Today in Baseball History: November 15th

2006 On November 15, 2006, the Boston Red Sox win the rights to negotiate with Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Seibu Lions, after paying $51.1 million to secure those rights.

1995 On November 15, 1995, the Arizona Diamondbacks make Buck Showalter the first manager in their history, signing him to a seven-year contract. Showalter had guided the New York Yankees to a wild card berth in 1995, but left the team after it lost its first-round playoff series.

1988 On November 15, 1988, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kirk Gibson wins the National League's MVP Award, despite finishing the season with only 76 RBIs. Gibson beats out New York Mets outfielders Darryl Strawberry and Kevin McReynolds...

1982 On November 15, 1982, Cal Ripken, Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles is named the American League's MVP. Ripken, who led the league in hits and runs scored, becomes the first player to win the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in back-to-back seasons.

1981 On November 15, 1981, popular Chicago Cubs infielder Steve Macko dies after a courageous battle with cancer. The 27-year-old Macko did not play in 1981 due to the effects of the disease…

1967 On November 15, 1967, future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski is selected the American League's MVP. He receives all but one first place vote in the balloting. Yaz, who led the league in home runs, RBIs, and batting average, becomes the most recent major leaguer to win the Triple Crown.

1961 On November 15, 1961, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees wins the American League's MVP Award. Maris, who set a single-season record with 61 home runs, wins the award by four votes over teammate Mickey Mantle…