Today in Baseball History: December 11th

1986 On December 11, 1986, the New York Mets acquire outfielder Kevin McReynolds from the San Diego Padres for outfielder Kevin Mitchell and four other players. Mitchell will win the MVP Award in 1989-for the San Francisco Giants.

1975 On December 11, 1975, the New York Yankees make two major trades, picking up infielder Willie Randolph and pitchers Dock Ellis and Ken Brett from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Doc Medich. The Yankees also acquire outfielder Mickey Rivers and pitcher Ed Figueroa from the Angels for outfielder Bobby Bonds…

1973 On December 11, 1973, the Chicago Cubs trade third baseman Ron Santo to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Steve Stone and three other players. One week earlier, Santo had vetoed a deal to the California Angels, becoming the first player to reject a trade under the new "Ten and Five" rule.

1970 On December 11, 1970, National League batting champion Rico Carty of the Atlanta Braves breaks his leg in a winter league game. The injury will sideline Carty, who batted .366 and compiled a league-leading .456 on-base percentage in 1970, for the entire 1971 season…

1959 On December 11, 1959, the New York Yankees acquire Roger Maris and two other players from the Kansas City A's for outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, first baseman Marv Throneberry, and pitcher Don Larsen. Maris will hit 100 home runs over the next two seasons…

1959 On December 11, 1959, former first baseman Jim Bottomley dies of a heart attack at the age of 59 in St. Louis, Missouri, where he"d starred for many years with the Cardinals. Bottomley earned election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.

1951 On December 11, 1951, Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement. "The Yankee Clipper" ends his career with a batting average of .325 and 361 home runs. In deciding to retire, DiMaggio passes up the chance to play for a potential salary of $100,000.