Today in Baseball History: December 2nd

1981 On December 2, 1981, Fernando Valenzuela becomes the third consecutive Los Angeles Dodger to win the National League's Rookie of the Year Award.

1976 On December 2, 1976, former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh dies at the age of 59. Murtaugh, who had retired from managing after the 1976 season, had suffered a heart attack three days before his death. Known as "The Irishman," Murtaugh had led the Pirates to World Championships in 1960 and 1971.

1971 On December 2, 1971, major league teams engineer eight trades, involving a total of 30 players. In the biggest trade, the Baltimore Orioles send star outfielder Frank Robinson to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a six-player deal that brings pitcher Doyle Alexander to Baltimore. After acquiring Robinson, the Dodgers send slugging first baseman Dick Allen to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Tommy John.

1952 On December 2, 1952, the Pittsburgh Pirates draft right-hander ElRoy Face from the Montreal Royals, the top minor league affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers. During a 15-year career with the Pirates, Face will lead the National League in saves three times. In 1959, Face will win an incredible 18 of 19 decisions in relief.

1941 On December 2, 1941, the New York Giants replace one future Hall of Famer with another. The Giants announce that Mel Ott will succeed Bill Terry as manager. Terry is given a new assignment-as the head of the Giants' farm system…

1927 On December 2, 1927, the St. Louis Browns acquire star outfielder Heinie Manush from the Detroit Tigers in a five-player deal. Manush, who batted .298 for the Tigers, will explode with the Browns, batting .378 with 108 RBIs and a league-leading 241 hits.