Today in Baseball History: January 19th

1977 On January 19, 1977, former Chicago Cub standout Ernie Banks is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Known as "Mr. Cub," Banks played his entire 19-year major league career in Chicago, collecting 512 home runs.

1972 On January 19, 1972, the Baseball Writers elect three players to the Hall of Fame: Yogi Berra, Sandy Koufax and Early Wynn. One year earlier, the writers had failed to elect anyone to the Hall. Koufax, at the age of 36, becomes the youngest man to gain election to the shrine.

1961 On January 19, 1961, the Cleveland Indians release former National League standout Don Newcombe, ending his major league career. A one-time hard thrower, Newcombe won the "Rookie of the Year," Cy Young and MVP awards while with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Newcombe finishes with 149 wins and only 90 losses.

1945 On January 19, 1945, media reports say that Stan "The Man" Musial will enlist in the U.S. military for duty in World War II. Musial will miss the entire 1945 season before returning to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1946.

1937 On January 19, 1937, in their second annual Hall of Fame election, the Baseball Writers Association of America elects second baseman Napoleon Lajoie, outfielder Tris Speaker and pitcher Cy Young to the Cooperstown shrine. The trio will be honored at the Hall's first induction ceremony in 1939.

1934 On January 19, 1934, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis turns down "Shoeless" Joe Jackson's bid for reinstatement. Jackson was one of eight Chicago White Sox players banned for their part in throwing the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds.