Today in Baseball History: February 12th

1994 On February 12, 1994, Hall of Fame third baseman Ray Dandridge dies at the age of 80. The former Negro Leagues star batted .322 for his career and gained election to the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1981 On February 12, 1981, a contract violation by the Boston Red Sox makes star catcher Carlton Fisk a free agent. In 1980, Fisk batted .289 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs. Fisk will eventually sign a multi-year contract with the Chicago White Sox, for whom he will play during the balance of his career.

1955 On February 12, 1955, future Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays hit home runs to lead Santurce, Puerto Rico to a 4-2 win in the Caribbean World Series.

1942 On February 12, 1942, minor league outfielder Gordon Houston becomes the first player in Organized Baseball to die during active duty in World War II. Houston had played with Texarkana in 1940.

1932 On February 12, 1932, minor league executive George Weiss joins the front office of the New York Yankees. The 38-year-old Weiss is named head of the Yankees' new farm system. Weiss will eventually become the general manager of the Yankees, and along with manager Casey Stengel, will oversee an unprecedented five consecutive World Championships from 1949 to 1953. Weiss will eventually gain election to the Hall of Fame in 1971.

1903 On February 12, 1903, future Hall of Famer Charles "Chick" Hafey is born in Berkeley, California. Hafey will make his major league debut in 1924 with the St. Louis Cardinals. During a 13-year career with the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds, Hafey will bat .317, including a league-leading .349 in 1931. He will enter the Hall of Fame in 1971.