Today in Baseball History: January 16th

1996 On January 16, 1996, major league baseball's executive council approves a history-making first: inter-league play for the 1997 season. The Players' Association will eventually give its approval, enabling geographic rivals like the Mets and Yankees, Cubs and White Sox, and Angels and Dodgers to play each other during the regular season.

1986 On January 16, 1986, the New York Mets acquire second baseman Tim Teufel and a minor leaguer from the Minnesota Twins for three minor leaguers: outfielder Billy Beane and pitchers Joe Klink and Bill Latham. Teufel will platoon with Wally Backman during the Mets' 1986 championship run.

1974 On January 16, 1974, former New York Yankee teammates Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford are elected to the Hall of Fame. Mantle becomes only the seventh player to gain election in his first year of eligibility.

1970 On January 16, 1970, Curt Flood files a lawsuit challenging the reserve clause, which binds players to teams perpetually. Flood had been traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies in September, but refused to report to the Phils. Flood contends that the reserve clause violates antitrust laws. Flood will lose the suit but the judge will suggest changes to the reserve system.

1964 On January 16, 1964, American League owners vote down Charlie Finley's proposed move of the Kansas City A's to Louisville. The owners, who vote 9-1 against the proposal, also tell Finley to sign a lease with Kansas City or surrender the franchise.

1910 On January 16, 1910, Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean is born in Lucas, Arkansas. Dean will make his debut in 1930 with the St. Louis Cardinals and will win 150 games over a 12-year career with the Cards, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Browns.