Today in Baseball History: February 14th

 

 

1957 On February 14, 1957, nearly 10 years after Jackie Robinson's breaking of the major league color barrier, the Georgia Senate unanimously approves a bill prohibiting blacks from playing baseball with white players. The bill was put forth by Senator Leon Butts. At the time, Georgia does not have a major league team, but does have several minor league teams.

1948 On February 14, 1948, Hall of Fame pitcher Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown dies at the age of 71. Despite losing his index finger in a childhood farm accident, Brown won 239 games over a 14-year career.

1945 On February 14, 1945, Bob Quinn gives up his post as general manager of the Boston Braves, allowing his son, John, to take over. The elder Quinn, a veteran of baseball employment since 1900, had served the Braves as president and general manager off and on since 1924.

1934 On February 14, 1934, the Cleveland Indians sign former Washington Senators star Sam Rice to a contract for the upcoming season. The future Hall of Fame outfielder will bat .293 in 335 at-bats for the Indians, but will fall 13 hits shy of the 3,000 mark before retiring. Rice will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1963.

1928 On February 14, 1928, the advisory council of the major leagues agrees to allot $50,000 to develop a national championship program for amateur players. The program will be run by the American Legion.

1911 On February 14, 1911, the New York Giants and Philadelphia Phillies come up with an idea for a new style of uniform - white flannels with thin vertical stripes. Such "pinstripes" will eventually become a popular feature of major league uniforms.