Today in Baseball History: October 18th

2007 On October 18, 2007, Joe Torre declines the Yankees contract offer and ends his 12-year stint as manager of New York. The Yankees offered a one-year, $3 million pay cut with incentive bonuses. Torre guided the Yankees to the playoffs in each of his 12 years at the helm, and won four World Series titles.

1977 On October 18, 1977, Reggie Jackson earns the nickname "Mr. October" when he hits three consecutive home runs in Game Six of the World Series. Jackson leads the Yankees to an 8-4 win and the World Championship over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jackson, who connects against Burt Hooton, Elias Sosa, and Charlie Hough, earns MVP honors.

1972 On October 18, 1972, the Cincinnati Reds defeat the Oakland A's, 1-0, to win the third game of the World Series. The Reds win despite some successful strategy by the A's. In the eighth inning, Oakland manager Dick Williams apparently calls for Rollie Fingers to intentionally walk Johnny Bench, only to have Fingers whistle a third strike past the confused Reds catcher…

1967 On October 18, 1967, American League owners approve the transfer of the Kansas City A's to Oakland in time for the start of the 1968 season. The AL also votes to add two expansion teams within the next four years…

1960 On October 18, 1960, the New York Yankees fire manager Casey Stengel. The future Hall of Famer loses his job despite winning 10 American League pennants and seven World Championships during his tenure in the Bronx…

1955 On October 18, 1955, Ralph Kiner announces his retirement. The future Hall of Famer, who slumped to 18 home runs and a .243 average in 1955, leaves the game with 369 home runs in 10 seasons.

1950 On October 18, 1950, Hall of Fame Connie Mack retires as manager of the Philadelphia A's. The 87-year-old Mack, who managed the A's for a record 50 years, is replaced by Jimmy Dykes.