Today in Baseball History: March 6th

2006 On March 6, 2006, Hall of Fame center fielder Kirby Puckett dies following a stroke he suffered days earlier. Puckett helped the Minnesota Twins to a pair of World Series titles, and was arguably the most popular player in franchise history.

2001 On March 6, 2001, former Pittsburgh Pirates defensive whiz Bill Mazeroski and Negro Leagues pitching great Hilton Smith are elected to the Hall of Fame. Mazeroski, an eight-time Gold Glove winner, hit one of the most memorable home runs ever-a ninth-inning blast in Game Seven of the 1960 World Series.

1987 On March 6, 1987, prized free agent Andre Dawson signs a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth $650,000. The former Montreal Expos' star had previously offered to sign a "blank check" contract with Chicago.

1985 On March 6, 1985, Enos Slaughter and Arky Vaughan are elected to the Hall of Fame. Slaughter, known for his hustling style of play, gained fame for his celebrated "Mad Dash" home during the 1946 World Series. Vaughan batted .318 over a 14-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Dodgers.

1980 On March 6, 1980, Milwaukee Brewers manager George Bamberger suffers a heart attack at the team's spring training camp in Sun City, Arizona. Bamberger will undergo quintuple bypass surgery, and is replaced on an interim basis by one of the team's coaches, Buck Rodgers.

1945 On March 6, 1945, former major league catcher Harry O'Neill is killed in combat during World War II. The 27-year-old O'Neill becomes the second major leaguer to lose his life in the war. Elmer John Gedeon, a onetime outfielder with the Washington Senators, was killed in 1944.

1940 On March 6, 1940, future Hall of Famer Willie Stargell is born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma. Stargell will make his debut in 1962 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will hit 475 home runs during a 21-year career, helping the Pirates to World Championships in 1971 and 1979.