Today in Baseball History: March 28th

1986 On March 28, 1986, the Boston Red Sox acquire designated hitter Don Baylor from the New York Yankees for outfielder-designated hitter Mike Easler. Baylor will hit 31 home runs and drive in 94 runs, helping the Red Sox to the AL East title.

1985 On March 28, 1985, Sports Illustrated releases its April 1st issue, which contains a fictitious article about a New York Mets pitcher named Sidd Finch. The George Plimpton article, which contends that Finch throws a 168-mile-per-hour fastball, fools numerous readers around the country.

1978 On March 28, 1978, the Oakland A's release veteran first baseman Dick Allen, ending his 15-year career. Allen finishes with 351 home runs, 1119 RBIs and a lifetime average of .292. The highlight of Allen's career occurred in 1972, when he earned the MVP Award with the Chicago White Sox.

1977 On March 28, 1977, Texas Rangers infielder Lenny Randle physically confronts manager Frank Lucchesi. Randle, who will receive a 30-day suspension, became upset when Lucchesi demoted him as the team's starting second baseman. On April 26, the Rangers will trade Randle to the New York Mets for infielder Rick Auerbach and cash.

1976 On March 28, 1976, media sources report a potential blockbuster trade between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. According to the rumor, the deal will send Tom Seaver to the Dodgers in exchange for another future Hall of Famer, Don Sutton. Mets fans respond negatively to the proposed deal, perhaps influencing management to call off the trade. Seaver will remain with the Mets until 1977, when he is traded to the Cincinnati Reds.

1958 On March 28, 1958, Hall of Famer Chuck Klein dies at the age of 53. Klein batted .320 with 300 home runs over a 17-year career. He enjoyed his best season in 1933, when he won the National League's Triple Crown.

1947 On March 28, 1947, Hall of Fame second baseman Johnny Evers dies at the age of 65. Known as "The Crab," Evers stole 324 bases over an 18-year career.

1931 On March 28, 1931, Hall of Fame executive Ban Johnson dies at the age of 67. Johnson served as the first president of the American League, guiding the "junior circuit" until 1927. Johnson will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1937…

1913 On March 28, 1913, the St. Louis Browns make an unusual "trade," sending infielder Clyde "Buzzy" Wares to a minor league team in exchange for the rental of a stadium. The Montgomery Black Sox will allow the Browns to use their stadium during spring training-rent free. Wares will return to the Browns later in the season.