Today in Baseball History: December 28th

 

 

1992 On December 28, 1992, former pitcher Sal Maglie died in Niagara Falls, NY, where he had been born 75 years earlier. Maglie was blackballed for four years after he jumped to the rival Mexican League in 1946, but when he returned to the majors he won 41 games in his first two seasons for the New York Giants. Known for his five-o-clock shaddow and his brushback pitches, Maglie was dubbed "The Barber" for his habit of pitching inside.

1983 On December 28, 1983, free agent outfielder Warren Cromartie signs a three-year contract with the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese League. Cromartie, who batted .278 for the Montreal Expos in 1983, will receive $2.5 million over the length of the contract.

1957 On December 28, 1957, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds exchange well-known first basemen. The Pirates acquire slugger Ted Kluszewski, known for wearing cut-off sleeves to accommodate his bulging biceps. In exchange, the Bucs surrender Dee Fondy, who batted .313 in 1957 while splitting the season between the Pirates and the Chicago Cubs.

1900 On December 28, 1900, future Hall of Famer Ted Lyons is born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Lyons will make his major league debut in 1923 and will go on to win 260 games over a 21-year career with the Chicago White Sox.