Today in Baseball History: November 24th

 

 

1982 On November 24, 1982, Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles wins the American League's Rookie of the Year Award. Ripken hit 28 home runs while splitting his time between shortstop and third base for the Orioles…

1977 On November 24, 1977, former major league manager Mayo Smith dies at the age of 62. Smith skippered the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers during a nine-year managerial career, but gained most of his fame when he guided the Tigers to the World Championship in 1968. Smith later scouted for the Oakland A's…

1976 On November 24, 1976, future Hall of Famer Joe Morgan of the Cincinnati Reds wins his second consecutive National League MVP Award. Morgan, who beats out teammate George Foster in the balloting, led the NL in slugging percentage and scored 113 runs.

1976 On November 24, 1976, the California Angels sign free agent second baseman Bobby Grich. The slick-fielding Grich is the first of three free agents that owner Gene Autry will sign during the off-season. Don Baylor and Joe Rudi will eventually join Grich in California.

1953 On November 24, 1953, the Brooklyn Dodgers name little-known Walter Alston as their manager after Pee Wee Reese turns down the job. Alston, who had served as the skipper of the Dodgers' top affiliate in Montreal, will manage the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers over the next 23 seasons, winning 2,040 games and four World Championships…

1911 On November 24, 1911, future Hall of Famer Joe Medwick is born in Carteret, New Jersey. Medwick will make his major league debut in 1932 with the St. Louis Cardinals.