Today in Baseball History: November 25th

 

 

1991 On November 25, 1991, the Montreal Expos trade first baseman Andres "The Big Cat" Galarraga to the St. Louis Cardinals for 11-game winner Ken Hill. Galarraga will struggle for the Cards before enjoying a career renaissance with the Colorado Rockies in 1993.

1981 On November 25, 1981, future Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers becomes the first reliever in American League history to win the MVP Award. Fingers saved 28 games while forging a spectacular ERA of 1.04 for the Milwaukee Brewers.

1970 On November 25, 1970, New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson is named the American League's Rookie of the Year. Munson receives 23 of 24 first-place votes after batting .302 during the regular season.

1944 On November 25, 1944, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the game's first commissioner, dies from a heart attack at the age of 78. Landis had been appointed commissioner in 1920, in the wake of the "Black Sox" scandal. On December 9, Landis will be elected to the Hall of Fame in a special ballot.

1941 On November 25, 1941, the Cleveland Indians make an unusual move by naming 24-year-old shortstop Lou Boudreau their player-manager. Boudreau takes over for Roger Peckinpaugh, who moves up to the front office as the Tribe's general manager…

1914 On November 25, 1914, future Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio is born in Martinez, California. The son of Italian immigrants, DiMaggio will make his major league debut in 1936 and will spend his entire big league playing career with the New York Yankees. One of three brothers who stars in the major leagues, DiMaggio plays on nine World Series champion teams.