Today in Baseball History: December 9th

1992 On December 9, 1992, the Atlanta Braves sign Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux to a $28 million free agent contract. Maddux will win three more Cy Young awards with the Braves.

1982 On December 9, 1982, the Toronto Blue Jays make one of their best trades ever. The Jays acquire future star Fred McGriff and two other players from the New York Yankees for journeyman pitcher Dale Murray and a minor leaguer. From 1987 to 1990, McGriff will hit 125 home runs for Toronto…

1966 On December 9, 1966, the Cincinnati Reds trade outfielder Frank Robinson to the Baltimore Orioles for pitchers Milt Pappas and Jack Baldschun and outfielder Dick Simpson. Robinson will help the O's to American League pennants in 1966, '69, '70, and 1971, and World Championships in 1966 and '70.

1954 On December 9, 1954, former umpire Bill McGowan died at the age of 58 at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland, two days after suffering a heart attack. McGowan umpired in the American League from 1925 until his death, officiating in eight World Series. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.

1930 On December 9, 1930, Andrew "Rube" Foster, the founder of the Negro National League, dies at the age of 52. Foster, who was also a premier pitcher in the Negro Leagues, will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1981…

1923 On December 9, 1923, former major league pitcher and manager "Wild Bill" Donovan dies in a train crash in Forsyth, New York. The 47-year-old Donovan won 186 games over an 18-year career. Another well-known baseball passenger, Hall of Fame executive George Weiss, survives the accident.