Today in Baseball History: February 8th

1983 On February 8, 1983, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders Mickey Mantle to sever all ties with Major League Baseball after he accepts a position with the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Kuhn previously made a similar ruling with Willie Mays, who also took a job with a casino.

1982 On February 8, 1982, the Los Angeles Dodgers trade veteran infielder Davey Lopes to the Oakland A's for minor league pitcher Lance Hudson. The move breaks up the Dodger infield, which had been intact since 1974. The other starting infielders-Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey-remain with the Dodgers.

1972 On February 8, 1972, Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard win election to the Hall of Fame through the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues. The two former stars become the second and third players to be selected by the Negro Leagues Committee, joining Satchel Paige, who was elected in 1971.

1956 On February 8, 1956, one of baseball's most prominent figures, owner Connie Mack, dies at the age of 93. Mack managed and owned the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 to 1950, leading the team to five World Series titles and nine American League pennants. In 1937, Mack earned election to the Hall of Fame.

1941 On February 8, 1941, the Detroit Tigers release future Hall of Famer Earl Averill and sign outfielder Hoot Evers, a star at the University of Illinois. Averill will eventually sign a contract with the Boston Braves but will hit only .118 in 17 at-bats, ending his major league career.

1916 On February 8, 1916, the National League turns down a request from Brooklyn Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets, who had wanted to limit the number of 25-cent tickets that teams could sell at their ballparks.