Today in Baseball History: January 22nd

2003 On January 22, 2003, the Boston Red Sox make one of the best free agent signings in their history, nabbing David Ortiz. Ortiz, who never really had a chance to play regularly in Minnesota, will blossom in Boston, clubbing 31 homers in 2003, and following it with 41 and 47 in his next two seasons. His clutch hits will become legendary among "Fenway Faithful."

2001 On January 22, 2001, former major leaguer Tommie Agee dies from a heart attack at the age of 58. Agee batted .255 with 130 home runs over a 12-year career, but was best known for making two acrobatic catches for the New York Mets in Game Three of the 1969 World Series. Agee also hit a career-high 26 home runs in 1969.

1982 On January 22, 1982, free agent slugger Reggie Jackson signs a four-year, $4 million contract with the California Angels. Jackson leaves the New York Yankees after leading them to two world titles in five years.

1969 On January 22, 1969, the Houston Astros trade Rusty Staub to the Montreal Expos for Donn Clendenon and Jesus Alou. But Clendenon refuses to report to Houston, and eventually announces his retirement. The Astros petition Commissioner Bowie Kuhn to void the deal, but Kuhn later rules that the trade will stand and that Clendenon will remain with the Expos. Kuhn also orders the teams to work out additional compensation.

1962 On January 22, 1962, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Jensen announces his retirement - this time for good. Jensen had retired several times before, only to return as an active player.

1957 On January 22, 1957, an article in Look Magazine reveals the retirement of Jackie Robinson. The Brooklyn Dodgers' great had actually decided to retire prior to the December trade that would have sent him to the New York Giants, but waited to announce his retirement in Look.

1945 On January 22, 1945, Stan Musial officially enlists in the U.S. Army. Musial will miss the entire 1945 season while serving in World War II. The St. Louis Cardinals replace Musial on the roster by recalling Red Schoendienst from the Rochester Red Wings.

1929 On January 22, 1929, the New York Yankees announce that they will use numbers on the backs of their uniforms. The Yankees will become the first team to regularly use numbers on the backs of their jerseys as a way of identifying players.

1918 On January 22, 1918, the New York Yankees acquire future Hall of Famer Eddie Plank from the St. Louis Browns in a seven-player deal. Plank will never pitch for the Yankees, electing to retire instead. Plank leaves the game with a record of 326 wins and 194 losses.