Today in Baseball History: December 16th

2006 On December 16, 2006, former major league infielder Cecil Travis dies in Riverdale, Georgia, at the age of 93. Travis hit .314 in his career, which was interrupted by service in World War II. While in the Army he suffered frostbite during the Battle of the Bulge and was unable to perform at the same level as a player when he returned to the Senators in 1946.

1983 On December 16, 1983, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner fires manager Billy Martin for the third time. The fiery Martin, who moves up to the front office, is replaced by Yankee legend Yogi Berra.

1982 On December 16, 1982, Tom Seaver agrees to contract terms with the New York Mets, completing a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. In exchange, Cincinnati receives pitcher Charlie Puleo and two minor leaguers. In 1982, Seaver struggled to a record of 5-13. During his first tenure with the Mets from 1969 to 1977, Seaver won 189 games.

1975 On December 16, 1975, owner Bill Veeck makes a return to the major leagues. Veeck heads a group that buys 80 per cent of the Chicago White Sox. Veeck will install an exploding scoreboard at Comiskey Park and will have his players wear short pants in 1976.

1953 On December 16, 1953, the New York Yankees trade heralded prospect Vic Power to the Kansas City A's as part of an 11-player deal that brings power-hitting first baseman Eddie Robinson to the Bronx. Power, a slick fielding first baseman, had appeared destined to become the first black player in Yankee history…

1901 On December 16, 1901, New York Giants owner Andrew Freedman files an injunction that prevents Albert Spalding from becoming president of the National League. Spalding decides to resign, paving the way for Henry Pulliam's selection as a compromise candidate…

1889 On December 16, 1889, John Montgomery Ward organizes the Players' League, which will act as a rival to the established National League. Unlike the NL, the new league will have no reserve clause that ties players to their teams year after year.