Today in Baseball History : January 30th

Today in Baseball History: January 30th

1987 On January 30, 1987, the Oakland A's acquire veteran third baseman Ron Cey from the Chicago Cubs for infielder Luis Quinones. Nicknamed "The Penguin," Cey will hit .221 for the A's in 1987 - his final major league season.

1978 On January 30, 1978, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn cancels the recent trade that sent Vida Blue from the Oakland A's to the Cincinnati Reds for first baseman Dave Revering and $1.75 million in cash. Believing that the A's did not receive adequate compensation, Kuhn recommends that the trade be restructured. On February 25, the A's will acquire Revering in a different trade, this time for pitcher Doug Bair. On March 15, the A's will once again trade Blue, this time to the San Francisco Giants for seven players and $400,000. The seven include catcher Gary Alexander, infielder Mario Guerrero, outfielder Gary Thomasson, and pitchers Dave Heaverlo, Phil Huffman, John Henry Johnson and Alan Wirth. None of the seven will have much impact, while Blue will win 18 games in 1978.

1959 On January 30, 1959, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Harvey Haddix, catcher Smoky Burgess, and infielder Don Hoak from the Cincinnati Reds for third baseman Frank Thomas, infielder-outfielder Jim Pendleton, outfielder Johnny Powers and pitcher Charles "Whammy" Douglas.

1958 On January 30, 1958, Commissioner Ford Frick announces that players and coaches will vote on selections for the All-Star Game, replacing the fans' ballot. The vote will not return to the fans until 1970, when Commissioner Bowie Kuhn reverses Frick's action.

1948 On January 30, 1948, Hall of Famer Herb Pennock collapses and dies from a heart attack. Pennock, who was 53, had been serving as the general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1944.

1936 On January 30, 1936, the owners of the Boston Braves conduct a survey of newspaper reporters, asking them to come up with a new nickname for the franchise. The reporters select the name "Bees," which will be used through the 1940 season. The new name fails to catch on, and the team decides to switch back to "Braves."

1919 On January 30, 1919, the Cincinnati Reds hire Pat Moran as manager, replacing Christy Mathewson. The Reds make the decision after failing to hear from Mathewson during his winter trip to Europe. Moran will guide the Reds to 96 wins and the World Championship in 1919.