Today in Baseball History: February 4th

1991 On February 4, 1991, the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors votes unanimously to make all players on baseball's permanently banned list ineligible for Hall of Fame consideration. The decision makes Pete Rose ineligible for the Hall's ballot as long as he remains suspended.

1985 On February 4, 1985, former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Greg Luzinski announces his retirement. "The Bull" batted .276 and hit 307 home runs in 15 seasons with the Phillies and Chicago White Sox.

1976 On February 4, 1976, a federal judge upholds a recent decision by arbitrator Peter Seitz, who had granted free agency to pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally. Both players had challenged baseball's reserve clause. Messersmith will sign a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves, while McNally will decide to retire.

1969 On February 4, 1969, 42-year-old Bowie Kuhn is named commissioner, succeeding Spike Eckert. Kuhn receives a one-year contract paying him $100,000. Major league owners turned to Kuhn after failing to agree on either of two other candidates, Mike Burke of the New York Yankees and Charles Feeney of the San Francisco Giants.

1957 On February 4, 1957, manager Joe McCarthy and outfielder Sam Crawford are elected to the Hall of Fame. McCarthy, the winningest manager in history, won nine pennants and four consecutive World Championships with the New York Yankees. Crawford, one of the greatest hitters of the dead-ball era, finished his career with 309 triples, first on the all-time list.

1909 On February 4, 1909, Hall of Fame pitcher John Clarkson dies at the age of 47. Clarkson won 328 games during a 12-year career in the 19th century.