin(1944) andEarl Wilson(1962) as the only pitchers to pitch a no-hitter and hit a home run in the same game. It is the second no-hitter against Cincinnati this month, both inRiverfront Stadium.
- June 25 –Willie Stargellof thePittsburgh Pirateshits what will be the longest home run ever hit atVeterans Stadium.In the second inning of the Pirates' 14–4 victory over thePhiladelphia Phillies,his shot offJim Bunningstrikes above an exit in the 600 level of the upper deck. The spot where the ball struck will eventually be marked with a yellow star with a black "S" inside a white circle until Stargell's 2001 death, after which the white circle will then be painted black. The star will remain until the stadium's 2004 demolition.
- June 26 –California Angelsgeneral managerDick Walshsuspends outfielderAlex Johnsonfor "failure to give his best efforts" during games. TheMajor League Baseball Players Associationfiles a grievance on Johnson's behalf four days later. Johnson never plays for the Angels again.
- June 29 – TheAtlanta Bravesrelease 48-year-old knuckleball artistHoyt Wilhelm.He signs as a free agent with theLos Angeles Dodgerson July 10, 1971 and finishes his Hall of Fame career in a Dodger uniform exactly one year later after 1,070 games pitched over 21 seasons.
- June 30 –American Leagueowners meet behind closed doors for over eight hours in Detroit to discuss the fate of theWashington Senatorsfranchise, after it's revealed that ownerBob Shorthas not paid rent forRobert F. Kennedy Stadiumsince the end of the 1969 season. During the meeting, Short begins to campaign for support to move the ten-year-old expansion team toDallas–Fort Worthfor the 1972 season.
July
[edit]- July 7 –Commissioner of BaseballBowie Kuhnannounces that players from theNegro leagueselected to theHall of Famewill be given full membership in the museum. It had been previously announced that they would be honored in a separate wing.
- July 9:
- TheOakland Athleticsbeat theCalifornia Angels1–0 in 20 innings—the longest shutout inAmerican Leaguehistory.Vida Bluestrikes out 17 batters in 11 innings for Oakland, while the Angels'Billy Cowanties a major league record by fanning six times. Both teams combine for 43 strikeouts, a new major league record.
- Kansas City RoyalsshortstopFreddie Patekhits for the cyclein the Royals' 6–3 victory over theMinnesota TwinsatMetropolitan Stadium.
- July 10 – In the wake of his team's marathon loss the day before,California AngelsoutfielderTony Conigliaroannounces his retirement at age 26, asserting that his vision, initially compromised when he was struck in the face by a pitch on August 18, 1967, is deteriorating and he cannot see well enough to play. A medical examination later confirms Conigliaro's statement. Batting only.222 with four homers in 74 games in 1971, Conigliaro will sit out three full seasons before attempting a final comeback in 1975 with his original team, theBoston Red Sox.
- July 13 – In anAll-Star Gamefeaturing home runs by future Hall of FamersHank Aaron,Johnny Bench,Roberto Clemente,Reggie Jackson,Harmon KillebrewandFrank Robinson,theAmerican Leaguetriumphs over theNational League6–4 atTiger Stadium.It is the only AL All-Star victory between 1962 and 1983. Jackson's home run goes 520 feet, and Robinson is named MVP.
- July 30 – TheCleveland Indiansfire general manager/field managerAlvin Dark.Club presidentGabe Paulresumes his former role as GM, and coachJohnny Lipontakes over as interim pilot through season's end. The Tribe are 43–61, sixth and last in theAmerican League East,and have recently been fined for including illegal performance incentives in player contracts.
August
[edit]- August 4:
- InTexas Leagueaction,Tom Walkerpitched a 15-inningno-hitterfor theDallas-Fort Worth Spursto beat theAlbuquerque Dodgers,1–0, which is considered the second longest no-hitter pitched in American professional baseball history. Walker struck out 11 batters and walked four to complete the gem. His manager,Cal Ripken Sr.,left him in the game until he finally picked the victory after throwing 176 pitches. OnlyFred Toney,who hurled 17 no-hit innings in theBlue Grass Leaguein1909,has pitched a longer no-hitter in baseball history.
- St. Louis CardinalspitcherBob Gibsonwins his 200th game, a 7–2 victory over theSan Francisco Giantsat St. Louis.
- August 7 –Ken Boswellbelts his first career grand slam home run and a run-scoring double as theNew York Metsexplode for 21 hits and crush the Atlanta Braves, 20–6. The 20 runs are a Mets record, breaking the mark of 19 set against theChicago Cubson May 6, 1964.
- August 10:
- Harmon Killebrewbecomes the 10th player to amass 500 home runs, and adds his 501st, but theOriolesbeat theTwins4–3.Mike Cuellarpicks up the win.
- Sixteen baseball researchers atCooperstownform theSociety for American Baseball Research(SABR), with founderRobert Davidsas president.
- August 14 – Ten days after his 200th victory,St. Louis CardinalpitcherBob Gibsonno-hitsthePittsburgh Pirates11–0, the first no-hitter ever pitched atThree Rivers Stadium.He strikes out 10 batters along the way; three of those Ks belong toWillie Stargell,including the final out. The no-hitter is the first to be pitched inPittsburghin 64 years; none had been pitched in the 62-year (mid-1909 to mid-1970) history of Three Rivers Stadium's predecessor,Forbes Field.
- August 17 –Billy Williamscollects the 2,000th hit of his career in a 5–4 loss to theAtlanta BravesinAtlanta.
- August 23 – A clubhouse meeting called byChicago CubspilotLeo Durocherafter a frustrating, 4–3 loss the day before to theHouston Astros,backfires when several players, includingJoe PepitoneandRon Santo,respond by criticizing Durocher's managing. When news of the rift hits the sports pages, ownerPhilip K. Wrigleytakes out a full-page newspaper ad on September 3 backing his skipper and blasting the "Dump Durocher clique." On the field, the Cubs lose 15 of their next 21 games after the clubhouse ruckus.
- August 24 – The City Council ofWashington, D.C.files suit against theSenatorsand ownerBob Short,seeking collection of $136,848 in unpaid rent forRobert F. Kennedy Stadiumthat dates to the end of the 1969 season.Commissioner of BaseballBowie Kuhnthen spends the following two weeks looking for potential buyers who will keep the team in the U.S. capital.
- August 25 - The Cincinnati Reds signed free agent infielderDoug Flynn.
- August 28 – Phillies pitcherRick Wisehits two home runs, including agrand slamoffDon McMahon,in the second game of a doubleheader, duplicating his feat in his June no-hitter. Wise beats theSan Francisco Giants,7–3.
September
[edit]- September 1 – ThePittsburgh Piratesstart what is believed to be the firstAll-Blacklineup in major league history, which include several Latin American players, in a 10–7 victory over thePhiladelphia Phillies.[3]The lineup:Rennie Stennett(2B);Gene Clines(CF);Roberto Clemente(RF);Willie Stargell(LF);Manny Sanguillén(C);Dave Cash(3B);Al Oliver(1B);Jackie Hernández(SS), andDock Ellis(P).[4]Another Black player,Bob Veale,was one of three relievers in the game.
- September 3 –Ron Ceymakes his MLB debut, pinching hitter for pitcher Jose Pena in the Dodgers 6–5 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Cey would go on to be the Dodgers regular starting third baseman for the next 12 seasons.
- September 5 –J. R. RichardtiesKarl Spooner's major league record by striking out 15San Francisco Giantsin his first major league game, as theHouston Astrosbeat the Giants.
- September 9 – The Chicago Cubs signBruce Sutteras an amateur free agent.
- September 10 –Ferguson JenkinsbreaksCharlie Root'sChicago Cubsclub record for career strikeouts during an 8–7, 12-inning loss to the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
- September 13 –Baltimore Oriolesright fielderFrank Robinsonbecomes the 11th player to reach500 career home runs.
- September 15:
- Sal Bando's two-run, eighth-inning homer in the first game of a doubleheader atComiskey Parklifts theOakland Athleticsto a 3–2 victory over theChicago White Sox.When the second-placeKansas City Royalsfall to theCalifornia Angels,the Athletics (94–54) lock up theAmerican League West Divisionchampionship. It's the franchise's first trip to the postseason in 40 years—when it played inPhiladelphiaand was managed by legendaryConnie Mack.
- PitcherLarry Yount,elder brother ofRobin,theBaseball Hall of Fameshortstop/centerfielder, is called upon to make his MLB debut for theHouston Astrosin relief in the ninth inning of a game against theAtlanta Braves.But Yount injures his arm in thebullpen,and once on the mound, the pain gets worse as he warms up. Astros managerHarry Walkerpulls the injured hurler from the game before he throws a single pitch. Yount, then 21, never appears in another major-league game.
- September 21 – Meeting in Boston,American Leagueowners approve the transfer of theWashington SenatorstoDallas–Fort Worth,after an 11th-hour bid from a local ownership group falls apart. The vote is 10–2, with onlyBaltimoreandChicagoopposed. The move will end the AL's presence inWashington, D.C.after 71 consecutive years (and two different "Senators" franchises). It's the ninth franchise shift in MLB since March 1953, and will be the last such transfer until 2005, whenWashingtonjoins theNational Leagueas the new home of the formerMontreal Expos.
- September 22 – AtBusch Stadium,thePittsburgh Piratesclinch theNational League Easttitle for the second straight year as they beat theBob Gibson-ledSt. Louis Cardinals,5–1.
- September 24 – AtCleveland Stadium,theBaltimore Oriolesclinch theAmerican League Easttitle for the third straight year by beating theindians,7–2 in the first game of a doubleheader.Mike Cuellarpicks up his 20th victory of 1971.
- September 26 –Baltimore OriolespitcherJim Palmershuts out the hostCleveland Indians,5–0, and becomes the fourth member of the Orioles 1971 pitching staff to notch his 20th victory, joiningDave McNally,Mike CuellarandPat Dobson.Only one other team in ML history, the 1920Chicago White Sox,boasted four 20-game winners.
- September 28:
- An independent arbitrator rules that theCalifornia Angelsmust pay suspended outfielderAlex Johnson$29,970 in back salary, because Johnson should have been placed on the disabled list for "emotional incapacitation" rather than suspended without pay. The Angels are permitted to keep the $3,750 in the 29 fines the team levied against Johnson before his June 26 suspension.
- Philadelphia PhilliespitcherJim Bunning,39, announces his retirement as an active player after 224 victories, nine All-Star selections, and aperfect game;he will be elected to theBaseball Hall of Famein 1996. Bunning will manage in the Phillies'farm systemfor four seasons before beginning a successful career in politics.
- September 29 – TheMontreal Expos'Ron Huntis hit by a pitch for the 50th time of the season.
- September 30 – TheWashington Senators' lead 7–5 in their last home game, but forfeit the game to theNew York Yankees,when, with two outs in the top of the ninth, fans storm the field. The Senators moved toArlington, Texas,and became theTexas Rangersfor the 1972 season.The Nation's Capitalwould not have another MLB team until the 2005 relocation of theMontreal Expos,to become theWashington Nationals.
October
[edit]- October 5:
- TheBaltimore Orioleswin their ninth consecutiveAmerican League Championship Seriesgame, defeating theOakland Athletics,5–3, to reach their third straightWorld Series.Baltimore is undefeated (9–0) in ALCS play, having sweptMinnesotain both1969and1970,and Oakland this season.
- TheCalifornia Angelstrade outfielderAlex Johnson,suspended since June 26, and catcherJerry Mosesto theCleveland Indiansfor pitcherAlan Fosterand outfieldersVada PinsonandFrank Baker.The following day, the Angels fire managerLefty Phillips.
- October 6 – ThePittsburgh Piratesbreak a 5–5 deadlock with four sixth-inning runs to defeat theSan Francisco Giantsand win the1971 National League Championship Series,three games to one. A three-run homer byAl Oliverseals the Pittsburgh win. It's the first LCS in either circuit that does not end in a three-game sweep.
- October 10 – With Game 2 of the1971 World Seriespostponed by rain, theBoston Red SoxandMilwaukee Brewerspull off a nine-player blockbuster. The Red Sox trade pitchersKen BrettandJim Lonborg(1967'sAmerican LeagueCy Young Awardwinner), first basemanGeorge Scott,and outfieldersBilly ConigliaroandJoe Lahoudto the Brewers for pitchersLew Krausse Jr.andMarty Pattinand outfieldersTommy Harperand Pat Skrable.
- October 17 – PitcherSteve Blassthrows a four-hitter andRoberto Clementehomers as thePittsburgh Pirateswin Game 7 of theWorld Seriesover theBaltimore Orioles,2–1, becoming world champions for the first time since 1960. Clemente is named the Series MVP. Game 4, played on October 13, is the firstnight gamein World Series history.
- October 18 – In an eight-player trade, theNew York Metssend pitchersJim Bibby,Rich FolkersandCharlie Hudsonand outfielderArt Shamskyto theSt. Louis Cardinalsfor pitchersHarry ParkerandChuck Taylor,first baseman/outfielderJim Beauchampand shortstopChip Coulter.
- October 20 – The fallout from theCalifornia Angels' disastrous 1971 season continues when the club fires general managerDick Walsh,who has four years remaining on a seven-year contract.
- October 27 –Baltimore Oriolesgeneral managerHarry Daltonis hired to fill Walsh's old job as GM of theCalifornia Angels.In his six years as head of baseball operations, Dalton's Orioles have won fourAmerican Leaguepennantsand twoWorld Seriestitles. Executive vice presidentFrank Cashenassumes the Orioles' GM duties.
November
[edit]- November 2 –Pat Dobsonof theBaltimore Oriolespitches ano-hitteragainst theYomiuri Giants,winning 2–0. It is the first no-hitter inJapanese-American baseball exhibition history. The Orioles compile a record of 12–2–4 on the tour.
- November 9 – TheCleveland Indians,who finished last in theAL Eastand lost 101 games in 1971, promote former infielderKen Aspromonteto manager. Aspromonte, 40, spent the past two seasons at the helm ofTriple-AWichita.
- November 10:
- Joe Torreof theSt. Louis Cardinals,who led theNational Leagueinbatting average(.363) andruns batted in(137) while hitting 24home runs,is named the Most Valuable Player overWillie Stargellof thePittsburgh Pirates(.295/125/48). Torre receives 318 points to 222 for Stargell.
- Oakland AthleticspitcherVida Blueadds the American League MVP Award to his list of awards for 1971, easily outpointing teammateSal Bando268–182.
- November 14 – InVenezuelan Winter League,Luis Tiantof theTiburones de la Guairahurls a 3–0no-hitteragainst his former teamLeones del Caracas.Tiant becomes the fourth pitcher in the league's 26-year history to achieve the feat, joiningLen Yochim(1955),Mel Nelson(1963) andHowie Reed(1968).
- November 17 – At age 22,Oakland AthleticspitcherVida Bluebecomes the youngest player ever to win the Most Valuable Player Award and only the fourth to capture both the Cy Young Award and the MVP in the same season.
- November 22 –Cleveland Indiansfirst basemanChris Chamblissreceives 11 of 24 first place votes to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
- November 23 – Just weeks after winning his secondWorld Serieschampionship,Pittsburgh PiratesmanagerDanny Murtaughannounces his retirement. The 53-year-old Murtaugh has a history of health issues and was briefly hospitalized during 1971 for chest pain; his decision ends the third of four terms he will serve as the team's manager. The Pirates name coach and former centerfielderBill Virdonas Murtaugh's successor.
- November 24 – Catcher-infielderEarl Williams,who hit 33 home runs and 87 RBI for theAtlanta Braves,wins the National League Rookie of the Year honors. Williams gets 18 of 24 first place votes, with the others going toWillie Montañezof thePhiladelphia Phillies.
- November 29:
- TheCincinnati Redssends first basemanLee May,second basemanTommy Helmsand utilitymanJimmy Stewartto theHouston Astrosfor second basemanJoe Morgan,outfielderCésar Gerónimoand pitcherJack Billingham.This trade, initially criticized in the Cincinnati press, will prove to be one of the best in Reds' history, and "puts the wheels" on theBig Red Machinewhen future Hall-of-Famer Morgan wins the1975and1976NL MVP awards.
- TheChicago Cubstrade pitcherKen Holtzmanto theOakland Athleticsfor outfielderRick Monday.Southpaw Holtzman will go 4–1 (2.55ERA) in eightWorld Seriesgames and help Oakland win championships in1972,1973and1974.
- TheSan Francisco Giantsdeal future Hall-of-Fame pitcherGaylord Perryand shortstopFrank Duffyto theCleveland Indiansfor fireballing southpawSam McDowell.
- November 30 – TheChicago White Soxpurchase the contract ofJorge Ortafrom Mexicali of the Mexican Northern League.
December
[edit]- December 1 – TheChicago Cubsrelease longtime star and future Hall of FamerErnie Banks,ending his 19-year major league career. The Cubs also announce that Banks will serve as a coach on managerLeo Durocher's staff in 1972. "Mr. Cub" finishes his illustrious playing career with 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI.
- December 2 – Eight trades are announced today during the 1971 Winter Meetings, including:
- TheLos Angeles Dodgersdeal pitchersDoyle AlexanderandBob O'Brien,catcherSergio Roblesand outfielderRoyle Stillmanto theBaltimore Oriolesfor former Dodger hurlerPete Richertand futureBaseball Hall of FameoutfielderFrank Robinson.Robinson's six years in Baltimore have produced fourAmerican Leaguepennants and twoWorld Seriestitles.
- TheDodgersthen trade slugging third baseman/outfielderDick Allento theChicago White Soxfor starting pitcherTommy Johnand infielderSteve Huntz.Allen will win the 1972American League Most Valuable Player Award;John will go 87–42 (2.97 ERA) in six seasons with the Dodgers.
- TheWhite Soxobtain starting pitcherStan Bahnsenfrom theNew York Yankeesfor infielderRich McKinney.
- TheKansas City Royalsacquire young first basemanJohn Mayberryfrom theHouston Astrosfor pitchersLance ClemonsandJim York.Mayberry, 22, will slam 143 homers and make two AL All-Star teams in his six seasons with the Royals.
- The newly transferred and renamedTexas Rangersmake three deals involving 13 players.
- December 3:
- TheMilwaukee Brewerstrade outfielderJosé Cardenalto theChicago Cubsfor pitchersJim ColbornandEarl Stephensonand outfielderBrock Davis.Colborn will win 20 games for the 1973 Brewers.
- TheSan Diego Padresdeal left-handerDave Roberts,who finished second in theNational Leagueinearned run average(2.10) in 1971, to theHouston Astrosfor pitchersBill GreifandMark Schaefferand infielderDerrel Thomas.
- TheCincinnati Redssend formerNLsavesleaderWayne Grangerto theMinnesota Twinsfor left-handerTom "The Blade" Hall.
- December 6 – When news leaks out that local investors led byClevelandshipping magnateGeorge M. Steinbrenner IIIhave reached a handshake deal to buy theIndiansfor $8.5 million, enraged ownerVernon Stoufferpulls out of the transaction. Stouffer believes that the reported sale price is an attempt to force him to sell the cellar-dwelling team for at least $1.5 million below his target asking price of $10-million-plus. Fourteen months later, Steinbrenner's group successfully bids for theNew York Yankees,buying them fromCBSin a deal worth only $8.8 million.
- December 8 – TheCalifornia Angelsfill their managerial vacancy withDel Rice,former MLB catcher and coach, who has been managing the club'sTriple-ASalt Lake Cityaffiliate.
- December 10 – TheAngelssend star shortstopJim Fregosito theNew York Metsin return for four players, one of whom isNolan Ryan.The Hall-of-Fame fireballer will throw four of his record seven career no-hitters and record five seasons of 300 or more strikeouts in an Angel uniform.
Births
[edit]January
[edit]- January 2 –Rick Greene
- January 4 –Chris Michalak
- January 5 –Jason Bates
- January 6 –Eric Moody
- January 7 –Frank Menechino
- January 7 –Jorge Toca
- January 8 –Jason Giambi
- January 11 –Alex Delgado
- January 11 –Rey Ordóñez
- January 12 –Andy Fox
- January 13 –Elmer Dessens
- January 17 –Tyler Houston
- January 19 –Jeff Juden
- January 19 –Phil Nevin
- January 20 –Brian Giles
- January 21 –Johnny Guzmán
- January 23 –Charlie Greene
- January 24 –Cory Bailey
- January 25 –Kerry Taylor
- January 27 –Ken Huckaby
- January 28 –Kevin Tolar
February
[edit]- February 3 –Scott Klingenbeck
- February 3 –Eric Owens
- February 4 –Dennis Konuszewski
- February 8 –James Hoye
- February 10 –Kevin Sefcik
- February 13 –Todd Williams
- February 15 –Terry Jones
- February 16 –Mike Hubbard
- February 17 –Danny Patterson
- February 19 –Miguel Batista
- February 21 –Jeff Schmidt
- February 26 –Matt Luke
- February 26 –Danny Perez
March
[edit]- March 3 –José Oliva
- March 4 –Nerio Rodríguez
- March 5 –Chad Fonville
- March 5 –Jeffrey Hammonds
- March 5 –Brian Hunter
- March 5 –Brian Lesher
- March 5 –José Mercedes
- March 6 –Roger Salkeld
- March 10 –Bobby Hughes
- March 10 –Shad Williams
- March 11 –Rod Henderson
- March 11 –Lee Sang-hoon
- March 12 –Greg Hansell
- March 12 –Raúl Mondesí
- March 13 –Scott Sullivan
- March 17 –Bill Mueller
- March 19 –D. T. Cromer
- March 20 –Manny Alexander
- March 26 –Frank Lankford
- March 26 –Jesús Tavárez
- March 29 –Sean Lowe
April
[edit]- April 1 –José Martínez
- April 3 –Quilvio Veras
- April 5 –Andrés Berumen
- April 6 –Lou Merloni
- April 7 –Mark Thompson
- April 12 –Matt Williams
- April 13 –Kevin Ohme
- April 14 –Carlos Pérez
- April 14 –Gregg Zaun
- April 16 –Marc Sagmoen
- April 17 –Keith Johnson
- April 19 –Sean Whiteside
- April 25 –Brad Clontz
- April 29 –Sterling Hitchcock
- April 30 –Ryan Hawblitzel
May
[edit]- May 2 –Brent Bowers
- May 4 –Joe Borowski
- May 4 –Brian Maxcy
- May 5 –Mike Redmond
- May 8 –Todd Greene
- May 10 –Glen Barker
- May 11 –Kerry Ligtenberg
- May 13 –Mike Sirotka
- May 14 –Takashi Kashiwada
- May 18 –Rich Garcés
- May 21 –Chris Widger
- May 22 –Steve Reich
- May 23 –Marshall Boze
- May 24 –Todd Rizzo
- May 25 –Angel Echevarria
- May 25 –Sean Maloney
- May 26 –Jason Bere
- May 31 –José Malavé
June
[edit]- June 3 –Carl Everett
- June 3 –Aaron Ledesma
- June 3 –Izzy Molina
- June 7 –Roberto Petagine
- June 8 –Matt Whisenant
- June 12 –Ryan Klesko
- June 13 –Jason Thompson
- June 16 –Chris Gomez
- June 16 –Fernando Hernández
- June 22 –Brant Brown
- June 22 –Brian Sackinsky
- June 22 –Hunter Wendelstedt
- June 25 –Michael Tucker
- June 26 –Greg Blosser
- June 28 –Greg Keagle
- June 28 –Ron Mahay
July
[edit]- July 1 –Jamie Walker
- July 2 –Joel Adamson
- July 4 –Brendan Donnelly
- July 13 –Rich Aude
- July 15 –James Baldwin
- July 15 –Tim Harikkala
- July 19 –Gus Gandarillas
- July 19 –Keith Johns
- July 20 –Charles Johnson
- July 20 –Ray McDavid
- July 25 –Billy Wagner
- July 27 –Shane Bowers
- July 29 –Johnny Ruffin
- July 30 –Ron Blazier
- July 30 –Calvin Murray
August
[edit]- August 1 –Travis Driskill
- August 2 –Steve Sinclair
- August 3 –Chris Sexton
- August 5 –Carlos Pulido
- August 9 –Scott Karl
- August 9 –Ryan Radmanovich
- August 9 –Ben Van Ryn
- August 10 –Sal Fasano
- August 14 –Mark Loretta
- August 17 –Jim Converse
- August 17 –Jorge Posada
- August 18 –Albie López
- August 20 –Chris Clapinski
- August 21 –Lou Pote
- August 22 –Carl Schutz
- August 23 –Allen McDill
- August 24 –Everett Stull
- August 28 –Shane Andrews
- August 29 –Henry Blanco
- August 29 –Bronson Heflin
September
[edit]- September 1 –Derek Wallace
- September 2 –Rich Aurilia
- September 5 –Brian Bevil
- September 7 –Sid Roberson
- September 9 –Robinson Checo
- September 13 –Brent Brede
- September 13 –Armando Ríos
- September 15 –Jason Hardtke
- September 18 –Chris Holt
- September 19 –Joey Dawley
- September 23 –Willie Greene
- September 24 –Jamie Burke
- September 24 –Kevin Millar
- September 28 –Jamie Brewington
- September 29 –Eddy Díaz
October
[edit]- October 3 –Wil Cordero
- October 3 –Tim Hyers
- October 4 –Carlos Crawford
- October 8 –Joe Ayrault
- October 11 –Joe Roa
- October 12 –Tony Fiore
- October 14 –Midre Cummings
- October 15 –Chad Mottola
- October 16 –Larry Mitchell
- October 25 –Pedro Martínez
- October 27 –Scott Forster
November
[edit]- November 3 –Danny Young
- November 4 –Melvin Bunch
- November 6 –Bubba Trammell
- November 7 –Todd Ritchie
- November 9 –Jon Nunnally
- November 9 –Scott Sauerbeck
- November 10 –Butch Huskey
- November 10 –Terry Pearson
- November 11 –Roland de la Maza
- November 11 –Ryan Hancock
- November 15 –Ryan Jackson
- November 15 –Todd Steverson
- November 17 –Billy McMillon
- November 19 –Andy Sheets
- November 20 –Kevin Lomon
- November 20 –Gabe White
- November 21 –John Roper
- November 23 –Ryan McGuire
- November 23 –Matt Miller
- November 23 –Eddie Oropesa
- November 23 –Aaron Small
- November 25 –Tavo Álvarez
- November 27 –Iván Rodríguez
- November 28 –Bill Simas
- November 30 –Ray Durham
- November 30 –Matt Lawton
December
[edit]- December 6 –José Contreras
- December 6 –Adam Hyzdu
- December 8 –Garvin Alston
- December 9 –Todd Van Poppel
- December 11 –Willie Cañate
- December 13 –Greg Mullins
- December 14 –Eric Ludwick
- December 15 –Héctor Ramírez
- December 16 –Jeff Granger
- December 17 –Bret Hemphill
- December 20 –Marc Valdes
- December 22 –Jon Ratliff
- December 24 –Alex Cabrera
- December 26 –Jay Tessmer
- December 26 –Carlos Valdéz
- December 28 –Benny Agbayani
- December 28 –Melvin Nieves
- December 30 –Travis Baptist
- December 31 –Esteban Loaiza
- December 31 –Brian Moehler
Deaths
[edit]January
[edit]- January 1 –Luis Aparicio Sr.,58, legendary Venezuelan shortstop and father ofthe Baseball Hall-of-Famer.
- January 1 –Joe Lotz,79, pitcher who worked in 12 games for the 1916 St. Louis Cardinals.
- January 1 –Harry Rice,69, outfielder noted for his defense who also hit.300 five times; played in 1,034 games between 1923 and 1933 for five clubs, principally the St. Louis Browns and Detroit Tigers.
- January 7 –Dud Lee,71, infielder for the St. Louis Browns and Boston Red Sox in the 1920s.
- January 7 –Hal Rhyne,71, shortstop who played from 1926 to 1933 for the Pirates, Red Sox and White Sox.
- January 9 –Elmer Flick,94, Hall of Fame right fielder and lifetime.313 hitter who led AL in triples three times, steals twice, and batting and runs once each.
- January 12 –Cy Malis,63, pitcher who threw 32⁄3innings of relief for the Philadelphia Phillies in his only MLB game, on August 17, 1934.
- January 22 –Dorothy Comiskey Rigney,54, granddaughter ofCharles Comiskeyand principal owner of the Chicago White Sox from December 10, 1956 to February 7, 1959, when she sold her controlling interest toBill Veeck.
- January 27 –Bruce Connatser,68, first baseman for 1931–1932 Cleveland Indians; later a longtime scout.
- January 31 –Steve Yerkes,82, second baseman who played in 711 games over seven seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Rebels of the "outlaw" Federal League, and Chicago Cubs between 1909 and 1916; played all eight games of the 1912 World Series for champion Boston.
- January –Bob Clarke,67 or 68, Negro leagues catcher whose career extended from 1923 to 1948; member, Negro National League 1940 All-Star team.
February
[edit]- February 8 –Bobby Burke,64, left-handed pitcher who appeared in 254 MLB games in ten seasons between 1927 and 1937, mostly for the Washington Senators; threw a no-hitter against Boston on August 8, 1931.
- February 16 –Cedric Durst,74, outfielder for the St. Louis Browns, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox between 1922 and 1930; member of the 1927–1928 world–champion Yankees.
- February 18 –Chuck Hostetler,67, outfielder who appeared in 132 games for the Detroit Tigers after his 40th birthday during the wartime 1944 and 1945 seasons; member of Detroit's 1945 World Series champions.
- February 20 –Vidal López,52, three-time Triple Crown Pitching winner and slugging outfielder who played in the professional leagues of Cuba, México, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, throughout a career that lasted 21 years between the 1930s and 1950s.
- February 28 –Lou Chiozza,60, infielder-outfielder who appeared in 616 games from 1934 to 1939 for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Giants; first player to bat in the major leagues' first night game on May 24, 1935, at Cincinnati.
March
[edit]- March 2 –Johnny Podgajny,50, pitcher in 115 games for the Philadelphia Phillies (1940–1943), Pittsburgh Pirates (1943) and Cleveland Indians (1946).
- March 8 –Tripp Sigman,72, outfielder who appeared in 62 games for the 1929–1930 Phillies.
- March 10 –Bill James,78, pitcher for the Boston Braves (1913–1915 and 1919); compiled a 26–7 won–lost record for the "Miracle Braves" of 1914 and won two games in the 1914 World Series, throwing 11 shutout innings, as Boston swept the Philadelphia Athletics.
- March 11 –Clyde Barfoot,79, pitcher for the St.Louis Cardinals (1922–1923) and Detroit Tigers (1926) who worked in 86 major league contests.
- March 11 –Pelayo Chacón,82, Cuban shortstop and manager in the Negro leagues whose playing career extended from 1908 to 1930.
- March 16 –Ralph Birkofer,62, left-handed pitcher who appeared in 132 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Dodgers from 1933 to 1937.
- March 18 –Tony Welzer,71, pitcher for the Boston Red Sox from 1926 to 1927, who was the first player born in Germany to appear in an American League game.
- March 24 –Verlon Walker,42, coach for the Chicago Cubs from 1961 until his death, and former minor-league catcher and manager; younger brother ofRube Walker.
- March 31 –Sam Post,74, first baseman who appeared in nine games for the 1922 Brooklyn Robins.
April
[edit]- April 3 –Jack Boyle,81, third baseman, shortstop and pinch hitter in 15 games for the 1912 Philadelphia Phillies.
- April 4 –Carl Mays,79, underhand pitcher who won 20 games five times with three teams, but was best remembered for his pitch which struckRay Chapmanin the head for the only field fatality in major league history.
- April 9 –Elmer Eggert,69, pitcher for the 1927 Boston Red Sox.
- April 9 –Will Harridge,87, president of the American League from 1931 to 1958.
- April 12 –Ed Lafitte,85, pitcher who worked in 33 games for the Detroit Tigers between 1909 and 1912, followed by 73 appearances for the Brooklyn Tip-Tops of the "outlaw" Federal League in 1914 and 1915.
- April 15 –Mickey Harris,54, All-Star pitcher who won 17 games for the 1946 Red Sox, led AL in saves with 1950 Senators.
- April 16 –William Eckert,62, Commissioner of Baseball from December 15, 1965 to February 3, 1969; retired United States Air Force general.
- April 16 –Ron Northey,50, outfielder with a powerful arm for five MLB teams between 1942 and 1957; hit a record three pinch-hit grand slams in his career.
- April 19 –Russ Hodges,60, broadcaster for the New York/San Francisco Giants from 1946 until his 1970 retirement; previously handled play-by-play for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox (1935–1938) and Washington Senators (1943–1945); also teamed with Mel Allen on New York Yankees' broadcasts from 1946 until the Bombers and Giants ended their joint radio/TV arrangement after the 1948 season; known for his legendary call ofBobby Thomson'spennant-winning home runduring Game 3 of the1951 National League tie-breaker series.
- April 26 –Joe Agler,83, first baseman who played 232 games of his 234-game MLB career in the short-lived Federal League, with Buffalo (1914–1915) and Baltimore (1915).
May
[edit]- May 4 –Billy Mullen,75, third baseman who appeared in 36 total games over five seasons for the St. Louis Browns (1920–1921 and 1928), Brooklyn Robins (1923) and Detroit Tigers (1926).
- May 10 –Eddie Edmonson,81, first baseman/outfielder in two games for 1913 Cleveland Naps.
- May 12 –Heinie Manush,69, Hall of Fame left fielder and career.330 hitter who won 1926 batting title with Detroit, led AL in hits and doubles twice each.
- May 15 –Goose Goslin,70, Hall of Fame left fielder who starred for five pennant winners in Washington and Detroit, batting.316 lifetime with eleven 100-RBI seasons; one of the first ten players to hit 200 home runs, he retired with the 7th-most RBIs in history.
- May 20 –Martín Dihigo,65, Cuban star in the Negro leagues who excelled at all positions, particularly as a pitcher and second baseman.
- May 24 –Charlie Grover,80, pitcher who worked in two games for the Detroit Tigers in September 1913.
- May 24 –Rupert "Tommy" Thompson,61, outfielder who appeared in 397 games for the Boston Braves, Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns.
- May 26 –Judge Nagle,91, pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox during the 1911 season.
- May 27 –Jack Doscher,90, left-handed pitcher for Chicago, Brooklyn and Cincinnati of the National League (1903–1906, 1908).
June
[edit]- June 3 –Vern Spencer,77, New York Giants outfielder who appeared in 45 games during the 1920 season.
- June 8 –Ed Rile,70, first baseman and pitcher whose career in the Negro leagues spanned 1918 to 1936; batted.306 lifetime in 454 games in the Negro National League.
- June 19 –Gene Bremer,54, All-Star pitcher of the Negro leagues between 1937 and 1948 who principally played for the Cleveland Buckeyes and Memphis Red Sox.
- June 19 –Bert Graham,85, first- and second-baseman (and pinch hitter) who got into eight games for the 1910 St. Louis Browns.
- June 24 –Tom "Shaky" Kain,63, longtime minor league manager and scout, influential to early career ofYogi Berra.
July
[edit]- July 1 –Walt Kinney,77, left-hander who pitched in 63 career games for the Boston Red Sox (1918) and Philadelphia Athletics (1919–1920 and 1923).
- July 2 –Chester Emerson,81, outfielder for the 1911–1912 Philadelphia Athletics.
- July 2 –Frank Mack,71, pitcher who appeared in 27 games over three seasons (1922–1923, 1925) for the White Sox.
- July 7 –Ray Phelps,67, pitcher in 126 games for the Brooklyn Robins and Dodgers (1930–1932) and Chicago White Sox (1935–1936).
- July 8 –Ed Doherty,71, longtime baseball executive and the first general manager of the expansion Washington Senators (1960–1962).
- July 12 –Wally Judnich,54, center fielder who twice batted.300 for the St. Louis Browns; backup outfielder for 1948 World Series champion Cleveland Indians.
- July 12 –Ed Weiland,56, pitcher who appeared in ten career games for the Chicago White Sox in 1940 and 1942.
- July 16 –Earl McNeely,73, outfielder and first baseman who played 683 games for the Washington Senators and St. Louis Browns between 1924 and 1931; his single that bounced over the head of New York Giants' third baseman Fred Lindstrom in the 12th inning of Game 7 won the 1924 World Series for Washington.
- July 16 –Harry Pattee,89, second baseman who played 80 games for the 1908 Brooklyn Superbas.
- July 25 –John "Chief" Meyers,90, catcher for New York Giants, Brooklyn Robins and Boston Braves (1909–1917); led National League catchers in put outs five straight seasons (1910–1914) and in on-base percentage (1912); batted.291 in 992 career games, enjoying three over-.300 campaigns.
- July 28 –Myril Hoag,63, outfielder for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians over 13 seasons between 1931 and 1945 who recovered from a brutal 1936 collision to become an All-Star three years later.
August
[edit]- August 4 –Frank Lamanske,64, left-handed pitcher who made two MLB appearances out of the bullpen for the 1935 Brooklyn Dodgers.
- August 11 –Rusty Pence,71, pitcher in four games for the 1921 Chicago White Sox.
- August 12 –Shorty Dee,81, Canadian-born 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) shortstop who played one game in the majors on September 14, 1915 as a member of the St. Louis Browns.
- August 16 –Walter Mueller,76, outfielder who played in 121 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1922–1924 and 1926); father ofDon Mueller.
- August 18 –Jim McCloskey,61, southpaw who pitched in four contests for the 1936 Boston Bees.
- August 24 –Mitch Chetkovich,54, World War II-era pitcher for the 1945 Philadelphia Phillies who appeared in four early-season games.
- August 27 –Bill Clarkson,72, pitcher who appeared in 51 games for the New York Giants and Boston Braves between 1927 and 1929.
September
[edit]- September 4 –Joe Hassler,66, shortstop who played in 37 MLB games for the 1928 and 1929 Philadelphia Athletics and 1930 St. Louis Browns.
- September 6 –Artie Dede,76, catcher in one game for the 1916 Brooklyn Robins who became a longtime scout for the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees.
- September 11 –Rube Melton,54, pitcher who worked in 162 career games for the Philadelphia Phillies (1941–1942) and Brooklyn Dodgers (1943; 1946–1947).
- September 14 –Bill Holden,82, outfielder who played in 79 career games for the 1913–1914 New York Yankees and the 1914 Cincinnati Reds.
- September 15 –Roberto Ortiz,56, outfielder for the Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics who logged all or portions of six years in MLB between 1941 and 1950.
- September 17 –Hack Miller,77, outfielder who batted.323 in 349 career games, 334 of them for the Chicago Cubs of 1922–1925; played briefly for the 1916 Brooklyn Robins and 1918 Boston Red Sox.
- September 20 –Tony Venzon,56, National League umpire from 1957 until May 25, 1971, when he retired due to ill health; worked 2,226 league games, three World Series and three All-Star games.
October
[edit]- October 7 –Les Barnhart,66, pitcher who had two brief trials with the Cleveland Indians in 1928 and 1930.
- October 8 –Murray Wall,45, relief pitcher for the Boston Braves, Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators between 1950 and 1959.
- October 14 –Doc Prothro,78, licensed dentist; third baseman for the Senators (1920; 1923–1924), Red Sox (1925) and Cincinnati Reds (1926); manager of Philadelphia Phillies (1939–1941); influential minor league manager and club owner; father ofTommy Prothro.
- October 16 –Dave Coble,58, catcher who played in 15 games for 1939 Philadelphia Phillies.
- October 17 –Mike Massey,78, infielder in 31 games for the 1917 Boston Braves.
- October 21 –William R. Daley,79, principal owner of the Cleveland Indians (1956–1962) and Seattle Pilots (1969, their only year of existence).
- October 23 –Jesse Petty,76, left-handed pitcher who worked in 207 games for the Cleveland Indians (1921), Brooklyn Robins (1925–1928), Pittsburgh Pirates (1929–1930) and Chicago Cubs (1930).
- October 23 –Woody Upchurch,60, left-handed pitcher who appeared in ten games for the 1935–1936 Philadelphia Athletics.
November
[edit]- November 4 –Logan Hensley,71, ace pitcher for the St. Louis Stars of the Negro National League between 1922 and 1931; twice led NNL in games won (1926, 1930).
- November 4 –Howard "Polly" McLarry,80, infielder for the Chicago White Sox (1912) and Chicago Cubs (1915).
- November 4 –Bud Messenger,73, pitcher who won his only two decisions in five games pitched for the 1924 Cleveland Indians.
- November 5 –Toothpick Sam Jones,45, pitcher who began career in the Negro leagues and appeared in 322 MLB games, principally with the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants, over 12 seasons between 1951 and 1964; led National League in strikeouts (1955, 1956, 1958), games won (21 in 1959) and earned run average (2.83 in 1959); threw a no-hitter (1955) and a seven-inning no-no (1959, in a game shortened by rain); two-time NL All-Star.
- November 5 –Joe Palmisano,68, backup catcher who played in 19 games for the 1931 AL champion Philadelphia Athletics.
- November 9 –Bill Dreesen,67, third baseman who played 48 games for 1931 Boston Braves.
- November 21 –Norm Branch,56, relief pitcher who worked in 37 career games for 1941–1942 New York Yankees; member of 1941 World Series champions.
- November 24 –Ed Fallenstein,62, pitcher in 33 total games, 29 in relief, for 1931 Philadelphia Phillies and 1933 Boston Braves.
- November –Ameal Brooks,64, catcher/outfielder in the Negro leagues who played from 1928 to 1947.
December
[edit]- December 4 –Walter Ockey,51, relief pitcher who worked in two games in May 1944 for the wartime-era New York Giants.
- December 12 –George Dunlop,83, infielder who appeared briefly for 1913–1914 Cleveland Naps.
- December 12 –Bill Kellogg,87, first- and second baseman who appeared in 75 games for the 1914 Cincinnati Reds.
- December 12 –Nip Winters,72, standout Negro leagues left-hander of the 1920s who led the Eastern Colored League in games won for four consecutive seasons (1923–1926).
- December 13 –Mike Ryba,68, pitcher (in 240 games) and catcher (in ten games) who toiled for the St. Louis Cardinals (1935–1938) and Boston Red Sox (1941–1946); later a coach, minor league manager and longtime scout.
- December 16 –Ferdie Schupp,80, pitcher who won 21 games for the 1917 New York Giants but whose career faltered after service in World War I.
- December 20 –Tom Fitzsimmons,81, third baseman who got into four games for the 1919 Brooklyn Robins.
- December 26 –Cliff Daringer,86, infielder who appeared in 64 games for 1914 Kansas City Packers (Federal League).
- December 30 –Tetelo Vargas,65, Dominican All-Star outfielder who played in the Negro leagues between 1927 and 1944; batted.471 in 131 plate appearances for 1943 New York Cubans.
References
[edit]- ^Charlie Finley: The Outrageous Story of Baseball's Super Showman,p.146, G. Michael Green and Roger D. Launius. Walker Publishing Company, New York, 2010,ISBN978-0-8027-1745-0
- ^Foster, Chris (September 22, 1990)."The Misery of His Company".washingtonppst.THe Washington Post.RetrievedMay 9,2024.
- ^John Perrotto (August 14, 2006)."Baseball Plog".Beaver County Times.Archived fromthe originalon November 12, 2007.RetrievedAugust 17,2006.
- ^"Honoring First All-Minority Lineup".The New York Times.September 17, 2006. p. Sports p. 2.
External links
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