Today in Baseball History: February 22nd

1999 On February 22, 1999, Pittsburgh Pirates scout Howie Haak dies at the age of 87 of complications from a stroke. Haak, who worked for the Pirates from 1950 to 1988, scouted Roberto Clemente while he played in the Brooklyn Dodgers' farm system and recommended that the Pirates sign him. Dubbed the "King of the Caribbean," Haak also signed Manny Sanguillen and Tony Pena during his trips to Latin America.

1938 On February 22, 1938, the St. Louis Cardinals sign Washington Redskins star quarterback Sammy Baugh to a contract. Baugh, an infielder, will never appear in a major league game.

1922 On February 22, 1922, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Bill "Pickles" Dillhoefer dies from typhoid-pneumonia at the age of 26. Dillhoefer, who had shared catching duties with the Cardinals for the past three seasons, was a popular player with fans because of his hustle on the playing field.

1921 On February 22, 1921, the Cincinnati Reds acquire pitcher Eppa Rixey from the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Greasy Neale and pitcher Jimmy Ring. Although Rixey lost 22 games in 1920, the young left-hander will proceed to pitch at a Hall of Fame level over the balance of his major league career.