Today in Baseball History -- Nov. 23 -- from Mary Landers ... 1943 -- Commissioner Landis suspends William Cox indefinitely after the Phillies owner acknowledges to making some sentimental bets on his team not knowing it was against the rules. The gambling allegations first surfaced in July when the clubs recently fired manager, Bucky Harris, revealed he had evidence that his former boss was wagering on games played by Philadelphia. 1962 -- The BBWAA selects Dodger shortstop Maury Wills as the National Leagues Most Valuable Player. The Gold Glove infielder stole a record 104 bases this season and served as a catalyst in the teams 102 victories and their attempt to capture a pennant, an effort that fell short in a three-game play off against San Francisco. 1964 -- Future Hall of Fame southpaw Warren Spahn is purchased by the Mets from the Braves. In addition to serving on the clubs coaching staff, the crafty southpaw will post a 4-12 record in twenty appearances. 1971 -- Bill Virdon is named to take over for the retiring Danny Murtaugh as the manager of the world champion Pirates. Murtaugh, however will return to the Pittsburgh dugout during the 1973 season to replace his replacement. 1977 -- The Red Sox sign two free-agent pitchers as Mike Torrez and Dick Drago come to terms to play in Boston. 1988 -- Steve Sax signs a three-year deal as a free agent with the Yankees worth $3.75 million. The former NL Rookie of the year will replace fan-favorite Willie Randolph at second base, and Randolph will sign with the World Champion Dodgers replacing Sax. 2007 -- While visiting his wifes family and scheduled to be the best man at a wedding later in the day, Joe Kennedy awakes and collapses in the bedroom at 1:00 am and dies unexpectedly. The 64, 250-pound Blue Jays southpaw reliever, who signed with the club in September after being released by the Diamondbacks, also played for the As, Rockies, and Devil Rays during his seven-year career. 2007 -- The woeful Reds bullpen gets a big boost with the signing of free-agent Francisco Cordero to a four-year, $46 million contract. The 32-year old former Brewers closer collected 44 saves in 51 chances while posting a 2.98 ERA with Milwaukee last season. 2009 -- Joe Mauer (.365, 28, 96) becomes the fifth Twin to be named the American Leagues Most Valuable Player joining Zoilo Versalles (1965), Harmon Killebrew (1969), Rod Carew (1977), and Justin Morneau (2006). The slugging Gold Glove catcher, who missed the first month of the season with a back injury, receives 27 of 28 first-place votes cast by the BBWAA, and the St. Paul native easily outpoints Yankee teammates Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter. 2010 -- Josh Hamilton joins Jeff Burroughs (1974), Juan Gonzalez (1996, 1998), Ivan Rodriguez (1999) and Alex Rodriguez (2003) as the fifth Ranger player to win the American League’s Most Valuable Player award. The Texas slugging outfielder, who received 22 of the 28 first-place votes cast by the writers, led the major leagues in batting with a .359 average, hitting 32 homers and driving in 100 runs despite missing 29 games in September after suffering two broken ribs. 2010 -- Aubrey Huff agrees to a $22 million, two-year deal to stay with the World Champions Giants. Last January, San Francisco signed the 33-year old to a one-year contract with the hope he could provide some pop in the middle of the batting order, and the first baseman/outfielder did not disappoint hitting a team-leading 26 home runs along with 86 RBIs. 2011 -- The oft-injured Grady Sizemore agrees to a one-year, incentive-laden contract to stay with the Indians, after the club declined his $9 million option for 2012. The Tribe will pay the 29-year-old All-star outfielder $5 million next season along with the opportunity for him to make another $4 million based on plate appearances and another $500,000 if he is selected comeback player of the year. 2011 -- The As deal right-handed starter Gio Gonzalez along with pitching prospect Robert Gilliam to the Nationals for southpaw Tommy Milone, catcher Derek Norris, right-hander Brad Peacock, and minor-league hurler A.J. Cole. Washingtons newest member of the rotation, after agreeing to a five-year, $42 million extension following the trade, will enjoy a spectacular first season in the nationals capital, going 21-8 with an ERA of 2.89.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:17:10 +0000
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