Today in Baseball History: December 13th

 

 

 Ferguson Jenkins

2006 On December 13, 2006, the Boston Red Sox come to terms with Japanese pitching star Daisuke Matsuzaka on a six-year, $52 million contract. The Red Sox had also paid $51 million to the Seibu Lions to secure the exclusive negotiating rights with the hurler.

2004 On December 13, 2004, Roger Clemens comes out of retirement to sign with the Houston Astros. The 41-year old Clemens will go 1804 with a 2.98 ERA and earn his seventh Cy Young Award in 2004 for the Astros, helping them to the NL Championship Series.

1994 On December 13, 1994, the California Angels sign pitcher Lee Smith to a free agent contract. Smith pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 1994, leading the major leagues with 33 saves.

1974 On December 13, 1974, Oakland A's pitching star Catfish Hunter is declared a free agent. Arbitrator Peter Seitz rules that A's owner Charlie Finley committed a breach of contract by failing to make a payment to Hunter's life insurance fund. The four-time 20-game winner, who helped Oakland to World Championships in 1972, 1973 and 1974, will sign a five-year contract worth a record $3.75 million with the New York Yankees.

1956 On December 13, 1956, the Brooklyn Dodgers trade Jackie Robinson to the New York Giants for well-traveled pitcher Dick Littlefield and $30,000. Less than a month later, Robinson will announce his retirement, negating the trade…

1954 On December 13, 1954, the Brooklyn Dodgers offer a $14,000 contract - a sizable contract at the time - to 19-year-old left-hander Sandy Koufax. The hard-throwing phenom will make his big league debut in 1955…

1943 On December 13, 1943, future Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins is born in Chatham, Ontario. Jenkins will pile up seven 20-win seasons and become the first Canadian to gain election to the Hall of Fame.

1934 On December 13, 1934, the St. Louis Cardinals sell minor league first baseman Johnny Mize to the Cincinnati Reds. Fortunately for St. Louis, Mize turns up with a bad knee, forcing the Cardinals to cancel the deal. The future Hall of Famer will make his major league debut two seasons later, marking the first of six outstanding seasons in a Cardinal uniform.

1910 On December 13, 1910, former major leaguer Dan McGann is found dead in a hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky, having shot himself in the chest. McGann, 39 years old, was apparently distressed over several family tragedies. A first baseman, McGann batted .300 four times and played in the 1905 World Series for John McGraw"s Giants.