Today in Baseball History: March 12th

 

 

1980 On March 12, 1980, slugging outfielder Chuck Klein and former Boston Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. Klein batted .320 over a 17-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Yawkey becomes the first Hall of Fame owner who never served as a player, manager, or general manager during his career.

1973 On March 12, 1973, Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch dies at the age of 74. Frisch batted .316 over a 19-year career. As player-manager for the St. Louis Cardinals, he led the team to the 1934 World Championship.

1951 On March 12, 1951, Commissioner A.B. "Happy" Chandler loses his bid to remain in office. Chandler is voted down, 9-7, in a tally of owners. Chandler, who started his term as commissioner in 1945, will be succeeded by Ford Frick.

1946 On March 12, 1946, Negro Leagues pitching star and future Hall of Famer "Smokey" Joe Williams dies at the age of 69. According to some sources, Williams won 41 games in 1914. Williams will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1934 On March 12, 1934, St. Louis Cardinals rookie Paul "Daffy" Dean ends his holdout. Dean will win 19 games for the Cardinals in his first major league season.

1921 On March 12, 1921, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis suspends eight members of the Chicago White Sox for their alleged involvement in the fixing of the 1919 World Series. The group includes outfielder Joe Jackson, who batted .375 in the Series. Others banned are Eddie Cicotte, Oscar "Happy" Felsch, Arnold "Chick" Gandil, Fred McMullin, Charles "Swede" Risberg, George "Buck" Weaver, and Claude "Lefty" Williams.