Today in Baseball History: December 15th

2006 On December 15, 2006, longtime Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell announces his retirement. In a 15-year majorleague career spent entirely with Houston, Bagwell clubbed 449 homers, drove in 1,529 runs, and batted .297 with 202 stolen bases. He won the 1994 National League Most Valuable Player Award.

1980 On December 15, 1980, the New York Yankees announce the signing of heralded free agent Dave Winfield to a 10-year contract worth as much as $25 million. The former San Diego Padres' star becomes the game's highest paid player and will play eight full seasons in the Bronx…

1968 On December 15, 1968, Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Al Campanis makes an unusual trade. Campanis sends his son, Jim, to the Kansas City Royals for two minor leaguers. Jim, a light-hitting catcher, will bat only .147 over a six-year career with the Dodgers, Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

1967 On December 15, 1967, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire future Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning from the Philadelphia Phillies for four players, including infielder Don Money and pitcher Woodie Fryman. Money will eventually become the Phillies' regular third baseman, until the arrival of a young slugger named Mike Schmidt in 1973. On the same day as the Bunning trade, the New York Mets trade well-traveled outfielder Tommy Davis and three other players to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Tommie Agee and shortstop Al Weiss. Agee and Weiss will become important players for the World Champion "Miracle Mets" of 1969.

1961 On December 15, 1961, the Comiskey family sells its interest in the Chicago White Sox for $3.3 million. The Comiskeys had been involved with the White Sox since the turn of the century…

1961 On December 15, 1961, the game's most well-known deaf player, William "Dummy" Hoy, dies at the age of 99. A slick-fielding outfielder, Hoy set a major league record by picking up three assists in one inning…

1953 On December 15, 1953, Hall of Fame executive Ed Barrow dies at the age of 85. Barrow had been inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier in the year. During his long tenure as general manager of the New York Yankees, the team won 10 World Series and 14 American League pennants.

1940 On December 15, 1940, Hall of Fame outfielder "Sliding Billy" Hamilton dies at the age of 74. Hamilton stole 912 bases and batted .344 over a 14-year career, placing him in the top 10 on the all-time batting list.

1900 On December 15, 1900, the New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds swap future Hall of Famers. The Giants reacquire 20-year-old Christy Mathewson from the Reds for 29-year-old Amos Rusie. As a rookie, Mathewson went 0-3 in six appearances for the Giants, but will win 373 games over the next 16 seasons…