This Week in Yankees History
December 12th - December 18th
December 12th
1902 - Former Yankees shortstop Pee-Wee Wanninger (1925) was born. Pee-Wee Wanninger was the regular shortstop for the 1925 New York Yankees. He replaced Everett Scott at shortstop on May 6, 1925 to end Scott's then-record MLB consecutive games streak at 1,307 games. Less than a month later, on June 1st, he would make way for another record-long consecutive streak to start, when a rookie named Lou Gehrig pinch-hit for him. He hit only .236 for the season, with 1 HR with 22 RBIs in 117 games. On December 16,1925, Wanninger was sent by the Yankees to St Paul (American Association) to complete an earlier deal made on August 30,1925. The Yankees sent a player to be named later $25,000 and 3 players to be named to St Paul (American Association) for C Pat Collins.
1907 - The New York Yankees sell C Ira Thomas to the Detroit Tigers. On August 20,1905, Ira was purchased by the New York Yankees from Providence (Eastern). He hit .195 in 124 games for the Yankees.
1917 - Former Yankees MLB scout and MLB player Clyde Kluttz was born. Clyde Klutz was a New York Yankees MLB scout (1967-1975). He also spent time with the Yankees as Director of Player Development in 1971-1973 and Scouting Director in 1974. His close friendship with Oakland A’s starter Catfish Hunter helped the New York Yankees sign the MLB free agent in December of 1974.
1922 - New York Yankees co-owner Jake Ruppert agrees to buy out his partner Colonel Huston, he gains full control of the Yankees. He would control the New York Yankees until his death in 1939. His estate would run the Yankees with long-time General Manager Edward Barrow in charge, until the sale of the team in 1945 to new co-owners Del Webb, Dan Topping and Larry MacPhail.
1924 - Former Yankees P Hal “Skinny” Brown (1962) was born. On September 7, 1962, Hal “Skinny” Brown was purchased by the New York Yankees from the Baltimore Orioles. Hal posted a 0-1 record in two games with the 1962 Yankees. On April 21,1963, Hal was purchased by the Houston Colt .45's from the Yankees.
1924 - The New York Yankees obtained C Steve O’Neill from the Boston Red Sox for the waiver price. Steve will hit .286 in 35 games for the 1925 Yankees.
1930 - The MLB Rules Committee issues a greatly revised code, reducing the number of rules by combining many. Not only is the “sacrifice rule” abolished but also the rule awarding HRs, when the ball bounces into the stands. "Bounce homers" will not be doubles. This had already been in effect in the American League, but not the in National League.
1936 - Former Yankees reserve INF Pedro Gonzalez (1963-1965) was born. Before the 1958 AL Season, the New York Yankees signed Pedro Gonzalez as an MLB amateur free agent. He was the winner of the 1963 James P. Dawson Award for best Yankees rookie in spring training camp. Pedro hit .266 in 101 games for the Yankees. In 1964, Pedro appeared in 80 games for the Yankees, hitting .277. He appeared in 1 game of the 1964 World Series. On May 10,1965, Pedro was traded by the Yankees to the Cleveland Indians for 1B Ray ”Buddy” Barker. He would hit .253 in a 116 games for the Tribe.
1949 - By a 7-1 vote, the American League rejects a proposal to bring back the legal spitball. The rules committee also alters the strike zone to the space between the armpits and the top of the knees. The new rule eliminates the batter's shoulders being within the strike zone.
1950 - The Major League Baseball team owners vote to drop the bonus and high school rule, which was designed to prevent the wealthier clubs from buying up all of the available talent. The rule required all “bonus” players had to stay on the MLB roster for one season in the minors.
1954 - Former Yankees P Bob Sykes was born. The New York Yankees were on the losing end of one of the worst deals in the 1980's. After the 1981 season, the St. Louis Cardinals traded P Bob Sykes to the New York Yankees for OF Willie McGee. McGee went on to be a huge contributor for the Cardinals the next several years, winning the 1985 National League Most Valuable Player Award and making the All-Star team four times; Bob Sykes never played in the majors again, because arm problems. The Cardinals would send two minor league players to the Yankees after the 1982 MLB season to replace Bob Sykes: INF Bobby Meacham and OF Stan Javier.
1956 - Former Yankees reliever Steve Farr (1991-1993) was born. On November 26, 1990, Steve Farr was signed as a MLB free agent with the New York Yankees. Steve posted a 9-9 record in 159 games with 78 saves for the team. Steve pitched 27 consecutive scoreless innings on his way to 14 consecutive save successes in 1991 as a member of the Yankees. On October 29,1993, Steve Farr was granted MLB free agency by the Yankees.
1963 - Former Yankees P Myles Thomas (1926-1929) passed away. On December 16, 1925, Myles Thomas was traded by Toronto Maple Leafs (International) to the New York Yankees for cash and players. He went 14-12 in 71 games for the Yankees. He appeared in 2 games of the 1926 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals with no record. On June 15,1929, Myles was purchased by the Washington Senators from the Yankees. After the 1930 American League season, Myles returned to the minors, playing for the Newark Bears (International), which became the Yankees top AAA team. On January 19,1932, Myles was traded by the Yankees along with George Quellich and cash to Hollywood Stars (PCL) for OF Jesse Hill.
1970 - Former Yankees P Mike Buddie (1998-1999) was born. On June 1, 1992, Mike Buddie was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 4th round of the 1992 MLB amateur Player draft. Mike attended Wake Forest University in 1990-1992. He spent most of his minor league time in the Yankees farm system. In 1993, He went 13-10 for Greensboro (AA). He posted a 12-5 mark for Tampa (A) in 1994. Part of each season from 1997-2000 was spent in Columbus (AAA). He posted a 4-1 record in 26 games for the Yankees. On June 9, 2000, Mike was released by the Yankees, he would be picked up by the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
1975 - Former Yankees reserve INF Julie Wera (1927, 1929) passed away. Julie Wera appeared in 43 games as a reserve infielder for the New York Yankees, hitting .278. On November 25, 1930, he was purchased by the Yankees from Jersey City (International). Before the 1931 AL Season, he was sent by the Yankees to San Francisco Seals (PCL) to complete an earlier deal made on August 23, 1930. The Yankees would send a player to be named later and 3 players to the San Francisco Seals (PCL) for INF Frankie Crosetti.
1978 - The New York Yankees obtained veteran 1B/DH Jim Spencer and pitchers Bob Polinsky and Tom Cruz from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitcher Ed Ricks and P Stan Thomas, along with $100,000 cash. Jim Spencer really never got on track with the Yankees, playing infrequently with starting 1B Chris Chambliss in front of him.
1978 - New York Yankees purchased veteran starter Andy Messersmith from the Atlanta Braves for $100,000. Andy suffered a dislocated shoulder in spring training after running into 1B Cliff Johnson that required surgery. He did very little with the Yankees. He would leave the team after the 1979 AL season, signing with the Dodgers.
1983 - Former Yankees P Jim Weaver (1931) passed away. On November 28, 1930, Jim Weaver was traded by Baltimore Orioles (International) along with Thomas Patten (minors) to the New York Yankees for Jack Hopkins (minors), Ken Holloway and cash. Jim posted a 2-1 record in 17 games for the 1931 Yankees. On September 10,1933, Jim was purchased by the St. Louis Browns from the Yankees. On May 15,1934, Jim was returned to the Yankees by the Browns following previous purchase. On May 15,1934, Jim was selected off waivers by the Chicago Cubs from the Yankees for $12,500.
1984 - Former Yankees reserve OF Gene Layden (1915) passed away. Gene Layden appeared in three games, hitting .286 for the 1915 Yankees. He served in World War I.
1985 - The New York Yankees traded P Joe Cowley and C/DH/1B Ron Hassey to the Chicago White Sox for starter Britt Burns (1-11) and minor leaguers Mike Soper and Glen Braxton. Hassey will come back to the Yankees before the 1986 AL season started. A degenerative hip condition ends Britt Burns' MLB career, before he has a chance to pitch for the Yankees. New York Yankees front office officials had advised Owner George Steinnbrenner to not make the deal because of Burns hip condition, but he refused to take their advice.
1986 - The New York Yankees traded DH/OF Mike Easler and minor leaguer INF Tom Barrett to the Philadelphia Phillies for P Charles Hudson and minor leaguer player Jeff Knox. Also they re-signed free-agent OF/DH Claudell Washington to fill Mike Easler's DH position on the MLB roster.
1989 - The New York Yankees traded minor league players OF/1B Hal Morris and P Rodney Imes to the Cincinnati Reds for P Tim Leary and OF Van Snider.
1998 - After being given his last rites, former New York Yankees Hall Of Fame CF Joe DiMaggio makes a miraculous recovery defying the doctor’s dire predictions.
2009 - A new batch of free agents is created as the final deadline for offering contracts for next season passes: among prominent players non-tendered are DH Jack Cust (Oakland), 3B Garrett Atkins (Colorado), P Chien-Ming Wang (Yankees), 1B Ryan Garko (San Francisco), OF Ryan Church and 2B Kelly Johnson (Atlanta), P Matt Capps (Pittsburgh) and OF Jonny Gomes (Cincinnati).
December 13th
1916 - Former Yankees reserve INF Hank Majeski (1946) was born. On May 25, 1941, Hank Majeski was purchased by the New York Yankees from the Boston Braves. Hank appeared in 8 games for the 1946 Yankees, hitting just .083. On June 14,1946, Hank was purchased by the Philadelphia A’s from the Yankees.
1935 - Former Yankees P Lindy McDaniel (1968-1973) was born. On July 12, 1968, Lindy was traded by the San Francisco Giants to the New York Yankees for veteran P Bill Monbouquette. Lindy went 38-29 in 265 games with 58 saves and 1 complete game with the Yankees. On December 7, 1973, Lindy was traded by the Yankees to the Kansas City Royals for OF Lou Piniella and P Ken Wright. Lindy McDaniel is the last Yankees pitcher to hit a HR. He hit it on September 28, 1972 at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. His brother Von McDaniel also pitched in the MLB in the 1950’s with the St. Louis Cardinals.
1940 - Former Yankees reserve INF Nate Oliver (1969) was born. On December 6, 1968, Nate was traded by the San Francisco Giants to the New York Yankees for INF Charley Smith. Nate only appeared in one game for the 1969 Yankees with no hits. On April 19,1969, he was traded by the Yankees to the Chicago Cubs for INF Lee Elia. In 1959, the Dodgers originally signed Nate Oliver. Lee Elia never appears with the Yankees at the MLB level.
1948 - After an year with the New York Yankees, P Red Embree is traded, along with young C Sherm Lollar, P Richard Starr and $100,000 to the St. Louis Browns. Embree will slump to 3-13 mark with the Browns, after having his only winning MLB season with the Yankees. Lollar is the prize of the trade. Sherman will catch in the majors through the 1963 AL season, mainly with the Chicago White Sox. The Yankees received P Fred Sanford and C Roy Partee. While Partee is ticketed for the minors, while Fred Sanford will help the Yankees as a starter/reliever during the 1949 AL season.
1955 - Former Yankees minor league P Paul Boris was born. On April 7, 1978, Paul was signed by the New York Yankees as an MLB amateur free agent. He had attended Rutgers University. On December 7,1981, Paul was drafted by the Minnesota Twins from the Yankees in the 1981 MLB Rule 5 player draft. On April 2,1982, Paul was returned (earlier draft pick) by the Twins to the Yankees. On April 10,1982, Paul was traded by the Yankees along with reliever Ron Davis and minor league INF Greg Gagne to the Twins for INF Roy Smalley. Paul would go 1-2 in 23 games for the 1982 Twins.
1956 - Former Yankees INF Dale Berra (1985-1986) was born. On December 20, 1984, Dale Berra was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates along with minor league OF Jay Buhner and P Alfonso Pulido to the Yankees for INF Tim Foli, OF Steve Kemp and cash. Dale appeared in 90 games for the Yankees hitting just .230. On July 27, 1986, Dale was released by the Yankees.
1960 - Former Yankees P Jeff Robinson (1990) was born. On December 4, 1989, Don was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates along with P Willie Smith to the Yankees for C Don Slaught. Jeff went 3-6 in 54 games for the 1990 Yankees, before leaving the team for free agency.
1962 - All Star CF Mickey Mantle signs a 1962 New York Yankees MLB player contract for $82,000. Previously only Hall Of Fame CF Joe DiMaggio (1936-1951) has been paid more money as a player by the Yankees.
1974 - Oakland’s All Star starter Jim “Catfish” Hunter wins his claim against the A's owner Charlie Finley. Catfish labor arbitrator Peter Seitz declared Hunter an MLB free agent. He will sign with the Yankees for estimated 3 million dollars. The New York Yankees were able to sign Hunter due to his close friendship to Yankees minor league director Clyde Klutz.
1993 - Former Yankees reserve C Billy Shantz (1960) passed away. Billy Shantz was the brother of former Yankees hurler Bobby Shantz (1957-1960). He appeared in 1 game for the Yankees during the 1960 AL season. He spent most of 1960 season with Richmond (AAA), as a back up to starter Jesse Gonder. He would later become a minor league manager for the Yankees. The Philadelphia A’s originally signed Bobby and Billy Shantz.
1999 - The Texas Rangers obtained OF/DH Chad Curtis from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor league pitchers Sam Marsonek and Brandon Knight.
2001 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free-agent 1B Jason Giambi to a 7-year deal worth $120 million. The 2000 American League Most Valuable Player and this year's runner-up drove in 120 runs, hit 38 HRs, and had a .342 batting average for the wild card Oakland A's 2001 AL season.
2001 - The New York Yankees acquired OF/1B John Vander Wal from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for reliever Jay Witasick. John hit .260 in 117 games for the Yankees, before leaving the team for free agency.
2002 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent reliever Chris Hammond. He would go 3-2 in 62 games with 1 save for the 2003 Yankees. He pitched in 1 game of the 2003 World Series for the Yankees against the Florida Marlins. On December 18, 2003, Chris was traded by the Yankees along with cash to the Oakland A’s for minor league players Eduardo Sierra and J.T. Stotts.
2003 - The Dodgers traded 38-year-old starter Kevin Brown with a 14-9 record with a 2.39 ERA to the New York Yankees for troubled starter Jeff Weaver, minor league prospects Yhency Brazoban, Brandon Weeden and cash. Kevin Brown is MLB’s 1st 100-million dollar player, who will make $15 million next season, waives his no-trade clause to be closer to his family, who live in Atlanta, Ga.
2007 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent All Star 3B Alex Rodriguez.
2008 - MLB Free agent starter A.J. Burnett signs a $82.5 million, five-year deal with the New York Yankees only 3 days after they inked another top MLB free agent starter, CC Sabathia.
December 14th
1873 - Former Yankees OF John Anderson (1904-1905) was born. On October 6, 1903, John Anderson was traded by the St. Louis Browns to the New York Yankees for C/1B Jack O'Connor. John hit .271 in 175 games for the Yankees. On May 30,1905, John was selected off waivers by the Washington Senators from the Yankees.
1942 - Former Yankees P Jim Roland (1972) was born. On April 28, 1972, Jim Roland was purchased by the New York Yankees from the Oakland Athletics. Jim went 0-1 in 16 games for the Yankees. On August 30, 1972, Jim was traded by the Yankees to the Texas Rangers for P Casey Cox.
1948 - The New York Yankees obtained OF Jim Delsing from the Chicago White Sox for OF Steve Souchock. Jim Delsing only appeared in 17 games in two seasons for the Yankees, hitting .381. Souchock will become a Yankees minor league manager after his active MLB player career ends.
1950 - The MLB owners choose Lou Perini (Boston Braves), Phil Wrigley (Chicago Cubs), Del Webb (New York Yankees) and Ellis Ryan (Cleveland Indians) to select a new MLB Commissioner as soon as possible. In a close vote of 9-7, current MLB Commissioner Happy Chandler's contract was not renewed three days earlier to serve a third term.
1956 - Catcher Harry Chiti was sent by the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees to complete an earlier deal made on December 11, 1956. The Cubs sent a player to be named later to the Yankees for veteran C Charlie Silvera and cash and another player to be named. The Cubs sent C Harry Chiti on December 14, 1956 to the Yankees to complete the trade. Harry Chiti never appears with the Yankees at the MLB level, spending the 1957 baseball season with the Denver Bears (AAA). On December 2, 1957, Harry Chiti would be drafted by the Kansas City A's from the Yankees in the 1957 MLB Rule 5 Player Draft.
1960 - The two new AL franchises, L. A. Angels and the " new" Washington Senators are the 1st expansion teams in over a half of a century, select their rosters in the 1st ever MLB player expansion draft. The Angels make Yankees P Eli Grba, the 1st selection of the draft, while the "new" Senators follow by tabbing another Yankees P Bobby Shantz. The Yankees will trade Bobby Shantz to the Pirates for P Bernie Daniels, 1B R. C. Stevens and INF Harry Bright. They will be forward to the new Senators. Also the Yankees lose P John Gabler (Rule 5 Draft), veteran 1B Dale Long and minor league 1B Bud Zippel to the new Nats. The Senators originally drafted veteran Yankees INF Gil McDougal, but he refuses to go. 1B Bud Zippel replaced Gil in the draft. He will retire as an active MLB player. Gill will turn down a $100,000 player-manager offer from the Angels. Also the Yankees lose veteran OF Bob Cerv, young OF Ken Hunt, and veteran hurler Duke Maas to the Angels. Former Yankees Manager Casey Stengel helps out the Angels with their player draft selections as a special talent advisor. The American League teams had frozen their 40 Man MLB rosters on May 30, 1960 for players to be available for the expansion team player draft in December.
1961 - The New York Yankees General Manager Roy Hamey denies the American League 1960-1961 Most Valuable Player winner and All Star RF Roger Maris’ request for a $75,000 1962 MLB player contract.
1961 - The New York Yankees obtained veteran reliever Marshall Bridges from the Cincinnati Reds for reserve C Jesse Gonder. Gonder was a victim of the numbers game with catchers Yogi Berra, Elston Howard and Johnny Blanchard on the 25-man MLB player roster.
1964 - Former Yankees minor league C Mitch Lyden was born. The New York Yankees in the 4th round of the 1983 MLB amateur player draft drafted Mitch Lyden. He never played for the Yankees at the MLB level. After the 1990 MLB season, the Yankees granted him MLB free agency. He would finally appear in the Major Leagues with the Florida Marlins in 1993.
1980 - Former 1963 American League Batting Champ, 1st black player to wear the New York Yankee pinstripes, Elston Howard passes away from a heart attack. Elston Howard joined the Yankees in 1955, played with the team until his mid-season trade in 1967 to the Boston Red Sox (1967-1968). He took over the starting catching duties in 1960 for the Yankees. He would become the 1st black MLB coach for the Yankees in 1969. He had a lifetime BA of .274, playing in 9 World Series with the Yankees and 1 with the Boston Red Sox in 1967.
1982 - The St. Louis Cardinals swap blue-ribbon prospects INF Bobby Meacham and OF Stan Javier to the New York Yankees for three minor leaguers: Bob Helsom, Marty Mason, and Steve Fincher. Some observers think this is a make-up trade to the Yankees for sending OF Willie McGee to the Cardinals last year in exchange for P Bob Sykes, who was injured and never played for the Yankees.
1985 - Former MLB All Star OF Roger Maris dies from cancer at the age of 51. In 1961, Yankees RF Roger Maris set a MLB record by hitting 61 HRs. Considered an excellent all-around outfielder, Maris won two American League Most Valuable Player awards (1960-1961) with the New York Yankees (1960-1966) during his MLB career (1957-1968), which started with the Cleveland Indians in 1957, later he was traded to the Kansas City A’s in 1958, then to the New York Yankees in 1959, finishing up with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968.
1994 - The New York Yankees obtained starter Jack McDowell from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league P Keith Heberling and a player to be named later, minor league OF Lyle Mouton.
1999 - The New York Yankees traded P Dan Naulty to the Dodgers for minor league player Nicholas Leach. Dan had posted a 1-0 mark with 33 games for the 1999 Yankees. Leach never appears with the Yankees at the MLB level.
2000 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent P Brian Boehringer. On March 21, 1994, Brian Boehringer was traded by the Chicago White Sox to the Yankees for reliever Paul Assenmacher. Brian went 5-9 in 56 games for the Yankees from 1995-1997. On November 18, 1997, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from the New York Yankees as the 30th pick in the 1997 MLB player expansion draft. On July 4, 2001, Brian was traded by the Yankees to the San Francisco Giants for Joe Smith (minors) and C Bobby Estalella.
2004 - Former Yankees minor league INF Rod " Hot Rod" Kanehl passed away (1934-2004). The New York Yankees originally signed Rod Kanehl in 1951. Rod never played for the Yankees at the MLB level. The New York Yankees sold him to the New York Mets in the winter of 1961. He would finally play for Manager Casey Stengel at the MLB level with the Mets. The Yankees wanted to give Rod a shot at 3B job in 1967, but the Mets refused to release him from his player contract despite being in AAA.
December 15th
1909 - Veteran shortstop Norman "Kid" Elberfeld (1903-1909), who helped make the New York Highlanders a winner, is sold to the Washington Senators for $5,000. He hit .306 for the 1906 Yankees.
1920 - The new Yankees General Manager Ed Barrow pries future Hall of Fame starter Waite Hoyt, C Wally Schang, P Harry Harper, and INF Mike McNally from his former Boston Red Sox team in exchange for Yankees 2B Del Pratt, C Muddy Ruel, P Hank Thormahlen, OF Sammy Vick and cash.
1920 - Former Yankees 1B Eddie Robinson (1954-1956) was born. On December 16, 1953, Eddie Robinson was traded by the Philadelphia A’s along with INF Lore Babe, P Harry Byrd, OF Tom Hamilton and OF Carmen Mauro to the New York Yankees for 1B Don Bollweg, 3B Jim Finigan, P Johnny Gray, 1B Vic Power, Bill Renna and C Jim Robertson. Ed hit .230 in 199 games for the Yankees. In the 1955 World Series, he hit .667 against the Brooklyn Dodgers. On June 14,1956, he was traded by the Yankees along with OF Lou Skizas to the Kansas City A’s for P Moe Burtschy, OF Bill Renna and cash.
1932 - An joint meeting of American and National League owners approves the concept of "chain store" baseball, developed as the St. Louis Cardinals farm system by Branch Rickey, despite strenuous objections by MLB Commissioner Judge Landis. The era of independent minor league teams will begin to start. The New York Yankees will sign deal with the Newark Bears of International League to be the their top farm team. Later the team will purchase the Kansas City Blues (American Association.)
1944 - Former Yankees P Stan Bahnsen (1968-1971) was born. Stan Bahnsen won the American League Rookie Of Year Award in 1968. The Yankees traded Stan to the Chicago White Sox for INF Rich McKinney in December of 1971.
1945 - Former Yankees P Gil Blanco (1965) was born. Before the 1964 AL Season, the New York Yankees signed Gil Blanco as an MLB amateur free agent. Gil went 1-1 in 17 games with a 3.98 ERA for the 1965 Yankees. On June 10,1966, Gil was Traded by the Yankees along with OF Roger Repoz and P Bill Stafford to the Kansas City A’s for C Billy Bryan and P Fred Talbot
1953 - Long time New York Yankees General Manager Edward Barrow passed away (1899-1953). Edward Barrow was a MLB manager with the Boston Red Sox, winning the 1918 World Series. He is credited with making the switch of a young Babe Ruth from the mound to the outfield. He would join the New York Yankees front office in 1920. From 1921-1945, Ed Barrow was the Yankees General Manager, engineering some of the most famous Yankees trades. He left the team in 1945, after the Jacob Ruppert estate sold the New York Yankees to new owners Del Webb, Dan Topping and Larry MacPhail. In 1953, Ed was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame.
1960 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent veteran OF Elmer Valo after his released by the Cleveland Indians. During the 1960 AL season, the Yankees would release Elmer; he would pick by the Washington Senators.
1967 - The New York Yankees completed the Steve Barber trade with the Baltimore Orioles made during the 1967 AL season by sending minor league players INF Chet Trail and OF Joe Brady to the Orioles.
1980 - National League All Star OF Dave Winfield (.276, 20 HRs, with 87 RBIs) becomes the highest-paid player in the history of sports. The former San Diego Padre star signs a 10-year free-agent deal with New York Yankees worth a record $16 million.
1981 - Former American League Cy Young Award Winner free-agent starter Ron Guidry re-signs with the New York Yankees to a 4-year $3.6 million pact.
1988 - The New York Yankees signed P Mark Hutton as an MLB amateur free agent. Mark posted a 1-3 record in 19 games for the Yankees. On July 31,1996, Mark was traded by the Yankees to the Florida Marlins for veteran P Dave Weathers.
1992 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent 3B Wade Boggs to a three-year contract. Wade appeared in 601 games for the Yankees, hitting .313. In the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, Boggs hit .273.
1994 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent veteran shortstop Tony Fernandez. Tony will hit .245 in 108 games for the Yankees in 1995.
1999 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent reserve OF Ryan Thompson. Ryan appeared in 33 games for the 2000 Yankees, hitting .260.
2003 - The New York Yankees lose P Colter Bean to the Boston Red Sox in the 2003 MLB Rule 5 player draft. The Red Sox will return him to the Yankees during spring training camp.
2003 - The New York Yankees signed veteran catcher John “Flash” Flaherty as a MLB free agent. He replaced Chris Widger as the Yankees reserve catcher in 2003. “Flash” appeared in 134 games for the Yankees, hitting .226.
December 16th
1948 - Former Yankees minor league P Terry Bongiovanni was born. The Chicago Cubs in the 3rd round of the 1967 MLB amateur player draft drafted Terry Bongiovanni. He pitched 6 years in the minors, reaching AA with a career mark of 26-34. On September 11,1969 Terry Bongiovanni was traded by the Cubs to the New York Yankees with a player to be named later and cash for veteran OF Jimmie Hall. The Cubs would send OF Rick Bladt on January 6, 1970 to the Yankees to complete the trade.
1953 - In a 10-player trade, the New York Yankees send 1B Vic Power, infielders Jimmy Finigan and Don Bollweg, OF Bill Renna, C Jim Robertson, and P John Gray to the Philadelphia A's. While the A’s send veteran 1B Eddie Robinson, 3B Loren Babe, P Harry Byrd, and outfielders Tom Hamilton and Carmen Mauro to the Yankees. Harry Byrd, who won 26 games in 2 years for the A's, will never match his wins in pinstripes. The stylish Vic Power, the American Association batting leader in 1953, will win 7 Gold Gloves and make the All-Star team 4 times. Yankees General Manager George Weiss considered Vic Power too flashy to be the Yankees first Black MLB player, deciding that OF/C Elston Howard would be a better choice.
1958 - Former Yankees reserve OF Ted Wilborn (1980) was born. On June 8, 1976, Ted was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 4th round of the 1976 MLB amateur player draft. On December 4, 1978, Ted was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays from the Yankees in the 1978 MLB Rule 5 player draft. On November 1,1979, he was traded by the Blue Jays along with C Rick Cerone and P Tom Underwood to the New York Yankees for 1B Chris Chambliss, INF Damaso Garcia and P Paul Mirabella. During the 1980 AL season, Ted appeared in 8 games for the Yankees hitting.250. On March 30, 1982, Ted was traded by the Yankees along with minor league P Andy McGaffigan to the San Francisco Giants for veteran MLB starter Doyle Alexander.
1960 - The New York Yankees purchased P Danny McDevitt from the Dodgers. He had originally signed with the New York Yankees in 1951, but the Yankees released Danny in 1952. The Brooklyn Dodgers picked him up.
1960 - The New York Yankees traded P Bobby Shantz to the Pittsburgh Pirates for P Bernie Daniels, 1B R. C. Stevens and INF Harry Bright. The players received by the Yankees are forwarded to the new expansion Washington Senators.
1972 - Former Yankees reserve OF Charles Gipson (2003) was born. On April 7, 2003, OF Charles Gipson was signed as a MLB free agent with the New York Yankees. He appeared in 18 games for the 2003 Yankees, hitting just .200, On September 29, 2003, he was granted MLB free agency by the Yankees.
1982 - Former Yankees P Chris Britton (2007-2008) was born. On November 12, 2006, Chris Britton was traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the New York Yankees for P Jaret Wright and cash. He appeared in 26 games for the Yankees, posting a 0-1 record. On December 12, 2008, the Yankees granted Chris Britton MLB free agency.
1983 - New York Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner fires Billy Martin as manager of the Yankees for the 3rd time, replacing him with Yogi Berra and giving Billy Martin a front-office job.
1996 - The New York Yankees lose closer John Wetteland to MLB free agency. Mo Rivera will replace John. The Texas Rangers signed free agent P John Wetteland to a four-year contract worth $23 million. Wetteland had 43 saves for the Yankees during the 1996 AL season.
2003 - After declining the $4.6 million two-year December 7th contract offer by the New York Yankees, which he only had 15 minutes to consider, Mike Stanton (7-1, 3.00, 6 saves) still decides to stay in town by, agreeing to a $9 million, 3-year, no trade contract with the cross-town rival New York Mets. The AL All-Star reliever wasn't offered salary arbitration by the New York Yankees front office, after he failed to respond to their ultimatum.
2007 - Former Yankees P Clarence “Cuddles” Marshall (1946, 1948-1950) passed away. On December 9, 1944, he was traded by Seattle (PCL) to the New York Yankees for Dick Hearn minors) and Johnny Babich. Marshall went 6-4 in 45 games with 3 saves for the Yankees. Twenty-one year old Cuddles Marshall of the Yankees was the starting pitcher for the club in the 1st night game ever played at Yankee Stadium, on May 28,1946, before a crowd of 49,917 fans, the Washington Senators defeated the Yankees by the score of 2-1. The opposing pitcher was knuckleball specialist Dutch Leonard.
"The biggest highlight of my career was pitching the 1st night game ever in the stadium," said Cuddles. "I had just won my first game up in Detroit. Then we got to Boston and came back home. Bill Dickey told me I was going to pitch the game that night. He caught the game, I was so nervous, I can't remember. I walked the first batter on four pitches and then I walked someone else." Dickey came out and said, "Are you scared kid? I said yes, and he said so am I. He slapped me on the butt and I went back and pitched the game. We lost. Jake Wade relieved me in the 7th inning. We just couldn't hit Leonard and his knuckler."
His roommate Joe Page dubbed the big right-hander “Cuddles”. "He kind of tacked it on me," explained Marshall. "A lot of young girls would come into the hotel lobbies where we stayed and Joe said the newspapermen wanted to get a nickname for me, so he made a statement to them that I was cuddly, or something like that. Joe loved to play ball and he loved to party. He was a good roommate, except I had to be careful or he would get me into trouble."
Clarence divided his time in the late 1940’s between the Yankees and their top AAA farm teams the Kansas City Blues and the Newark Bears. The native of Bellingham, WA was babtized in his MLB debut at Fenway Park, entering the game in relief. His first assignment was simply to pitch to Ted Williams. "Boston had runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out," recalled Marshall. "Being a young kid and not knowing any better, it didn't bother me." It apparently didn't as "Cuddles" got the "Splendid Splinter" to ground into a double play.
Marshall, who began his organized baseball career with the Seattle Rainiers (PCL) right out of high school, went 3-0 with the Yankees in 1949 and made 19 relief appearances. Perhaps his finest hour came in a game against the Red Sox when he came in out of the bullpen and pitched four shutout innings to help defeat the Red Sox by the score of -6-4. The Yankees would go on from here and defeat this same Boston team by a 1game margin for the 1949 AL pennant and start their string of 5 straight World Series Championships. Clarence spent his final MLB season with the Browns in 1950 going 1-3 and closing out his 4-year MLB run at 7-7 with a 5.98 ERA.
December 17th
1924 - The New York Yankees get 4-time 20-game winner Urban Shocker back from the St. Louis Browns for pitchers Milt Gaston, Joe Giard, and Joe Bush. Urban Shocker led the Browns in wins in each of the past 5 seasons and will be a mainstay on 2 pennant-winning staffs for the Yankees. Joe Bush had beaten the Browns 17 straight times after losing to them on June 12, 1922. Urban Shocker will go 46-24 in 3 seasons for the Yankees during his 2nd time with the team. Urban had pitched for the New York Yankees in 1916-1917.
1934 - Former Yankees reserve 1B Kent Hadley (1960) was born (1934-2005). Kent Hadley came to the New York Yankees in the Roger Maris trade with the Kansas City A's in December of 1959. He hit .204 in 55 games with the Yankees. After the 1960 AL season with the Yankees, he would go on to play baseball in Japan. Kent originally came up with the Detroit Tigers, and then he was traded to the A’s. After leaving the Yankees, Kent played professional baseball in Japan.
1936 - Former Yankees P Rolland “Rollie” Sheldon (1961-1962, 1964-1965) was born. Before the 1960 AL season, Rolland Sheldon was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur MLB free agent. In the Yankees 1961 spring training camp, Roland was named the winner of James P. Dawson Award for the best Yankee rookie in the camp. In his rookie season, Rollie went 11-5 in 1961. In 1963, he missed the season due to arm injuries. Rollie would finish his Yankees career with a 23-15 record before being traded to the Kansas City A's in 1965. On May 3,1965, Rollie was traded by the Yankees with C/1B/OF Johnny Blanchard to the A’s for C Doc Edwards. This was a terrible trade for the Yankees. Rollie would go 10-8 for the A' s, while Doc Edwards was a failure behind the plate and with the bat.
1942 - The New York Yankees traded OF Roy Cullenbine and C Buddy Rosar to the Cleveland Indians for OF Roy Weatherly and IF Oscar Grimes. With the military draft in mind, all 4 players are married with 1 child each. As noted by historian Lyle Spatz, Rosar had been in the doghouse with Yankees Manager Joe McCarthy for leaving the team without permission the weekend of July 18-19th to take a police examination in Buffalo. The leave-taking prompted the Yankees to sign veteran C Rollie Hemsley, who would play in 31 games for the Yankees hitting .294. Rollie would stay with the Yankees as a reserve catcher until 1944.
1947 - Former Yankees reserve C Charlie Sands (1967) was born. On November 28, 1966, Charlie Sands was drafted by the New York Yankees from the Baltimore Orioles organization in the 1966 MLB Rule 5 player draft. Charlie appeared in one game for the Yankees in 1967. On October 15,1970, Charlie was traded by the Yankees along with minor league players Dave Kent and Gary Washington to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league players Ed Pachec, Jerry Branch and Tom Frondorf.
1949 - The New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers swap 1st basemen, with the Tigers getting Richard Kryhoski while the Yankees take Richard Wakefield, who was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1941 with a $52,000 bonus. Kryhoski would return to the Yankees in the winter of 1954 17-player trade with the Baltimore Orioles. Wakefield will appear in only 3 games for the Yankees in 1950, before being released by the team in 1952.
1953 - In an tax-avoidance scheme, the New York Yankees sell Yankee Stadium and Kansas City properties (Ruppert Stadium) for $6.5 million in a deal with Johnson Corporation and the Knights of Columbus, who immediately lease the property back to the Yankees.
1961 - Former Yankees OF Ping Bodie (1918-1921) passed away (1887-1961). Ping Bodie was one of the 1st colorful players to wear the Yankees uniform. On March 8,1918, Ping was traded by the Philadelphia Athletics to the New York Yankees for George Burns. He appeared in 385 games for the Yankees, hitting .272 with 16 HRs with 196 RBI’s.
1964 - The New York Yankees fire long time television and radio voice Mel Allen. This well known broadcaster popularized the 'going, going, gone' home run call and often said 'how about that' to describe happenings on the ball field. He will broadcast games for the Atlanta Braves.
1968 - Former Yankees reserve OF Curtis Pride (2003) was born. On May 23, 2003, Curtis was purchased by the Mew York Yankees from Nashua (Atlantic). Curtis despite being deaf was able to play professional baseball. During the 2003 AL season, he did appeared in 4 games with the Yankees, hitting .083. He spent most of the 2003 baseball season at Columbus (AAA). With the Clippers, Curtis hit .289 with 7 stolen bases (2nd on the team). On October 14,2003, Curtis was granted free agency by the Yankees. He would sign with the California Angles organization.
1996 - MLB free agent pitcher David “Boomer” Wells signs a three-year $13.5 million contract with the New York Yankees. He would go 32-14 in 62 games for the Yankees. On February 18,1999, Dave was traded by the Yankees along with INF Homer Bush and reliever Graeme Lloyd to the Toronto Blue Jays for All Star starter Roger Clemens.
2001 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent OF Rondell White, who played for the Cubs this past year, to a two-year contract. Rondell never could stay healthy, while he was with the Yankees.
2003 - After agreeing to basics weeks ago, the New York Yankees owner George Steinnbrenner and 35-year old Gary Sheffield (.330, 39 HRs, 132 RBIs) finalizes a $39 million, three-year deal, which includes $13.5 million in deferred money and a $13 million team option for 2007. The 7-time All-Star outfielder played with Atlanta Braves last season. Gary has spent time with the San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins and Dodgers after breaking in with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1988.
2004 - A three-team trade which including Arizona Diamondback southpaw Randy Johnson and P Kazuhisa Ishii traded to the New York Yankees, Dodgers OF Shawn Green and P Brad Penny being sent to the Diamondbacks with Jose Vazquez and prospects going to the Dodgers. The blockbuster transaction falls apart as the Dodgers back out at the 11th hour.
December 18th
1918 - Outfielder Duffy Lewis returns from the military, he is traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees. He goes along with front-line pitchers Ernie Shore and Dutch Leonard for P Ray "Slim" Caldwell, Slim Love, Roxy Walters, Frank Gilhooley, and $15,000. The Detroit Tigers had turned down a deal for Leonard on the 16th. The Boston Post newspaper reports, "It will take a lot to convince Boston fans that they got the best of this one."
1930 - Former Yankees 1B Bill "Moose" Skowron (1954-1962) was born. Bill hit .296 in 12 years with the Yankees with 156 HRs and 672 RBI's. He was named to the AL All Star team 1957-1961. In 1958, he led the AL 1st baseman in fielding. He appeared in 7 World Series with the Yankees and 1 with the Dodgers (1963). Bill was traded to the Dodgers for starter Stan Williams during the winter of 1962. Now Bill works with the Chicago White Sox community relations department. He is still a very popular player with the Yankees fans on Old Timer’s Day games.
1930 - Former Yankees minor league INF Mike Baxes was born. Before the start of 1951 AL season, the New York Yankees obtained Mike from San Francisco Seals (PCL) as part of a minor league working agreement. Before the start of the 1952 AL season, the Yankees returned Mike to San Francisco Seals (PCL), after expiration of minor league working agreement. On September 21,1955, he was purchased by the Kansas City A’s from the Seals (PCL). Mike played 2B and shortstop for the A’s. On April 12,1959, Mike was traded by the Kansas City A’s along with OF Bob Martyn to the Yankees for INF Tom Carroll and minor league OF Russ Snyder. Mike never played for the Yankees at the MLB level, he was sent to Richmond (AAA). Also his brother Jim played in the ML during the 1950’s.
1950 - New York Yankees OF great Tommy "Old Reliable" Henrich calls it a career as a MLB player. He accepts a MLB coaching position with the Yankees.
1956 - Former New York Yankees American League All Star and MVP (1950) shortstop Phil Rizzuto signs as a Yankee radio-TV announcer. The New York Yankees will have him replaced veteran baseball announcer Jim Woods. The Yankees will have him join Red Barber and Mel Allen in the booth.
1957 - Former Yankees P Bob Ojeda (1994) was born. On January 28, 1994, Bob Ojeda was signed as a MLB free agent with the New York Yankees. Bob appeared in only 1 game for the Yankees in 1994. On May 5,1994, Bob was released by the Yankees.
1958 - Former Yankees P Scott Nielsen (1986, 1988-1989) was born. On February 14, 1984, Scott was traded by the Seattle Mariners along with P Eric Parent (minors) to the New York Yankees for INF Larry Milbourne. In 1986, Scott went 4-4 for the Yankees. On January 5,1987, he was traded by the Yankees along with P Mike Soper (minors) to the Chicago White Sox for P Pete Filson and INF Randy Velarde. On November 12,1987, Scott was traded by the White Sox along with P Richard Dotson to the Yankees for OF/1B Dan Pasqua, P Steve Rosenberg and C/DH/1B Mark Salas. In 1988 he went 1-2 and in 1989 he posted a 1-0 mark for the Yankees. On July 10,1989, Scott was traded by the Yankees to the New York Mets for OF Marcus Lawton.
1967 - The Chicago White Sox send veteran 3B/1B slugger Pete Ward to the Yankees for P Mickey Scott and cash. Pete Ward was at the end of his MLB career playing with back problems.
1968 - Former Yankees reserve C Hank Severeid (1926) passed away. On July 22, 1926, Hank Severeid was selected off waivers by the New York Yankees from the Washington Senators. He appeared in 41 games for the Yankees, hitting .268. In the 1926 World Series, he played in all 7 games for the Yankees, hitting .273.
1973 - The New York Yankees announced the signing of Richard Williams as manager, precipitating a legal showdown with Oakland A's Owner Charlie Finley. Two days later, American League president Joe Cronin rules that the Yankees cannot sign Williams that he is still legally contracted with the Oakland A’s.
1993 - Top New York Yankees pitching prospect Brien Taylor injures his shoulder in a fight near his home in North Carolina. The Injury will require surgery and cause Taylor to miss the entire 1994 season. Taylor, who signed for a $1.55 million bonus in 1991, has yet to make it to the majors.
2002 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent 3B Todd Zeile to a contract. Todd will appear in 66 games for the 2002 Yankees, hitting just .210. On August 18, 2003, Todd was released by the Yankees.
2009 - The New York Yankees sign MLB free agent and former Yankee 1B/DH Nick Johnson to a one-year contract with an option for 2011 American League season. He is expected to play DH and bat second in place of Johnny Damon, whom the Yankees announced they would not seek to re-sign. Damon will sign with the Detroit Tigers. Nick Johnson will miss most of the 2010 AL season due to wrist injury that required surgery.