Today in Baseball History: November 6th

1976 On November 6, 1976, relief pitcher Bill Campbell becomes the first free agent to sign a contract with a new team. Campbell leaves the Minnesota Twins to sign a four-year deal worth an estimated $1.05 million with the Boston Red Sox. Campbell, who won 17 games and saved 20 in 1976, will win 13 games and save a league-leading 31 games for the Red Sox in 1977.

1974 On November 6, 1974, the contents of a letter written by the late Sam Rice to the Hall of Fame are revealed in Cooperstown, New York. In the letter, Rice, who had instructed the letter be opened after his death, says that he did successfully make a disputed catch in the 1925 World Series.

1974 On November 6, 1974, Mike Marshall of the Los Angeles Dodgers becomes the first reliever to capture the Cy Young Award. Marshall set a major league record by appearing in 106 games and piling up 208 relief innings during the regular season.

1968 On November 6, 1968, the baseball writers unanimously select Denny McLain as American League MVP. Four days earlier, McLain gained unanimous selection as the AL's Cy Young Award winner.

1950 On November 6, 1950, Branch Rickey signs a five-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates after selling his 25 per cent interest in the Brooklyn Dodgers' franchise. On October 26, Rickey had resigned as Brooklyn's president, giving way to Walter O'Malley. Rickey will serve as the Pirates' general manager and executive vice-president.

1935 On November 6, 1935, famed evangelist and former major leaguer Billy Sunday dies at the age of 72. Sunday played in the National League from 1883 to 1890, spending time with Chicago, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.