Today in Baseball History: December 5th

1990 On December 5, 1990, the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays collaborate on an old-fashioned blockbuster trade. San Diego deals Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter to Toronto for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez. Alomar and Carter will help the Blue Jays to two World Championships.

1978 On December 5, 1978, the Philadelphia Phillies sign star free agent Pete Rose to a four-year contract worth $3.2 million. The deal makes Rose the highest paid player in the game…

1973 On December 5, 1973, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquire relief pitcher Mike Marshall from the Montreal Expos for outfielder Willie Davis. Marshall will pitch in a record-setting 106 games in 1974, win the Cy Young Award, and help the Dodgers reach the World Series.

1957 On December 5, 1957, the St. Louis Cardinals make one of their best trades ever, acquiring Curt Flood from the Cincinnati Reds in a five-player deal. Flood will hit over .300 in six of the next 12 seasons and will help the Cards to the 1967 title.

1951 On December 5, 1951, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson dies at the age of 62. Jackson, who succumbs to a heart attack, batted .356 over his 13-year career. In 1920, Jackson and seven other Chicago White Sox received lifetime bans for their involvement in throwing the 1919 World Series.

1921 On December 5, 1921, Babe Ruth and two other members of the New York Yankees are suspended for participating in an "illegal" barnstorming tour after the 1921 World Series. Commissioner Landis punishes Ruth, outfielder Bob Meusel, and pitcher "Wild Bill" Piercy for the first six weeks of the 1922 season…