Today in Baseball History: December 7th

1995 On December 7, 1995, the New York Yankees acquire first baseman Tino Martinez and pitcher Jeff Nelson from the Seattle Mariners for third baseman Russ Davis and pitcher Sterling Hitchcock. Martinez will replace the retiring Don Mattingly and help the Yankees to World Championships in 1996, '98, '99, and 2000.

1992 On December 7, 1992, Paul Molitor leaves the Milwaukee Brewers to sign a free agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Molitor, who had spent the first 15 years of his career in Milwaukee, batted .320 and stole 31 bases for the Brewers in 1992.

1973 On December 7, 1973, the San Francisco Giants sell future Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal to the Boston Red Sox. The "Dominican Dandy," who went 11-15 for San Francisco, will struggle in Boston, making only 11 appearances for the Red Sox in 1974.

1969 On December 7, 1969, Francis "Lefty" O"Doul, one of the most popular figures in baseball history, dies at the age of 72 in San Francisco. O"Doul won two batting titles before embarking on a long career as a manager in the Pacific Coast League and proprietor of a popular restaurant in San Francisco. He was instrumental in popularizing baseball in Japan.

1962 On December 7, 1962, J.G. Taylor Spink, the publisher of The Sporting News, dies at the age of 74. The legendary Spink operated the weekly newspaper for 48 years. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will eventually name its annual writers award after Spink.

1947 On December 7, 1947, Johnny Bench is born in Oklahoma City. Bench will become a two-time Most Valuable Player and will help the Cincinnati Reds to World Championships in 1975 and '76…

1941 On December 7, 1941, longtime star Robert "Lefty" Grove announces his retirement. Over a 17-year career with the Philadelphia A's and the Boston Red Sox, Grove won 300 games. Grove will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1947…