Today in Baseball History: January 29th

1988 On January 29, 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers sign free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million. Thanks in large part to Gibson's fiery leadership, the Dodgers will win the National League pennant in 1988. In Game One of the World Series against the Oakland Athletics, Gibson will hit a dramatic, game-winning home run.

1982 On January 29, 1982, the New York Yankees name Graig Nettles team captain. Nettles becomes the first Yankee captain since Thurman Munson, who was killed in a 1979 plane crash.

1971 On January 29, 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Nellie Briles and outfielder Vic Davalillo from the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Matty Alou and pitcher George Brunet. Briles and Davalillo will play important roles in the Bucs' 1971 World Championship.

1967 On January 29, 1967, former Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey and Pittsburgh Pirates hitting great Lloyd Waner are elected to the Hall of Fame. In 1947, Rickey promoted Jackie Robinson to the major leagues, effectively breaking baseball's color line.

1958 On January 29, 1958, Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals signs a one-year contract worth $100,000. The deal makes Musial the highest paid player in the National League. In 1957, Musial paced the NL with a .351 batting mark, while also hitting 29 home runs and driving in 102 runs.

1930 On January 29, 1930, the Boston Red Sox sell former American League home run king Ken Williams to the rival New York Yankees for the waiver price. Williams, a lifetime .319 hitter, will be released prior to the start of the season and will never again play in the major leagues.