Today in Baseball History: December 1st

 

 

2002 On December 1, 2002, former major league pitching star Dave McNally dies from lung cancer at the age of 60. A four-time 20-game winner over the span of four consecutive seasons, McNally helped anchor a Baltimore Orioles pitching staff that featured Hall of Famer Jim Palmer and standout left-hander Mike Cuellar. In 1966, McNally won Game Four of the World Series, cementing Baltimore's sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1970, the stylish left-hander won Game Three of the World Series, as the Orioles defeated the Cincinnati Reds in five games. At the end of his career, McNally helped change baseball's basic financial structure. After playing the 1975 season without a signed contract, McNally was declared a free agent by arbitrator Peter Seitz. The decision paved the way for the advent of the free agent system.

1982 On December 1, 1982, the New York Yankees sign onetime American League MVP Don Baylor to a free agent contract. Baylor, who had 24 home runs and 93 RBIs for the Angels in 1982, won the MVP Award in 1979

1971 On December 1, 1971, the Chicago Cubs release longtime star and future Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, ending his 19-year major league career. The Cubs also announce that Banks will serve as a coach on manager Leo Durocher's staff in 1972.

1966 On December 1, 1966, the Los Angeles Dodgers trade former National League stolen base king Maury Wills to the Pittsburgh Pirates for infielders Bob Bailey and Gene Michael. Wills upset the Dodgers when he left the team during its recent tour of Japan

1965 On December 1, 1965, the Kansas City A's re-acquire minor league outfielder Joe Rudi from the Cleveland Indians. Rudi will eventually become the A's' starting left fielder and a key member of their World Championship teams from 1972 to 1974.

1964 On December 1, 1964, the Houston Colt .45s officially change their nickname to "Astros." The change coincides with the team's impending move from Colt Stadium to the Harris County Domed Stadium, also known as the "Astrodome."

1931 On December 1, 1931, the Chicago Cubs trade future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson and pitcher Bud Teachout to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Burleigh Grimes. Wilson slumped to .261 and 13 home runs after setting the major league record for most RBIs the previous season

1928 On December 1, 1928, National League President John Heydler becomes the first person to propose a rule change calling for a 10th man, or a designated hitter, to bat in place of the pitcher. The NL will vote in favor of the proposal, but the American League will turn it down.

1911 On December 1, 1911, future Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston is born in Venice, Ohio. Although Alston will come to bat only once during a brief major league career, he will have far greater longevity as the manager of the Dodgers from 1954 to 1976.