1939 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Headline Event of the Year
- On May 17, 1939, Princeton UniversityPrinceton UniversityPrinceton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
and Columbia UniversityColumbia UniversityColumbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
played the first televised baseball game. On August 26, the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
and the Brooklyn Dodgers played the first televised Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
game. Red BarberRed BarberWalter Lanier "Red" Barber was an American sportscaster.Barber, nicknamed "The Ol' Redhead", was primarily identified with radio broadcasts of Major League Baseball, calling play-by-play across four decades with the Cincinnati Reds , Brooklyn Dodgers , and New York Yankees...
announced the game.
- On this year the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its charter honorees, including Jose MendezJosé MéndezJosé de la Caridad Méndez was a Cuban right-handed pitcher and manager in baseball's Negro Leagues. Born in Cárdenas, Matanzas, he died at age 41 in Havana. Known in Cuba as El Diamante Negro , he became a legend in his homeland. He was one of the first group of players elected to the Cuban...
and Cristobal TorrienteCristóbal TorrienteCristóbal Torriente was a Cuban outfielder in Negro league baseball with the Cuban Stars, All Nations, Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs and Detroit Stars over a career that lasted from 1914 to 1928, plus a single game in 1932.-Negro league career:Torriente was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba...
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Major League Baseball
- World Series1939 World SeriesThe 1939 World Series featured the three-time defending champion New York Yankees against the Cincinnati Reds, who were making their first Series appearance since the scandal-tainted 1919 World Series. The Yankees swept the Series in four games for the second time in a row, winning their record...
: New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
over Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
(4–0) - All-Star GameMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, July 11 at Yankee Stadium: American League, 3–1
Other champions
- Negro League Baseball All-Star GameNegro League Baseball All-Star GameThe East-West All-Star Game was an annual all-star game for Negro league baseball players. The game was the brainchild of Gus Greenlee, owner of the Pittsburgh Crawfords. In 1933 he decided to match the Major League Baseball All-Star Game with Negro league players...
: West, 4–2 (first game, at Comiskey ParkComiskey ParkComiskey Park was the ballpark in which the Chicago White Sox played from 1910 to 1990. It was built by Charles Comiskey after a design by Zachary Taylor Davis, and was the site of four World Series and more than 6,000 major league games...
); East, 10–2 (second game, in New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
)
Awards and honors
- Most Valuable PlayerMLB Most Valuable Player AwardThe Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
- Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, OF (AL) - Bucky WaltersBucky WaltersWilliam Henry "Bucky" Walters was an American Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Walters played for the Boston Braves , Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds...
, Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, P (NL)
- Joe DiMaggio
- The Sporting News Player of the Year AwardThe Sporting News Player of the Year AwardThis is a list of the Major League Baseball players chosen by The Sporting News since 1936 as recipients of the TSN Player of the Year Award. Until 1969, it was the only major award given to a single player from MLB, rather than to a player in each league. In 1969, Baseball Digest began its Player...
- Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, OF
- Joe DiMaggio
- The Sporting News Most Valuable Player AwardThe Sporting News Most Valuable Player AwardThe Sporting News established The Sporting News Most Valuable Player Award in 1929. The award was given annually to the player judged by TSN baseball experts as being the most valuable in each league. The awards were discontinued in 1946....
- Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, OF - Bucky WaltersBucky WaltersWilliam Henry "Bucky" Walters was an American Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Walters played for the Boston Braves , Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds...
, Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, P
- Joe DiMaggio
- The Sporting News Manager of the Year AwardThe Sporting News Manager of the Year AwardThe Sporting News Manager of the Year Award was established in 1936 by The Sporting News and was given annually to one manager in Major League Baseball...
- Leo DurocherLeo DurocherLeo Ernest Durocher , nicknamed Leo the Lip, was an American infielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,009 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history. Durocher still ranks tenth in career wins by...
, Brooklyn DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
- Leo Durocher
MLB statistical leaders
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American League final standings
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National League final standings
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Negro National League final standings
| Negro National League | ||||
| Club | Wins | Losses | Win % | GB |
| Washington Homestead Grays Homestead Grays The Homestead Grays were a professional baseball team that played in the Negro leagues in the United States. The team was formed in 1912 by Cumberland Posey, and would remain in continuous operation for 38 seasons. The team was based in Homestead, Pennsylvania, adjacent to Pittsburgh.-Franchise... |
33 | 14 | .702 | i hate black people |
| Newark Eagles Newark Eagles The Newark Eagles was a professional Negro league baseball team that played in the second Negro National League from 1936 to 1948.- Formation :... |
29 | 20 | .592 | |
| Baltimore Elite Giants Baltimore Elite Giants The Baltimore Elite Giants were a professional baseball team that played in the Negro leagues from to . The team was established by Thomas T. Wilson, in Nashville, Tennessee as the semi-pro Nashville Standard Giants on March 26, 1920. The team was renamed the Elite Giants in , and would move to... |
25 | 21 | .543 | |
| Philadelphia Stars Philadelphia Stars (baseball) The Philadelphia Stars were a Negro league baseball team from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Stars were founded in 1933 when Ed Bolden returned to professional black baseball after being idle since early 1930... |
31 | 32 | .492 | |
| New York Black Yankees New York Black Yankees The New York Black Yankees was a professional baseball team based in New York City, Paterson, NJ, and Rochester, NY which played in the Negro National League from 1936 to 1948. The Black Yankees played in Paterson, New Jersey from 1933-1937 and then from 1939-1945. The 1938 season saw the Black... |
15 | 21 | .417 | |
| New York Cubans New York Cubans The New York Cubans were a Negro league baseball team that played during the 1930s and from 1939 to 1950. Despite playing in the Negro leagues, the team occasionally employed white-skinned Hispanic baseball players as well, because Hispanics in general were largely ignored by the major league... |
5 | 22 | .185 | |
- Washington beat Philadelphia 3 games to 2 games in a play-off.
- Baltimore beat Newark 3 games to 1 game in a play-off.
- Baltimore beat Washington 3 games to 1 game (and 1 tie) for the championship cup.
January – May
- January 24 – George SislerGeorge SislerGeorge Harold Sisler , nicknamed "Gentleman George" and "Gorgeous George," was an American professional baseball player for 15 seasons, primarily as first baseman with the St. Louis Browns...
, Eddie CollinsEddie CollinsEdward Trowbridge Collins, Sr. , nicknamed "Cocky", was an American Major League Baseball second baseman, manager and executive...
and Willie KeelerWillie KeelerWilliam Henry Keeler in Brooklyn, New York, nicknamed "Wee Willie", was a right fielder in professional baseball who played from 1892 to 1910, primarily for the Baltimore Orioles and Brooklyn Superbas in the National League, and the New York Highlanders in the American League.- Biography :Keeler's...
are electedBaseball Hall of Fame balloting, 1939The 1939 elections to select inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame were the last ones conducted prior to the Hall's opening that year. Needing just one addition to complete the initial goal of 10 inductees from the 20th century, members of the Baseball Writers Association of America were once...
to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of AmericaBaseball Writers Association of AmericaThe Baseball Writers' Association of America is a professional association for baseball journalists writing for daily newspapers, magazines and qualifying Web sites. The BBWAA was founded on October 14, 1908, to improve working conditions for sportswriters in the early part of the 20th century...
.
- April 17 – A new baseball tradition begins, as the baseball season opens in Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, OhioCincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, home of Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
's oldest franchise. The Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
lose to the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
, 7–5.
- April 20 – The Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
show off their prize rookie Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
before 30,278 in Opening Day at Yankee Stadium, in a game delayed two days because of rain. After striking out twice, Williams collects a doubleDouble (baseball)In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
off New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
pitcher Red RuffingRed RuffingCharles Herbert "Red" Ruffing was a Major League Baseball pitcher most remembered for his time with the highly successful New York Yankees teams of the 1930s and 1940s...
, who is credited with the win in a 2–0 victory. Yankees first baseman Lou GehrigLou GehrigHenry Louis "Lou" Gehrig , nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his durability, was an American Major League Baseball first baseman. He played his entire 17-year baseball career for the New York Yankees . Gehrig set several major league records. He holds the record for most career grand slams...
makes an error, goes hitless, and lines into two double playDouble playIn baseball, a double play for a team or a fielder is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. In baseball slang, making a double play is referred to as "turning two"....
s in the only game featuring the two great sluggers. Other notables in what will become a historic box score include Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
, Bill DickeyBill DickeyWilliam Malcolm Dickey was a Major League Baseball catcher and manager.He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the New York Yankees . During Dickey's playing career, the Yankees went to the World Series nine times, winning eight championships...
, Jimmie FoxxJimmie FoxxJames Emory "Jimmie" Foxx , nicknamed "Double X" and "The Beast", was a right-handed American Major League Baseball first baseman and noted power hitter....
, Joe CroninJoe CroninJoseph Edward Cronin was a Major League Baseball shortstop and manager.During a 20-year playing career, he played from 1926–45 for three different teams, primarily for the Boston Red Sox. Cronin was a major league manager from 1933–47...
, Bobby DoerrBobby DoerrRobert Pershing Doerr is a former Major League Baseball second baseman and coach. He played his entire 14-year baseball career for the Boston Red Sox . He led American League second basemen in double plays five times, tying a league record, in putouts and fielding percentage four times each, and...
, Red RolfeRed RolfeRobert Abial "Red" Rolfe was an American third baseman, manager and front-office executive in Major League Baseball. A native of Penacook, New Hampshire, he is one of the most prominent players to come from the Granite State...
, and losing pitcher Lefty GroveLefty GroveRobert Moses "Lefty" Grove was a professional baseball pitcher. After having success in the minor leagues during the early 1920s, Grove became a star in Major League Baseball with the American League's Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox, winning 300 games in his 17-year MLB career...
. The Yankees score their first runRun (baseball)In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
on a home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
by Dickey and their second on an errorError (baseball)In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
by Foxx. Boston has baserunners in each inning, but Ruffing tosses just the second opening day shutout in Yankees history. Four umpires work the game including third base umpire George PipgrasGeorge PipgrasGeorge William Pipgras was an American right-handed starting pitcher and umpire in Major League Baseball. Known as "The Danish Viking," he spent most of his playing career with the New York Yankees, breaking in as a rookie in 1923...
, who was the starting pitcher for the Yankees in the opener. Curiously, his opponent for the Red Sox that day was Ruffing.
- April 21 – Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
plays his first game at Fenway ParkFenway ParkFenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
, scoring the first run for the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
on a Frankie HayesFrankie HayesFrank Witman Hayes was an American professional baseball player. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball from to and, was highly regarded for his defensive abilities. He played most of his career for Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics and also spent time with the St. Louis Browns,...
passed ball, in a Boston 9–2 victory over the Philadelphia AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
.
- April 23 - Rookie Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
goes 4-for-5, including his first major-league home run, a three-run blast in the first inning off Bud ThomasBud Thomas (pitcher)Luther Baxter "Bud" Thomas , was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played in and and from to with the Washington Senators, Philadelphia Athletics, and the Detroit Tigers. He batted and threw right-handed...
, but the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
lose to the Philadelphia AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, 12–8, at Fenway ParkFenway ParkFenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
.
- April 29 – In the seventh game of the season, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
center fielderCenter fielderA center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
Joe DiMaggio makes a sharp turn while fielding a liner facing the Washington SenatorsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
and tears muscles in his right foot. The Yankees lose the game and DiMaggio will miss the next 35 games.
- April 30 – Lou GehrigLou GehrigHenry Louis "Lou" Gehrig , nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his durability, was an American Major League Baseball first baseman. He played his entire 17-year baseball career for the New York Yankees . Gehrig set several major league records. He holds the record for most career grand slams...
goes hitless in four at-bats against the Washington SenatorsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
and is now hitting just .143 this season. He had just played his 2,130th consecutive major league game. No one knew it would be the very last of his career.
- May 2 – New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
first baseman Lou GehrigLou GehrigHenry Louis "Lou" Gehrig , nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his durability, was an American Major League Baseball first baseman. He played his entire 17-year baseball career for the New York Yankees . Gehrig set several major league records. He holds the record for most career grand slams...
voluntarily benches himself "for the good of the team" ending his consecutive-game streak at 2,130. Babe DahlgrenBabe DahlgrenEllsworth Tenney "Babe" Dahlgren was a Major League Baseball infielder from 1935 to 1946 for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Boston Braves, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Browns, Brooklyn Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates...
replaces him in the line-up, and goes two-for-five with a home run. The Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers 22–2 behind Red RuffingRed RuffingCharles Herbert "Red" Ruffing was a Major League Baseball pitcher most remembered for his time with the highly successful New York Yankees teams of the 1930s and 1940s...
.
- May 13 – In 10-player mega-trade, the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
sent Beau BellBeau BellRoy Chester Bell , born in Bellville, Texas, was an outfielder for the St. Louis Browns , Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians .He was named to the 1937 American League All-Star Team....
, Red KressRed KressRalph "Red" Kress was a shortstop and coach in Major League Baseball. From through , he played for the St. Louis Browns , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , Detroit Tigers and New York Giants . Kress batted and threw right-handed...
, Bobo NewsomBobo NewsomLouis Norman Newsom was an American starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. Also known as "Buck", Newsom played for a number of teams from 1929 through 1953...
and Jim WalkupJim Walkup (right-handed pitcher)James Elton Walkup , was a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from - for the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Browns.He was born in Havana, Arkansas and died in Danville, Arkansas....
to the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
in exchange for Mark ChristmanMark ChristmanMarquette Joseph Christman was an American professional baseball player. He had a nine-year career in Major League Baseball, primarily as a third baseman and shortstop, for the Detroit Tigers , St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators...
, George GillGeorge GillGeorge Lloyd Gill was a professional baseball pitcher. He played three seasons in Major League Baseball, for the Detroit Tigers from 1937–39 and for the St. Louis Browns in 1939....
, Bob HarrisBob Harris (baseball)Robert Arthur Harris was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1938 to 1942. He was the first Wyoming-born player in Major League history....
, Vern KennedyVern KennedyLloyd Vernon Kennedy was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1934 through 1945, he played for the Chicago White Sox , Detroit Tigers , St. Louis Browns , Washington Senators , Cleveland Indians , Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds...
, Chet LaabsChet LaabsChester Peter Laabs was an American outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Detroit Tigers , St. Louis Browns and Philadelphia Athletics...
and Roxie LawsonRoxie LawsonAlfred Voyle "Roxie" Lawson was a Major League Baseball player.After attending Iowa Wesleyan College, Roxie Lawson played nine Major League seasons as a right-handed pitcher with the Cleveland Indians , Detroit Tigers , and St. Louis Browns...
.
- May 24 – The Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
defeat the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, 6–1, to spoil their twelve game winning streak.
- May 27 – The Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
complete a twelve game winning streak that lands them in first place in the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
by two games over the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. The Reds remain in first place for the remainder of the season.
- May 29 – The Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
acquire Claude PasseauClaude PasseauClaude William Passeau was an American starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. From through , Passeau played with the Pittsburgh Pirates , Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs . He batted and threw right-handed...
from the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
in exchange for Kirby HigbeKirby HigbeWalter Kirby Higbe was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball from to . He was born and died in Columbia, South Carolina.-Career:...
, Joe MartyJoe MartyJoseph Anton Marty was an American centerfielder in Major League Baseball.A native of Sacramento, California, Marty was a teammate of Joe DiMaggio when they played for the San Francisco Seals, and was the 1936 Pacific Coast League batting average champion.He was the first Chicago Cubs player to...
and Ray HarrellRay HarrellRaymond James Harrell was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Giants.-External links:...
.
June – July
- June 4 – The St. Louis Browns sweep a double header from the Washington Senators to end an eleven game losing streak. The Browns then go on to lose their next six in a row. The Browns never won more than two games in a row all season.
- June 5 – Detroit Tigers pitcher Tommy BridgesTommy BridgesThomas Jefferson Davis Bridges was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career with the Detroit Tigers from 1930 to 1946...
holds the New York Yankees to just four hits as the Yankees are shut out for the only time all season, 3–0.
- June 6 – The first Little LeagueLittle LeagueLittle League Baseball and Softball is a non-profit organization in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States which organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues throughout the U.S...
game took place in Williamsport, PennsylvaniaWilliamsport, PennsylvaniaWilliamsport is a city in and the county seat of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in the United States. In 2009, the population was estimated at 29,304...
. Lundy Lumber defeated Lycoming Dairy, 23–8.
- June 12 – In Cooperstown, New YorkCooperstown, New YorkCooperstown is a village in Otsego County, New York, USA. It is located in the Town of Otsego. The population was estimated to be 1,852 at the 2010 census.The Village of Cooperstown is the county seat of Otsego County, New York...
, the official dedication of the National Baseball Hall of Fame takes place. Grover Alexander, Ty CobbTy CobbTyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb , nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born in Narrows, Georgia...
, Eddie CollinsEddie CollinsEdward Trowbridge Collins, Sr. , nicknamed "Cocky", was an American Major League Baseball second baseman, manager and executive...
, Walter JohnsonWalter JohnsonWalter Perry Johnson , nicknamed "Barney" and "The Big Train", was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Washington Senators...
, Nap LajoieNap LajoieNapoléon "Nap" Lajoie , also known as Larry Lajoie, was an American Major League Baseball second baseman. He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island...
, Babe Ruth, George SislerGeorge SislerGeorge Harold Sisler , nicknamed "Gentleman George" and "Gorgeous George," was an American professional baseball player for 15 seasons, primarily as first baseman with the St. Louis Browns...
, Tris SpeakerTris SpeakerTristram E. Speaker , nicknamed "Spoke" and "The Grey Eagle", was an American baseball player. Considered one of the best offensive and defensive center fielders in the history of Major League Baseball, he compiled a career batting average of .345 , and still holds the record of 792 career doubles...
, Honus WagnerHonus Wagner-Louisville Colonels:Recognizing his talent, Barrow recommended Wagner to the Louisville Colonels. After some hesitation about his awkward figure, Wagner was signed by the Colonels, where he hit .338 in 61 games....
, Cy YoungCy YoungDenton True "Cy" Young was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 22-year baseball career , he pitched for five different teams. Young was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937...
and Connie MackConnie Mack (baseball)Cornelius McGillicuddy, Sr. , better known as Connie Mack, was an American professional baseball player, manager, and team owner. The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, he holds records for wins , losses , and games managed , with his victory total being almost 1,000 more...
are all present, and accept their plaques.
- June 14 – The Cleveland Indians trade Earl AverillEarl AverillHoward Earl Averill was an American player in Major League Baseball who was a center fielder from 1929 to 1941...
to the Detroit Tigers for Harry EisenstatHarry EisenstatHarry Eisenstat was a Major League Baseball player who played from 1935 to 1942.-Early life:He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and attended James Madison High School in Brooklyn, New York.-Career:...
& cash, and send Art Jacobs to the Cincinnati Reds for Earl CookEarl CookEarl Davis Cook was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Detroit Tigers during the 1941 season. Listed at 6' 0", 195 lb., Cook batted and threw right-handed...
& cash.
- June 28 – The New York Yankees defeat the Philadelphia Athletics 23–2 & 10–0 in a double header. In the first game, the Yankees hit eight home runs, and followed that with five more in the second. Both totals set a Major League record for most home runs in a game as well as their total of fifty-three total bases in a doubleheader.
- July 3 – In the St. Louis Cardinals' 5–3 victory over the Chicago Cubs, Johnny MizeJohnny MizeJohn Robert "Johnny" Mize was a baseball player who was a first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and New York Yankees...
goes four-for-four, equaling a National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
record four extra-base hits, including a doubleDouble (baseball)In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, tripleTriple (baseball)In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
and two home runs.
- July 4 – Lou GehrigLou GehrigHenry Louis "Lou" Gehrig , nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his durability, was an American Major League Baseball first baseman. He played his entire 17-year baseball career for the New York Yankees . Gehrig set several major league records. He holds the record for most career grand slams...
appreciation day is celebrated at Yankee Stadium. Numerous people, including many from other major league teams, came forward to give Gehrig gifts and to shower praise on the dying slugger. The Yankees retired his uniform number (4), becoming the first player in major league history to be afforded that honor. Babe RuthBabe RuthGeorge Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
even showed up and ended their long-standing feud by giving his old teammate a hug. After the presentations, Gehrig approached the microphone, and addressed the crowd:
- July 8 – The Washington Senators' Mickey VernonMickey VernonJames Barton "Mickey" Vernon was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Washington Senators for the majority of his career, as well as four other teams: the Cleveland Indians , Boston Red Sox , Milwaukee Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates...
makes his major league debut as a pinch runnerPinch runnerA pinch runner is a baseball player substituted for the specific purpose of replacing a player on base. In the typical case, the pinch runner is faster or otherwise more skilled at base-running than the player for whom the pinch runner has been substituted...
in the first game of a double header with the Philadelphia A's. He does not log an at-bat, however, he goes one-for-five in the second game and scores a run.
- July 9 – The Philadelphia Phillies defeat the Boston Bees, 3–1, to snap an eleven game losing streak.
- July 11 – In the first of three times that the All-Star GameMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
has been held at Yankee Stadium, the American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
defeats the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
, 3–1, behind pitchers Red RuffingRed RuffingCharles Herbert "Red" Ruffing was a Major League Baseball pitcher most remembered for his time with the highly successful New York Yankees teams of the 1930s and 1940s...
, Tommy BridgesTommy BridgesThomas Jefferson Davis Bridges was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career with the Detroit Tigers from 1930 to 1946...
, and Bob FellerBob FellerOn December 8, 1941, Feller enlisted in the Navy, volunteering immediately for combat service, becoming the first Major League Baseball player to do so following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7. Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama, and missed four seasons during his service...
, and a home run by Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
.
- July 16 – The Boston Red Sox sweep a double header from the Detroit Tigers that brings their winning streak to twelve games.
- July 18 – The Brooklyn Dodgers acquire Boston Red Sox farmhand Pee Wee ReesePee Wee ReeseHarold Peter Henry "Pee Wee" Reese was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from to . A ten-time All Star, Reese contributed to seven National League championships for the Dodgers and, was inducted...
.
- July 25 – Yankees pitcher Atley DonaldAtley DonaldRichard Atley Donald was a Major League Baseball pitcher. A native of Morton, Mississippi, the right-hander played for the New York Yankees from 1938 to 1945. "Swampy", as he was nicknamed, stood 6'1" and weighed 186 lbs.Donald was usually a fourth or fifth starter during his career, and...
sets a league record for consecutive wins by a rookie, bringing his record to 12–0 with a 5–1 victory over the St. Louis Browns.
- July 26 – The New York Yankees tied a major league record by scoring in every inning against the St. Louis Browns. Bill DickeyBill DickeyWilliam Malcolm Dickey was a Major League Baseball catcher and manager.He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the New York Yankees . During Dickey's playing career, the Yankees went to the World Series nine times, winning eight championships...
hit three home runs in the 14–1 win.
August – September
- August 5 – The New York Yankees trade Vince DiMaggioVince DiMaggioVincent Paul "Vince" DiMaggio was a Major League Baseball center fielder. During a 10-year baseball career, he played for the Boston Bees , Cincinnati Reds , Pittsburgh Pirates , Philadelphia Phillies , and New York Giants...
to the Cincinnati Reds.
- August 6 – Already behind 10–1 to the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox manager Joe CroninJoe CroninJoseph Edward Cronin was a Major League Baseball shortstop and manager.During a 20-year playing career, he played from 1926–45 for three different teams, primarily for the Boston Red Sox. Cronin was a major league manager from 1933–47...
sends Jimmie FoxxJimmie FoxxJames Emory "Jimmie" Foxx , nicknamed "Double X" and "The Beast", was a right-handed American Major League Baseball first baseman and noted power hitter....
to the mound to pitch the ninth inning. He records a perfect 1–2–3 inning.
- August 9
- Red RolfeRed RolfeRobert Abial "Red" Rolfe was an American third baseman, manager and front-office executive in Major League Baseball. A native of Penacook, New Hampshire, he is one of the most prominent players to come from the Granite State...
of the New York Yankees started a streak of 18 consecutive games in which he scored at least one run. During those games, he scored a total of 30 runs. - With a 5–3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the St. Louis Cardinals complete a ten game winning streak. They are still, however, eight games back of the first place Cincinnati Reds. The Reds snap the streak on August 12, however, the Cards take two of their three meetings at Sportsman's ParkSportsman's ParkSportsman's Park was the name of several former Major League Baseball ballpark structures in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, all but one of which were located on the same piece of land, the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and Dodier Street on the north side of the city.- History :From...
to move within 6.5 of first place.
- Red Rolfe
- August 20 – The Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs split a double header at Forbes FieldForbes FieldForbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise...
. The victory in the second game snaps a twelve game losing streak for the Bucs.
- August 26 – The double header between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets FieldEbbets FieldEbbets Field was a Major League Baseball park located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, USA, on a city block which is now considered to be part of the Crown Heights neighborhood. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. It was also a venue for professional football...
is telecast on Channel W2XBS in Brooklyn.
- September 13 – Early WynnEarly WynnEarly Wynn Jr. , nicknamed "Gus", was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 25-year baseball career, he pitched for the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox...
loses his major league debut, 4–2 to the Chicago White Sox.
- September 18 – The St. Louis Browns lose their 100th game of the season, 6–2 to the New York Yankees.
- September 19 – The New York Yankees defeat the Chicago White Sox, 6–2, for their 100th victory of the season.
- September 23 – The Brooklyn Dodgers defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 22–4. The Dodgers go on to sweep the Phillies in the four game set at Shibe Park, handing them losses number 100 & 101 on the 24th.
- September 29 – The second game of the double header between the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers at Briggs Stadium is called after five innings due to rain. Hal NewhouserHal NewhouserHarold "Prince Hal" Newhouser was an American pitcher for Major League Baseball who played 17 seasons from 1939 to 1955, mostly with the Detroit Tigers of the American League...
pitches all five innings for Detroit, and is the losing pitcher in his major league debut.
- September 30 – In the second game of a double header with the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Murry DicksonMurry DicksonMurry Monroe Dickson was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball during the 1940s and 1950s...
makes his major league debut. He pitches 3.2 without giving up a run, and strikes out in his only at-bat.
October – December
- October 4 – Bill Dickey's single in the bottom of the ninth wins game one of the 1939 World Series1939 World SeriesThe 1939 World Series featured the three-time defending champion New York Yankees against the Cincinnati Reds, who were making their first Series appearance since the scandal-tainted 1919 World Series. The Yankees swept the Series in four games for the second time in a row, winning their record...
for the New York Yankees, 2–1. This is the first World SeriesWorld SeriesThe World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
appearance for the Cincinnati Reds in 20 years1919 World SeriesThe 1919 World Series matched the American League champion Chicago White Sox against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds. Although most World Series have been of the best-of-seven format, the 1919 World Series was a best-of-nine series...
.
- October 5 – Monte PearsonMonte PearsonMontgomery Marcellus Pearson was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds . Pearson batted and threw right-handed...
holds the Cincinnati Reds to just two hits, as the Yankees take game two of the World Series, 4–0.
- October 7 – The Reds take a 3–2 lead in the second inning only to have Joe DiMaggio hit a two run home run in the top of the third to put the Yankees on top for good on their way to a 7–3 victory.
- October 8 – An error by Billy MyersBilly MyersWilliam Harrison Myers was a shortstop in Major League Baseball who played from 1935 through 1941 for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs . Listed at 5' 8", 168 lb., Myers batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Enola, Pennsylvania...
allows the Yankees to tie it in the ninth. Then, costly errors in the tenth inning by Myers, Ival GoodmanIval GoodmanIval Richard Goodman was an All-Star right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs...
and Bucky WaltersBucky WaltersWilliam Henry "Bucky" Walters was an American Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Walters played for the Boston Braves , Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds...
lead to three runs as the New York Yankees defeat the Cincinnati Reds, 7–4, in Game four of the World SeriesWorld SeriesThe World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
to win a record fourth consecutive World ChampionshipWorld championshipA world championship is the top achievement for any sport or contest. The title is usually awarded by contests, ranking systems, stature, ability, etc. This determines the best nation, team, individual in the world in a particular field. Certain sports do not have a world championship, instead...
, and eighth overall, four games to none.
- November 12:
- Dom DiMaggioDom DiMaggioDominic Paul DiMaggio , nicknamed "The Little Professor", was a Major League Baseball center fielder. He played his entire 11-year baseball career for the Boston Red Sox...
, the youngest of the three DiMaggio brothers, is acquired for $40,000 by the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
from the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast LeaguePacific Coast LeagueThe Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
. DiMaggio will spend his entire Major League career with the Red Sox, hitting .298 in 1399 games and making seven All-Star AL teams. - Pitcher Victor StarffinVictor StarffinVictor Starffin , nicknamed , was an ethnic Russian baseball player in Japan and the first professional pitcher in Japan to win three hundred games.-Biography:...
wins his 42nd game in a 96-game season of the Japanese Professional Baseball League, leading the Yomiuri GiantsYomiuri GiantsThe are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the...
to the Championship title, while setting a post-1900 World Record for season victories that will be equaled by Kazuhisa InaoKazuhisa Inaowas a Japanese professional baseball pitcher. In 1957, he won 20 consecutive games. In 1958 Japan Series, he pitched six games and won 4 consecutive games after his team lost 3 games. He even made a home run in fifth game of Japan Series. He was the Pacific League's Most Valuable Player in 1957 and...
in but never broken. Starffin will follow his record performance with another 38 wins in 1940. Born in RussiaRussiaRussia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, he moved to Asahikawa, HokkaidōAsahikawa, Hokkaidois a city in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the capital of the subprefecture and the second-largest city in Hokkaido, after Sapporo. It has been a Core city since April 1, 2000...
at a young age, and was selected as part of the national baseball team for an exhibition game against the United States in . From 1936 through 1955 Starffin won 303 games, to become the first pitcher in Japanese baseball history to reach 300 victories.
- Dom DiMaggio
- November 29 – Judge LandisKenesaw Mountain LandisKenesaw Mountain Landis was an American jurist who served as a federal judge from 1905 to 1922 and as the first Commissioner of Baseball from 1920 until his death...
fines the Brooklyn DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
and the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
minor league club, Columbus, for manipulating player contracts. Landis frees seven farm hands.
- December 6 – In a trade of veteran shortstops, or "worn-out shortstops," as one newspaper described it, the Chicago Cubs acquire Billy RogellBilly RogellWilliam George "Billy" Rogell was an American baseball player who played 14 years in Major League Baseball, primarily as a shortstop for the Detroit Tigers. He made his major league debut on April 14, 1925 and played his last game August 25, 1940...
from the Detroit Tigers for Dick BartellDick BartellRichard William Bartell , nicknamed "Rowdy Richard," was an American shortstop in Major League Baseball. One of the most ferocious competitors of his era, he won both admirers and critics at each stop during a career which saw him traded every few seasons, often under acrimonious circumstances...
. Rogell, who injured his arm playing handball the previous year, hits just .136 before hanging up his spikes. The Tigers will release "Rowdy Richard" five games into the season, but he will stick with the New York Giants until .
- December 9 – The Detroit Tigers trade Benny McCoyBenny McCoyBenjamin Jenison McCoy was a former second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Athletics . Listed at 5' 9". 170 lb., he batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
and George Coffman to the Philadelphia A's for Wally MosesWally MosesWallace Moses was a right fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1935 through 1951, he played for the Philadelphia Athletics , Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox . Moses batted and threw left-handed...
. The trade is voided by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain LandisKenesaw Mountain LandisKenesaw Mountain Landis was an American jurist who served as a federal judge from 1905 to 1922 and as the first Commissioner of Baseball from 1920 until his death...
, and the players return to their original teams on January 14, . The commissioner declared McCoy a free agent because he had been “hidden” from other teams. Judge Landis declares 87 more Tigers farmhands free agents due to their concealment in the minor leagues.
- December 29 – The Chicago White Sox sell the contracts of Norm SchlueterNorm SchlueterNorman John Schlueter was a Major League Baseball catcher who played for three seasons. He played for the Chicago White Sox from 1938 to 1939 and the Cleveland Indians in 1944.-External links:...
& Hank SteinbacherHank SteinbacherHenry John Steinbacher , was a professional baseball player who played outfield for the Chicago White Sox from 1937 - 1939 seasons. Before debuting in the major leagues, his contract was purchased by Chicago from the St. Louis Browns...
to the St. Louis Browns, then send Tony RensaTony RensaGeorge Anthony Rensa was a Major League Baseball player. Rensa played for the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox. He batted and threw right-handed....
, Jesse Landrum and cash to Oklahoma City (Texas) for Don KollowayDon KollowayDonald Martin Kolloway , was a Major League Baseball player who played 12 years as an infielder for the Chicago White Sox , Detroit Tigers , and Philadelphia Athletics .Raised on Chicago's south side, he debuted with the White Sox in 1940...
.
January–March
- January 9 – Guido GrilliGuido GrilliGuido John Grilli is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Athletics during the 1966 season. Listed at 6' 0", 188 lb., he batted and threw left-handed....
- January 14 – Sandy ValdespinoSandy ValdespinoHilario "Sandy" Valdespino Borroto , is an Cuban former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played from 1965-1971 for six different teams.-External links:*...
- January 29 – Bobby BolinBobby BolinBobby Donald Bolin is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was signed by the New York Giants on November 10, 1956 at the age of 17, and played for the San Francisco Giants , Milwaukee Brewers and Boston Red Sox .He began and ended his 13-year career as a relief pitcher,...
- February 11 – Willie SmithWillie Smith (outfielder)Willie Smith was a left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , and, after he converted to outfielder at the Major League Baseball level, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels/California Angels , Cleveland Indians , Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds...
- February 12 – Jerry WalkerJerry WalkerJerry Allen Walker is a former right-handed pitcher in American Major League Baseball who performed for the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Athletics and Cleveland Indians between and ....
- February 18 – Dal MaxvillDal MaxvillCharles Dallan Maxvill is a former shortstop, coach and general manager in Major League Baseball. A graduate of St. Louis' Washington University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering, Maxvill signed a professional baseball contract in 1960 with the hometown St...
- February 18 – Bob MillerBob Miller (1957-1974 pitcher)Robert Lane "Bob" Miller was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Miller was never a star pitcher, but his ability to fill in as a starting pitcher or relief pitcher, as needed, allowed him to have a career that spanned 18 years in Major League Baseball...
- February 19 – Jackie MooreJackie Moore (baseball)Jackie Spencer Moore is the bench coach for the Texas Rangers currently on his fourth different stint as a coach the club...
- February 25 – Denny LemasterDenny LemasterDenver Clayton Lemaster Denver Clayton Lemaster Denver Clayton Lemaster (born (February 25, 1939 in Corona, California) was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 to 1972 for the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, and Montreal Expos. During his decade-long career, LeMaster won 90...
- March 4 – Jack FisherJack FisherJohn Howard Fisher was a Major League Baseball pitcher. The right-hander was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent on June 24, 1957. He played for the Orioles , San Francisco Giants , New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , and Cincinnati Reds...
- March 6 – Cookie RojasCookie RojasOctavio Victor Rojas Rivas , better known as Cookie Rojas, is a former Major League Baseball second baseman and outfielder who played for the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals. After retiring as a player he went on to both coach and manage in the...
- March 8 – Jim BoutonJim BoutonJames Alan "Jim" Bouton is a former American Major League Baseball pitcher. He is also the author of the controversial baseball book Ball Four, which was a combination diary of his season and memoir of his years with the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, and Houston Astros.-Amateur and college...
- March 12 – Johnny CallisonJohnny CallisonJohn Wesley Callison was an American right fielder in Major League Baseball, best known for his years with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1960 to 1969...
- March 21 – Tommy DavisTommy DavisHerman Thomas Davis, Jr. is an American former Major League Baseball left fielder and third baseman. He played from 1959-1976 for ten different teams, but he is best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During an 18-year baseball career, Davis batted .294 with 153 home runs, 2,121...
- March 23 – Sam BowensSam BowensSamuel Edward Bowens was a backup outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Senators . Bowens batted and threw right-handed...
April–June
- April 1 – Phil NiekroPhil NiekroPhilip Henry Niekro , nicknamed "Knucksie" because of his usage and skill level with the knuckleball, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997....
- April 3 – Hawk TaylorHawk TaylorRobert Dale "Hawk" Taylor was a Catcher for the Milwaukee Braves , New York Mets , California Angels and Kansas City Royals ....
- April 16 – Bernie AllenBernie AllenBernard Keith "Bernie" Allen was a Major League Baseball player for the Minnesota Twins, Washington Senators, New York Yankees, and Montreal Expos. At 6' 0" and 185 lbs, Allen was a second-baseman for most of his career...
- April 30 – Bob HendleyBob HendleyCharles Robert Hendley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Born in Macon, Georgia, Hendley was signed by the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent in 1958. After the 1963 season, Hendley was traded to the San Francisco Giants in a six-player deal; one of the three players the Braves...
- May 2 – Gates BrownGates BrownWilliam James "Gates" Brown is a former Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
- May 6 – Russ GibsonRuss GibsonJohn Russell Gibson was an American reserve catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants between and . Listed at 6' 1", 195 lb., he batted and threw right-handed. Gibson was born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, and was a graduate of B.M.C...
- May 11 – Milt PappasMilt PappasMilton Steven "Milt" Pappas is a former professional baseball pitcher...
- May 11 – Frank QuiliciFrank QuiliciFrancis Ralph Quilici is a former Major League infielder and manager with a five-year playing career and a four-year managerial career. He played for the Minnesota Twins of the American League in 1965, then 1967-1970...
- June 4 – Phil LinzPhil LinzPhilip Francis Linz is an American former backup infielder in Major League Baseball. From 1962 through 1968, Linz played for the New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets...
- June 15 – Ty ClineTy ClineTyrone Alexander Cline was a Major League baseball player, primarily a reserve outfielder and pinch-hitter for the Cleveland Indians , Milwaukee Braves , Chicago Cubs , Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants , Montreal Expos and Cincinnati Reds .He was instrumental in helping the...
- June 18 – Lou BrockLou BrockLouis Clark "Lou" Brock is an American former professional baseball player. He began his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago Cubs but, spent the majority of his career as the left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Brock was best known for breaking Ty Cobb's all-time major league...
July–September
- July 3 – Coco LaboyCoco LaboyJosé Alberto "Coco" Laboy was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball player. He was signed by the San Francisco Giants as an amateur free agent in 1959 but remained mired in the minor leagues until the 1969 expansion of major league baseball, which added two teams to both leagues. The expansion...
- July 15 – Mike ShannonMike ShannonThomas Michael Shannon is an American-born former Major League Baseball player and current radio sportscaster.Shannon is a radio broadcaster for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was raised in St. Louis, Missouri and played with the Cardinals during some of the team's most successful years...
- July 26 – Pete WardPete WardPeter Thomas Ward is a retired professional baseball player who played 9 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees of Major League Baseball...
- August 9 – Claude OsteenClaude OsteenClaude Wilson Osteen , nicknamed "Gomer" because of his resemblance to Gomer Pyle, is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched for six different teams: the Cincinnati Redlegs/Reds , Washington Senators , Los Angeles Dodgers , Houston Astros , St...
- August 13 – Bill StaffordBill StaffordWilliam Charles Stafford was a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1960-1967. Stafford was a successful pitcher for the New York Yankees from 1961–1962, winning a combined 28 games in two seasons...
- August 18 – Joe AzcueJoe AzcueJosé Joaquín Azcue López is a former Cuban professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers. Nicknamed "The Immortal Azcue", he was known for his...
- August 21 – Jim BeauchampJim BeauchampJames Edward Beauchamp was a Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder who played from to for the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Colt .45s/Astros, Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets. He attended Grove High School in Grove, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University...
- August 22 – Carl YastrzemskiCarl YastrzemskiCarl Michael Yastrzemski is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder and first baseman. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. Yastrzemski played his entire 23-year baseball career with the Boston Red Sox . He was primarily a left fielder, with part of his later career...
- August 29 - Dave NicholsonDave NicholsonDavid Lawrence Nicholson is a former outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles , Chicago White Sox , Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves , known for his towering, although infrequent, home runs...
- September 1 – Rico CartyRico CartyRicardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty is a former professional baseball player. Nicknamed Beeg Boy, he played mostly as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from to...
- September 24 – Tommie AaronTommie AaronTommie Lee Aaron was a first baseman and left fielder in Major League Baseball, and a younger brother of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. They were the first siblings to appear together in a League Championship Series as teammates. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was signed by the Milwaukee Braves on May 28,...
- September 24 – Dick NenDick NenRichard Le Roy Nen is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He is the father of former major league reliever Robb Nen....
- September 28 – Bruce FroemmingBruce FroemmingBruce Neal Froemming is Major League Baseball Special Assistant to the Vice President on Umpiring, after having served as an umpire in Major League Baseball. He is the longest-tenured umpire in major league history in terms of the number of full seasons umpired, finishing his 37th season in 2007...
October–December
- October 5 – Dennis BennettDennis Bennett (baseball)Dennis John Bennett is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Philadelphia Phillies , Boston Red Sox , New York Mets and California Angels...
- October 7 – John O'Donoghue
- October 7 – Phil OrtegaPhil OrtegaFilomeno Coronada Ortega , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1960-1969 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, and Washington Senators. Ortega was of Yaqui Indian descent...
- October 9 – Mike HershbergerMike HershbergerNorman Michael Hershberger was an outfielder for the Chicago White Sox , Kansas City/Oakland Athletics , Seattle Pilots and Milwaukee Brewers ....
- October 23 – George WilliamsGeorge Williams (infielder)George Williams was an American infielder/outfielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly as a second baseman for three different teams between the and seasons. Listed at , , Williams batted and threw right-handed...
- October 25 – Pete MikkelsenPete MikkelsenPeter James Mikkelsen was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1964 through 1972 for the New York Yankees , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers . Mikkelsen batted and threw right-handed...
- October 29 – Pete RichertPete RichertPeter Gerard Richert is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Washington Senators , Baltimore Orioles , St...
- November 13 – Wes ParkerWes ParkerMaurice Wesley Parker III is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from to...
- November 24 – Jim Northrup
- November 27 – Dave GiustiDave GiustiDavid John Giusti, Jr., is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1962 to 1977....
- November 29 – Dick McAuliffeDick McAuliffeRichard John McAuliffe is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop and second baseman for the Detroit Tigers from to and for the Boston Red Sox from to . He was a part of the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship, and was known for his...
- November 29 - Joe RelifordJoe RelifordJoe Louis Reliford was an African-American Minor League Baseball batboy who became the youngest person to participate in a professional baseball game on July 19, 1952. He was inserted into a game for the Fitzgerald Pioneers of the Georgia State League at the age of 12 years and 234 days...
- December 3 – Ed ConnollyEd Connolly (pitcher)Edward Joseph Connolly, Jr. was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians . Connolly batted and threw left-handed. He was born in Brooklyn, New York...
- December 3 – Ron StillwellRon StillwellRonald Roy Stillwell is a former Major League Baseball player who played parts of two seasons for the Washington Senators. He batted and threw right-handed....
- December 18 – Zoilo VersallesZoilo VersallesZoilo Casanova Versalles Rodriguez , nicknamed "Zorro", was a Cuban shortstop in Major League Baseball, who was considered a solid leadoff man, and a good baserunner whose speed helped him to cover a huge area at shortstop...
- December 22 – Al FerraraAl FerraraAlfred John "The Bull" Ferrara Jr. Alfred John "The Bull" Ferrara Jr. Alfred John "The Bull" Ferrara Jr. (born December 22, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York was a Major League Baseball player from to .-Biographical information:...
- December 25 – Chris KrugChris KrugEverett Ben "Chris" Krug is a former Major League Baseball catcher. Krug was signed by the St...
Deaths
- January 13 – Jacob RuppertJacob RuppertJacob Ruppert, Jr. , sometimes referred to as Jake Ruppert, was a National Guard colonel; a U.S. Representative from New York; and brewery owner, who went on to own the New York Yankees...
, 71, Yankees owner since 1914 - January 19 – Cliff HeathcoteCliff HeathcoteClifton Earl Heathcote was a center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, , Chicago Cubs , Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies . Heathcote batted and threw left-handed...
, 40, NL outfielder who batted .275 over 15 seasons - January 25 – Abner DalrympleAbner DalrympleAbner Frank Dalrymple was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball who hit 43 home runs and batted .288 during his 12-season career spent primarily with the Chicago White Stockings, for whom he starred as the leadoff hitter on five National League pennant winners...
, 81, star outfielder of the 1880s, leadoff hitter for five Chicago pennant winners - February 12 – George FairGeorge FairGeorge T. Fair was a Major League Baseball second baseman, playing one game for the New York Mutuals in . The twenty-year-old Fair failed to get a hit in four at-bats in his lone big-league contest, then faded into obscurity...
, 83, second baseman for one game, with the 1876 New York MutualsNew York MutualsThe Mutual Base Ball Club of New York was a leading American baseball club almost throughout its 20-year history. It was established during 1857, the year of the first baseball convention, just too late to be a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players. It was a charter...
. - February 22 – Frank MorrisseyFrank Morrissey (baseball)Michael Joseph Morrissey , known as Frank and nicknamed "Deacon," was a pitcher in Major League Baseball in the early twentieth century. Morrissey appeared in a total of six games as a pitcher in 1901 and 1902, five of which were as a member of the Chicago Orphans. He compiled a 1-3 record with...
, 62, pitcher for the Boston Americans (1901) and Chicago Orphans (1902) - March 8 – Scott StrattonScott StrattonChilton Scott Stratton was a Major League Baseball pitcher and outfielder from 1888 to 1895. A durable control pitcher, Stratton frequently played in the outfield on days when he didn't pitch because of his hitting and fielding skills...
, 69, pitcher, primarily with Louisville, who posted a 34-win season in 1890 which included 15 straight victories - March 28 – Fred Goldsmith, 82, pitcher who steadfastly maintained that he had first thrown the curveball in 1870, six years earlier than Candy CummingsCandy CummingsWilliam Arthur "Candy" Cummings was a professional baseball pitcher in the National Association and National League who was credited with inventing the curveball. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.-Career:...
, who gained credit for the development - May 24 – Barney PeltyBarney PeltyBarney Pelty , was a major league baseball pitcher known as "the Yiddish Curver" because he was one of the first Jewish baseball players in the American League. His career ERA is 2.63, 60th-best of all pitchers in major league baseball...
, 58, pitcher for the St. Louis Browns and one of the first Jewish players in the AL - May 29 – Bill McCarthy, 57, pitcher for the 1906 Boston Beaneaters
- June 11 – John HenryJohn Henry (outfielder/pitcher)John Michael Henry was an outfielder and starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from and for the Cleveland Blues , Baltimore Orioles , Washington Nationals and New York Giants . Henry was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He threw left-handed...
, 75, 19th century outfielder/pitcher for the Cleveland Blues, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and New York Giants - June 17 – Allen SothoronAllen SothoronAllen Sutton Sothoron was a spitball pitcher who spent 11 years in the major leagues, playing for the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and the St. Louis Cardinals. His best season came in 1919, where he went 20-13 with a 2.20 ERA. After the spitball was outlawed, he was one of...
, 46, spitball pitcher who spent most of his career with the St. Louis Browns and Cardinals - July 7 – Deacon WhiteDeacon WhiteJames Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
, 91, star bare-handed catcher and third baseman for six championship teams in the 1870s and 1880s, and the fourth player to collect 1000 hits - July 29 – John SowdersJohn SowdersJohn Sowders was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of three seasons in the majors, between and , for the Indianapolis Hoosiers, Kansas City Cowboys and Brooklyn Ward's Wonders. Sowders was the brother of fellow major leaguers Bill and Len Sowders.-Sources:...
, 72, pitcher for three seasons; 1887, 1889 to 1890. - September 25 – Frank LaPorteFrank LaPorteFrank Breyfogle Laporte was an American baseball player.Born in Uhrichsville, Ohio, he began his major league career with the New York Highlanders in 1905. He was eventually traded to the St. Louis Browns, where he had his best years. In he batted a career-high .314...
, 59, infielder who batted .300 three times and led the Federal League in RBIs in 1914 - November 11 – Francis AbercrombieFrancis AbercrombieFrancis Patterson Abercrombie was an American professional baseball player who played in the National Association for one game as a shortstop in . Born in Fort Towson, Oklahoma, he played for the Troy Haymakers. He died at age 88 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.-External links:...
, 88, shortstop for one game with the 1871 Philadelphia Athletics. - November 19 – Frank MountainFrank MountainFrank Henry Mountain was a 19th century Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Troy Trojans , Detroit Wolverines , Worcester Ruby Legs , Philadelphia Athletics , Columbus Buckeyes , and Pittsburgh Alleghenys...
, 79, pitcher for seven seasons, 1880–1886, won 20 games twice and threw a no-hitter. - December 3 – Frank KillenFrank KillenFrank Bissell "Lefty" Killen was a professional baseball player. He was a left-handed pitcher over parts of ten seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Senators , Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Beaneaters and Chicago Orphans. He was the National League wins leader in 1893 and 1896 with...
, 69, winner of 164 games from 1891–1900, including two 30-win seasons - December 18 – Heywood BrounHeywood BrounHeywood Campbell Broun, Jr. was an American journalist. He worked as a sportswriter, newspaper columnist, and editor in New York City. He founded the American Newspaper Guild, now known as The Newspaper Guild. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he is best remembered for his writing on social issues and...
, 51, sportswriter and editor in New York City since the early 1910s - December 26 – Clyde EngleClyde EngleArthur Clyde "Hack" Engle was a utility player who played in Major League Baseball between and . Listed at 5' 10", 190 lb., Engle batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Dayton, Ohio....
, 55, utility player who scored the tying run for Boston in the 10th inning of Game 8 of the 1912 World Series, after his earlier pop fly had been dropped