Today in Baseball History: November 7th

2007 On November 7, 2007, pitcher Greg Maddux won his 17th Gold Glove Award, setting a record. Previously, Maddux and Brooks Robinson were the only players to earn 16 Gold Gloves.

2006 On November 7, 2006, Johnny Sain, a former pitcher who later gained notoriety as one of the most successful and influential pitching coaches in baseball, died at the age of 89 in Downers Grove, Illionois. Sain pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues and won 20 games four times, including three straight seasons. With the Braves he teamed with Warren Spahn to form the famous duo that prompted the saying "Spahn and Sain and pray for rain." His work with pitching staffs was remarkable. In 14 seasons as a coach he produced 17 20-game winners. Known for his philosophy that running was unnecessary for pitchers, Sain"s star pupils were Jim Kaat, Stan Bahnsen, Mickey Lolich, and Wilbur Wood.

1978 On November 7, 1978, in a controversial selection, Jim Rice of the Boston Red Sox is named American League MVP over Ron Guidry of the New York Yankees. Rice led the league in home runs, RBIs, and hits, while Guidry finished 25-3 for the pennant-winning Yankees.

1967 On November 7, 1967, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Orlando Cepeda becomes only the second National Leaguer to unanimously win the MVP Award. "The Baby Bull" batted .325 with 25 home runs and 111 RBIs in leading the Cardinals to the pennant. New York Giants pitching great Carl Hubbell swept the MVP voting in 1936.

1964 On November 7, 1964, the National League approves the move of the Milwaukee Braves to Atlanta but orders them to stay put for the 1965 season, in spite of poor attendance over the last two years. The Braves will eventually move to Atlanta in 1966.

1963 On November 7, 1963, Elston Howard of the New York Yankees becomes the first black player to win the American League's MVP Award. Howard beats out Al Kaline by 100 points in the balloting.

1928 On November 7, 1928, the Boston Braves trade National League batting champion Rogers Hornsby to the Chicago Cubs for five players and $200,000. The hard-hitting Hornsby, who batted .387 with 21 home runs for the Braves, will enjoy another spectacular season in 1929. He will compile a .380 batting mark, 39 home runs, and 149 RBIs.

1922 On November 7, 1922, future Hall of Fame outfielder Sam Thompson dies at the age of 62. Thompson batted .331 over a 15-year major league career. The 19th century star will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1974.