Today in Baseball History: December 31st

1974 On December 31, 1974, the New York Yankees announce the signing of free agent pitcher Jim "Catfish" Hunter. The former Oakland A's ace signs a five-year contract worth an estimated $3.75 million. Hunter had been declared a free agent only 18 days earlier, after Oakland owner Charlie Finley had failed to make an insurance payment. n independent arbitrator ruled that Finley had violated the contract, making Hunter a free agent. In 1974, Hunter won 25 games, forged a league-leading 2.49 era and won the Cy Young Award in helping the A's to their third consecutive World Series title. In 1975, Hunter will win 23 games for the Yankees and will help New York to a pair of World Championships in 1977 and '78. He will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1972 On December 31, 1972, Pittsburgh Pirates superstar Roberto Clemente dies in the crash of a four-engine plane over the Atlantic Ocean. The 38-year-old Clemente was supervising the delivery of relief supplies to the earthquake victims of Managua, Nicaragua. The plane, a DC-7 that departed from San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico, crashed shortly after takeoff. In 18 major league seasons, Clemente batted .317, won the 1966 MVP, and led the Pirates to the World Championship in 1971. Shortly after his death, the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors votes to waive the usual five-year waiting period for Clemente, paving the way for his election to Cooperstown in 1973.

1966 On December 31, 1966, the Houston Astros acquire Eddie Mathews from the Atlanta Braves as part of a five-player trade. A member of the Braves since 1952, Mathews hit 16 home runs in his final season with Atlanta. As part of the deal, the Astros also acquire infielder Sandy Alomar and pitcher Arnie Umbach in exchange for outfielder Dave Nicholson and pitcher Bob Bruce.

1918 On December 31, 1918, the Chicago White Sox hire Kid Gleason as their manager. Gleason replaces Pants Rowland, who was fired after the Sox finished in fifth place.

1914 On December 31, 1914, Colonel Jacob Ruppert and Captain Tillinghast L'Hommedieu buy the New York Yankees for nearly $500,000 from Bill Devery and Frank Farrell. Under the new regime, the Yankees will make the most important trade in franchise history when they purchase Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox.