Today in Baseball History: December 4th

1988 On December 4, 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquire first baseman Eddie Murray from the Baltimore Orioles for infielder Juan Bell and pitchers Brian Holton and Ken Howell. Murray will bat a career low .247 for the Dodgers in 1989.

1968 On December 4, 1968, the Baltimore Orioles make a quietly brilliant trade, sending outfielder-catcher Curt Blefary and a minor leaguer to the Houston Astros for pitcher Mike Cuellar and two minor leaguers. Cuellar will win at least 20 games over each of the next three seasons.

1964 On December 4, 1964, the Los Angeles Dodgers trade slugger Frank Howard and three other players to the Washington Senators for pitcher Claude Osteen, infielder John Kennedy, and $100,000. Howard will hit 307 home runs for the Senators over the next seven seasons.

1963 On December 4, 1963, the Detroit Tigers trade future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning and catcher Gus Triandos to the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Don Demeter and pitcher Jack Hamilton. Bunning will win 19 games for the Phillies over each of the next three seasons.

1957 On December 4, 1957, the Cleveland Indians trade pitcher Early Wynn to the Chicago White Sox as part of a four-player deal. In return, the Tribe receives former outfielder Minnie Minoso, who will bat .302 over each of the next two seasons.

1944 On December 4, 1944, catcher Roger Bresnahan, who will be elected to the Hall of Fame eight weeks later, dies in Toledo, OH. Bresnahan, the first player to regularly wear shin guards, was one of John McGraw"s most versatile players, filling in at nearly every position and providing a valuable bat for the Giants in the first decade of the 20th century.

1914 On December 4, 1914, the Chicago Whales of the Federal League sign Walter Johnson to a three-year contract worth $60,000. The "Big Train" will never pitch a game for the Whales, after deciding to accept a subsequent offer to return to the Washington Senators.