Today in Baseball History: March 3rd

1988 On March 3, 1988, Los Angeles Dodgers star Kirk Gibson walks out of training camp after teammate Jesse Orosco plays a practical joke by placing "eyeblack" in his cap. The incident illustrates Gibson's intensity and no-nonsense approach to the game. Gibson, who returns to camp the next day, will help the Dodgers win the World Series in 1988.

1987 On March 3, 1987, former Negro Leagues standout Ray Dandridge is elected to the Hall of Fame. Known for his power hitting ability and slick fielding at third base, Dandridge starred for a number of Negro Leagues teams in the 1930s and 40s.

1984 On March 3, 1984, Peter Ueberroth is elected commissioner of baseball, succeeding Bowie Kuhn. Ueberroth, the president of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, will become the game's sixth commissioner. Ueberroth will serve a five-year term before giving way to A. Bartlett Giamatti.

1983 On March 3, 1983, Steve Carlton signs a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. The $4.15 million deal makes "Lefty" the highest-paid pitcher in major league history. Carlton led the National League with 23 wins in 1982.

1953 On March 3, 1953, Boston Braves owner Lou Perini blocks an attempt by the St. Louis Browns to move their franchise to Milwaukee. Since Perini owns the Braves' minor league affiliate in Milwaukee, he is allowed to invoke "territorial privilege" in preventing the Browns from relocating to Wisconsin.

1932 On March 3, 1932, tragedy strikes when Boston Red Sox pitcher Ed Morris dies from a series of knife wounds. Morris had been injured in a fight at a party that was given in his honor.