Today in Baseball History: November 28th

1978 On November 28, 1978, the Cincinnati Reds fire long-time manager Sparky Anderson, who had led the team to five division titles, four pennants, and two World Championships. Anderson will become the manager of the Detroit Tigers on June 12, 1979, replacing Les Moss.

1977 On November 28, 1977, former major league star Bob Meusel dies at the age of 81. Meusel batted over .300 seven times, including a career-high mark of .337 in 1927. He also participated in six World Series with the New York Yankees.

1972 On November 28, 1972, the Los Angeles Dodgers trade Frank Robinson, Bobby Valentine, and three other players to the California Angels for Andy Messersmith and Ken McMullen. In his lone, injury-plagued season with the Dodgers, Robinson slumped to a .251 average and only 19 home runs.

1967 On November 28, 1967, the Minnesota Twins trade former MVP shortstop Zoilo Versalles and pitcher Mudcat Grant to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitchers Ron Perranoski and Bob Miller and catcher John Roseboro.

1958 On November 28, 1958, the Boston Red Sox sign teenage sensation Carl Yastrzemski to a reported bonus of $100,000. The future Hall of Famer will make his major league debut with the Red Sox three years later.

1927 On November 28, 1927, the Pittsburgh Pirates trade future Hall of Fame outfielder Kiki Cuyler to the Chicago Cubs for catcher Sparky Adams and outfielder Pete Scott. Cuyler, who had drawn the wrath of manager Donie Bush for his failure to slide in a game, will hit only .285 in 1928, well below his lifetime average of .321.