Today in Baseball History: January 24th

1980 On January 24, 1980, Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon buy the New York Mets from the DeRoulet family for $21 million, then a record purchase price for a major league franchise. Doubleday, a relative of Abner Doubleday, will act as chairman of the board, and Wilpon, a high school teammate of Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, will serve as team president.

1973 On January 24, 1973, Warren Spahn is elected to the Hall of Fame. Spahn, in his first year of eligibility, is named on 316 out of a possible 380 ballots. Spahn won a total of 363 games during a 21-year major league career.

1962 On January 24, 1962, the Southern Association announces that it is suspending operations. Plagued by dwindling attendance, the league lost franchises in Memphis and New Orleans during the past two seasons.

1961 On January 24, 1961, the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Athletics agree on a six-player trade. The Orioles acquire outfielders Whitey Herzog and Russ Snyder from the A's in exchange for infielder Wayne Causey, outfielders Bob Boyd and Al Pilarcik, and pitcher Jim Archer.

1939 On January 24, 1939, the baseball writers select Eddie Collins, Willie Keeler and George Sisler to the Hall of Fame. Collins collected 3,315 hits during a 25-year career. Keeler and Sisler batted .424 and .420 in their best seasons, respectively.

1900 On January 24, 1900, officials from the National League hold a secret meeting in Cleveland. Members of the so-called "Reduction Committee" discuss contracting as many as four franchises – Baltimore, Cleveland, Louisville and Washington – from the league.