Today in Baseball History: March 13th

 

 

1995 On March 13, 1995, newly elected Hall of Famer Leon Day dies at the age of 78. The former Negro Leagues star-a star pitcher and hitter-had been elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee just one week earlier.

1986 On March 13, 1986, the father-and-son team of Hal and Brian McRae appears together in an exhibition game for the Kansas City Royals. Brian, who will be sent back to the minor leagues before the start of the season, will not make his major league debut until 1990. The following summer, Brian will play for his father, who takes over as Royals manager.

1981 On March 13, 1981, the California Angels sign free agent Rick Burleson to a six-year contract worth $4.2 million, making him the highest paid shortstop in the major leagues. The former Boston Red Sox' standout will bat .293 in his first season with the Angels.

1960 On March 13, 1960, the Chicago White Sox unveil an important uniform innovation. The Sox' road uniforms feature players' names on the backs of the jerseys, marking the first time that players' names will appear on major league uniforms. The innovation will make it easier for fans watching games on television to identify the players on the field. The idea is yet another creation of colorful White Sox owner Bill Veeck.

1954 On March 13, 1954, Bobby Thomson of the Milwaukee Braves breaks his ankle sliding into second base. The injury creates an opening in Milwaukee's lineup for future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.

1943 On March 13, 1943, the Spalding Company starts manufacturing a new kind of baseball for the upcoming season. The inside of the ball is made up of recycled cork and balata, instead of the usual combination of cork and rubber.