Today in Baseball History: February 2nd

1989 On February 2, 1989, former major league star Bill White is elected president of the National League. White succeeds Chub Feeney, becoming the first African-American to be named president of either league and the highest ranking black executive in the four major sports.

1987 On February 2, 1987, longtime Kansas City Royals pitcher Dennis Leonard announces his retirement. A three-time 20-game winner, Leonard had struggled in his comeback from knee problems, winning just eight of 21 decisions in 1986.

1976 On February 2, 1976, the Veterans Committee selects players Roger Connor and Fred Lindstrom and umpire Cal Hubbard as the newest class of Hall of Famers. Connor batted .323 with 138 home runs, making him one of the 19th century's top sluggers. Lindstrom batted .311 during a 13-year career.

1936 On February 2, 1936, the Baseball Writers' Association announces the results of the first Hall of Fame vote. Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, and Honus Wagner comprise the inaugural class of Hall of Famers. Several other stars like Cy Young fail to make the grade, but will enter the Hall in later elections.

1930 On February 2, 1930, the New York Yankees waive shortstop Leo Durocher, who batted only .246 in 1929. The future Hall of Fame manager will eventually sign with the Cincinnati Reds.

1923 On February 2, 1923, future Hall of Fame infielder Red Schoendienst is born in Germantown, Illinois. Playing mostly as a second baseman, Schoendienst will bat .289 during a 19-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants and Milwaukee Braves. Schoendienst will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1989.