Today in Baseball History: February 23rd

1996 On February 23, 1996, Major League Baseball's rules committee increases the size of the strike zone. The committee hopes the change will help pitchers, while speeding up the pace of games.

1988 On February 23, 1988, lawmakers in Chicago pass legislation that will allow lights at Wrigley Field. By a vote of 29-19, Chicago's anti-noise laws are officially repealed, paving the way for the playing of night games at Wrigley. The Cubs, the last team to play all of its games during the day, will play eight night games in 1988.

1987 On February 23, 1987, Dick Howser resigns as manager of the Kansas City Royals, just three days after the start of spring training. Howser, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor the previous summer, had attempted a return to managing. The 51-year-old Howser will succumb to brain cancer on June 17. Howser had led the Royals to their first World Championship in 1985.

1960 On February 23, 1960, demolition of Ebbets Field begins. A ceremony takes place at home plate, featuring former Brooklyn Dodger stars Roy Campanella, Carl Erskine, and Ralph Branca. The Dodgers had played home games at Ebbets Field through 1957, before moving to Los Angeles.

1954 On February 23, 1954, the New York Yankees sell pitcher Vic Raschi to the St. Louis Cardinals for $85,000. Raschi, a 13-game winner in 1953 and member of six world champions, refused to take a 25 per cent pay cut.

1921 On February 23, 1921, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire future Hall of Fame shortstop Rabbit Maranville from the Boston Braves for outfielders Billy Southworth and Fred Nicholson, infielder Walt Barbare, and $15,000.

1908 On February 23, 1908, future Hall of Fame pitcher Ray Brown is born in Alger, Ohio. Brown anchored the rotation of the Homestead Grays during its Negro National League dynasty years, when the club won eight pennants between 1937 and 1945. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.