Today in Baseball History: October 27th

2006 On October 27, 2006, former major league pitcher Joe Niekro, the younger brother of Hall of Fame hurler Phil Niekro, died on Florida from an anueryism. Joe won 221 games in his 22-year career, pitching for the Cubs, Padres, Tigers, Braves, Astros, Yankees, and Twins, He and Phil hold the record for most combined sins by brothers, with 539.

2006 On October 27, 2006, the St. Louis Cardinals became the first team to win as few as 83 games to win the World Series. The Cardinals, who posted a losing record after the All-Star break, clung to their NL Central lead and defeated the favored Padres, Mets, and Tigers in the post-season, earning their 10th title. Shortstop David Eckstein was named World Series Most Valuable Player.

2004 On October 27, 2004, the Boston Red Sox end their 86-year drought, winning the World Series in a sweep over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Sox win Game Four, 3-0, behind the pitching of Derek Lowe and three relievers. Manny Ramirez is named Most Valuable Player.

1992 On October 27, 1992, the Colorado Rockies hire Don Baylor as the first manager in the history of the franchise. Baylor also becomes the fourth active black manager, joining Felipe Alou, Cito Gaston, and Hal McRae.

1922 On October 27, 1922, Ralph Kiner is born in Santa Rita, New Mexico. Signed by the Pirates, Kiner will play two minor league seasons before entering the service in World War II. When he returns in 1946, he leads the NL in home runs seven straight seasons.