Today in Baseball History: January 1st

1977 On January 1, 1977, Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Danny Frisella is killed in a dune buggy accident near Phoenix, Arizona. Nicknamed "Bear," the 30-year-old Frisella had pitched three games for the New York Mets in 1969, when they won the World Series. The right-handed reliever saved 57 games over his 10-year career.

1974 On January 1, 1974, Joe Cronin steps down as president of the American League and is replaced by Lee MacPhail. MacPhail, a longtime executive in baseball, will lead the AL through 1984. He is inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

1970 On January 1, 1970, Charles "Chub" Feeney assumes command of the National League. Feeney succeeds Hall of Famer Warren Giles, who had served as National League President since 1951.

1961 On January 1, 1961, Detroit's Briggs Stadium is renamed Tiger Stadium. The ballpark had initially been named for Walter Briggs, the owner of the Tigers until his death in 1952.

1943 On January 1, 1943, Negro Leagues home run king Josh Gibson suffers a nervous breakdown and is admitted to a hospital for treatment and rest. After his release, he will report to training camp in Hot Springs, Arizona.

1927 On January 1, 1927, the Brooklyn Dodgers release longtime outfielder Zack Wheat, who had starred for the team for 18 seasons. Wheat leaves the Dodgers holding nearly every offensive record, and will play one final season with the A"s in 1927, batting .324. He is inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1959.

1923 On January 1, 1923, 19th century star Wee Willie Keeler dies at the age of 50. The five-foot, four-and-a-half-inch Keeler batted .341 over a 19-year career, placing him in the top 10 on the all-time batting list. The former Baltimore Orioles' star will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1939.

1911 On January 1, 1911, future Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg is born in New York City. In 1930, Greenberg will make his major league debut at the age of 19. A slugging first baseman for the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates, Greenberg will enter the Hall of Fame in 1956.