Today in Baseball History: December 10th

1984 On December 10, 1984, the New York Mets make arguably the most important trade in franchise history, acquiring Gary Carter from the Montreal Expos for infielder Hubie Brooks and three other players. With Carter behind the plate, the Mets will win the World Series in 1986…

1982 On December 10, 1982, the Houston Astros acquire pitcher Mike Scott from the New York Mets for outfielder Danny Heep. Although the trade generates few headlines, Scott will emerge as one of the game's top pitchers and will win the Cy Young in 1986.

1976 On December 10, 1976, Texas Rangers shortstop Danny Thompson dies from leukemia. The 29-year-old Thompson had been undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Rangers had acquired Thompson from the Minnesota Twins on June 1…

1972 On December 10, 1972, the American League passes a new rule allowing the use of a "designated hitter." Although the AL says it will employ the designated hitter on a three-year trial basis, the DH will eventually become a permanent part of the league's rules…

1971 On December 10, 1971, the California Angels engineer one of the best trades in franchise history, acquiring Nolan Ryan in a five-player deal that sends shortstop Jim Fregosi to the New York Mets. Ryan will go on to win 324 games and hurl a record seven no-hitters, three of them coming with the Angels.

1946 On December 10, 1946, Walter Johnson, one of the first five players elected to the Hall of Fame, dies at the age of 59 from brain cancer in Washington, D.C. Johnson won 417 games and tossed a record 110 shutouts in his brilliant career.

1935 On December 10, 1935, the Philadelphia A's trade American League home run king Jimmie Foxx and 17-game winner Johnny Marcum to the Boston Red Sox for pitcher Gordon Rhodes, minor leaguer George Savino, and $150,000. Foxx will drive in 143 runs for the Sox in 1936.