Today in Baseball History: February 20th

2001 On February 20, 2001, longtime baseball figure Bill Rigney dies at the age of 83 after a long bout with cancer. After an eight-year playing career in the major leagues, Rigney went on to manage the New York and San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, and Minnesota Twins. He also worked as a scout, executive, and broadcaster in a career that dated back to 1938.

1980 On February 20, 1980, the Oakland A's sign Billy Martin to a two-year contract as manager. Martin, who was fired by the New York Yankees only four months earlier, will popularize the notion of "Billy Ball" with the A's and lead the team to a split-season crown in 1981.

1966 On February 20, 1966, the American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history. Ashford will make his American League debut in 1966.

1963 On February 20, 1963, the Chicago Cubs put an end to their radical "college of coaches" system and hire Bob Kennedy as manager. Under Kennedy, the Cubs will sport a respectable record of 82-80 in 1963.

1943 On February 20, 1943, Chicago Cubs owner Philip Wrigley and Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey draw up the charter for the All-American Girls Softball League, which will eventually become the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). The league, originally conceived in the belief that the major leagues would suspend play because of World War II, will operate from 1943 to 1954. After struggling through poor attendance in its early seasons, the league will draw over one million fans in 1948.

1923 On February 20, 1923, former pitcher and future Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson becomes president and owner of the Boston Braves. Mathewson purchases the team for $300,000.

Te invito a formar parte de gatwin, la única red de afiliados en la que el protagonista eres TÚ. Regístrate ya en http://t.co/EG6IwMTgXu
— Gustavo Hidalgo E (@Beisbol007) febrero 17, 2014