Today in Baseball History: January 17th

1977 On January 17, 1977, the Kansas City Royals release 18-year veteran Tommy Davis, ending his career. In 1962, Davis led the National League in hitting with a .346 mark, and in RBIs with 153. In 1963, Davis again won the batting crown, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers capture the World Series. Two years later, Davis fractured his ankle, curtailing his production for the rest of his career.

1970 On January 17, 1970, The Sporting News names San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays as its "Player of the Decade" for the 1960s. Mays beats out the likes of Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente in the voting.

1952 On January 17, 1952, Walter O. Briggs, owner of the Detroit Tigers, dies of heart failure at the age of 74. His son, Spike Briggs, will assume control of the team.

1939 On January 17, 1939, the New York Yankees elect Ed Barrow as president. Barrow replaces Jacob Ruppert, who died four days earlier. Barrow will remain Yankee president until 1945, when the team is bought by Dan Topping and Del Webb.

1934 On January 17, 1934, the New York Giants come to contract terms with National League Most Valuable Player Carl Hubbell. "The King," who won league honors unanimously in 1933, will earn $18,000 for the upcoming season.

1916 On January 17, 1916, the New York Giants purchase three stars from the Federal League: pitcher Fred Anderson, outfielder Benny Kauff, and catcher Bill Rariden.

1890 On January 17, 1890, future Hall of Famer Louis Santop is born in Tyler, Texas. A powerful left-handed slugger with a keen batting eye, Santop was the starting catcher for some of black baseball"s greatest teams, from 1909-1926. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.