1955 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Major League Baseball
- World Series1955 World SeriesThe 1955 World Series matched the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees, with the Dodgers winning the Series in seven games to capture their first championship in franchise history. It would be the only Series the Dodgers won in Brooklyn . The last time the Brooklyn franchise won a World...
: 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...
over 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...
(4-3); Johnny PodresJohnny PodresJohn Joseph Podres was an American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, MVP - 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 12 at County Stadium: National League, 6-5 (12 innings)
Other champions
- Caribbean World SeriesCaribbean World SeriesThe Caribbean Series , also called the Caribbean World Series is the highest baseball tournament at club level in Latin America. The league winners from the Winter Leagues of Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela participate in the tournament...
: Cangrejeros de SanturceSanturce Crabbers (baseball)The Cangrejeros de Santurce were a professional baseball team based in Santurce, the largest barrio of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The franchise joined the Puerto Rico Baseball League since it was the semi-professional Liga de Béisbol Semi-Profesional de Puerto Rico...
(Puerto Rico) - College World SeriesCollege World SeriesThe College World Series or CWS is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha, Nebraska that is the culmination of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, which determines the NCAA Division I college baseball champion. The eight teams are split into two, four-team, double-elimination brackets,...
: Wake Forest UniversityWake Forest UniversityWake Forest University is a private, coeducational university in the U.S. state of North Carolina, founded in 1834. The university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital. The Reynolda Campus, the university's main campus, is... - Japan SeriesJapan Series, or is the annual championship series in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top baseball league in Japan. It is a seven-game series between the winning clubs of the league's two circuits, the Central League and the Pacific League....
: 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...
over Nankai Hawks (4-3) - Little League World SeriesLittle League World SeriesThe Little League Baseball World Series is a baseball tournament for children aged 11 to 13 years old. It was originally called the National Little League Tournament and was later renamed for the World Series in Major League Baseball. It was first held in 1947 and is held every August in South...
: Morrisville, PennsylvaniaMorrisville, Bucks County, PennsylvaniaMorrisville is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,728 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Morrisville is located at . It is situated on the Delaware River directly across from Trenton, New Jersey...
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...
- 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...
: Yogi BerraYogi BerraLawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra is a former American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager. He played almost his entire 19-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
, 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... - 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...
: Roy CampanellaRoy CampanellaRoy Campanella , nicknamed "Campy", was an American baseball player, primarily at the position of catcher, in the Negro leagues and Major League Baseball...
, 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...
- American League
- Rookie of the YearMLB Rookie of the Year AwardIn Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
- 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...
: Herb ScoreHerb ScoreHerbert Jude Score was a Major League Baseball pitcher and announcer.-Athletic career:Score came up as a rookie in with the Cleveland Indians...
, Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona... - 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...
: Bill VirdonBill VirdonWilliam Charles Virdon is a former outfielder, manager and coach in Major League Baseball. A premier defensive outfielder during his playing days as a center fielder for the St...
, 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...
- American League
MLB statistical leaders
| American League American League The 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... |
National League National League The 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... |
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| AVG Batting average Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :... |
Al Kaline Al Kaline Albert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and... DET |
.340 | Richie Ashburn Richie Ashburn Don Richard "Richie" Ashburn , also known by the nicknames, "Putt-Putt", "The Tilden Flash", and "Whitey" due to his light-blond hair, was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball. He was born in Tilden, Nebraska... PHI |
.338 |
| HR Home run In 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... |
Mickey Mantle Mickey Mantle Mickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting... NYY |
37 | Willie Mays Willie Mays Willie Howard Mays, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player who played the majority of his major league career with the New York and San Francisco Giants before finishing with the New York Mets. Nicknamed The Say Hey Kid, Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his... NYG |
51 |
| RBI | Ray Boone Ray Boone Raymond Otis Boone was an American Major League Baseball player. He batted and threw right-handed.Boone was born in San Diego, California. An infielder, he broke into the major leagues on September 3, , with the Cleveland Indians... DET & Jackie Jensen Jackie Jensen Jack Eugene Jensen was an American right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for three American League teams from 1950 to 1961, most notably the Boston Red Sox... BOS |
116 | Duke Snider Duke Snider Edwin Donald "Duke" Snider , nicknamed "The Silver Fox" and "The Duke of Flatbush", was a Major League Baseball center fielder and left-handed batter who played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers , New York Mets , and San Francisco Giants .Snider was elected to the National Baseball Hall of... BRO |
136 |
| Wins Win (baseball) In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only... |
Whitey Ford Whitey Ford Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:... NYY, Bob Lemon Bob Lemon Robert Granville Lemon was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.... CLE & Frank Sullivan Frank Sullivan (baseball) Franklin Leal Sullivan is a retired American professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of eleven seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins. He tied for the American League lead in wins in 1955 with Boston... BOS |
18 | Robin Roberts Robin Roberts (baseball player) Robin Evan Roberts was a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who pitched primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies . He spent the latter part of his career with the Baltimore Orioles , Houston Astros , and Chicago Cubs... PHI |
23 |
| ERA Earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine... |
Billy Pierce Billy Pierce Walter William Pierce is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Chicago White Sox. He was the team's star pitcher between 1952 and 1961, and was named the American League's top pitcher in 1956 and 1957 after being runner-up in both 1953... CHW |
1.97 | Bob Friend Bob Friend Robert Bartmess Friend is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who pitched primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates , joining the New York Yankees and New York Mets in his final season of... PIT |
2.83 |
| Ks Strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters.... |
Herb Score Herb Score Herbert Jude Score was a Major League Baseball pitcher and announcer.-Athletic career:Score came up as a rookie in with the Cleveland Indians... CLE |
245 | Sam Jones Sam Jones (baseball) Samuel Jones , known during his career as "Toothpick Sam" Jones or "Sad Sam" Jones, was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to .... CHC |
198 |
American League final standings
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National League final standings
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Events
Before the Athletics arrive in town, the Kansas City MonarchsKansas City Monarchs
The Kansas City Monarchs were the longest-running franchise in the history of baseball's Negro Leagues. Operating in Kansas City, Missouri and owned by J.L. Wilkinson, they were charter members of the Negro National League from 1920 to 1930. J.L. Wilkinson was the first Caucasian owner at the time...
move their base of operations to Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
. They retain the name "Kansas City Monarchs" and continue in the Negro American League
Negro American League
The Negro American League was one of the several Negro leagues which were created during the time organized baseball was segregated. The league was established in 1937, and continued to exist until 1960...
as a barnstorming team.
April–June
- April 12 - After a big civic parade, the 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....
open their first season in Kansas CityKansas City, MissouriKansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
with a win over 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...
, 6–2, before a crowd of 32,844.
- April 14 - Elston HowardElston HowardElston Gene Howard was an American Negro League and Major League Baseball catcher, left fielder and coach. During a 14-year baseball career, he played from 1955–1968, primarily for the New York Yankees...
becomes the first African-American to wear 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...
uniform. Howard singles in his first-at-bat, against 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"...
, as the Yankees win 8–4.
- April 23: The Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
tallied a franchise record 29 runs/29 hits against the host Kansas City 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....
, including seven 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...
s, in a 29–6 ripping. Sherm LollarSherm LollarJohn Sherman Lollar was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , St. Louis Browns , and the Chicago White Sox...
was 5-for-6 with a pair of home runs and five RBI, and became the only player in the decade to get two hits in one inning twice in the same game (2nd and 6th innings). Chico CarrasquelChico CarrasquelAlfonso Carrasquel Colón, better known as Chico Carrasquel was a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Kansas City Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles...
hit 5-for-6, and Bob NiemanBob NiemanRobert Charles Nieman was a Major League Baseball outfielder and right-handed batter who played for the St. Louis Browns , Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Baltimore Orioles , St. Louis Cardinals , Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants...
paced the attack with two homers and seven RBI. Walt DropoWalt DropoWalter Dropo , nicknamed "Moose", was an American college basketball standout and a professional baseball first baseman...
added a homer and seven RBI, while pitcher Jack HarshmanJack HarshmanJohn Elvin Harshman , is a former professional baseball pitcher who played from 1945 through 1960. He played for the New York Giants, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Indians....
and Minnie Miñoso also homered. Carrasquel and Miñoso each scored five runs. Kansas City had homers from Vic PowerVictor PellotVictor Pellot a.k.a. "Vic Power" was the second black Puerto Rican to play in Major League Baseball and the first Puerto Rican to play in the American League...
and Bill RennaBill RennaWilliam Beneditto Renna is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for four different teams between the and seasons. Nicknamed "Big Bill," he was listed at and , and batted and threw right-handed...
. Bobby ShantzBobby ShantzRobert Clayton Shantz was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics , Kansas City Athletics , New York Yankees , Pittsburgh Pirates , Houston Colt .45's , St...
was the losing pitcher.
- May 12 - Sam JonesSam Jones (baseball)Samuel Jones , known during his career as "Toothpick Sam" Jones or "Sad Sam" Jones, was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to ....
of 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...
no-hitsNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
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...
, 4–0, becoming the first African AmericanAfrican AmericanAfrican Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
to pitch a no-hitter in the Major Leagues. Jones does it in the hardest way, when In the ninth inning he walks the bases full and then strikes out Dick GroatDick GroatRichard Morrow Groat is a former two-sport athlete best known as a shortstop in Major League Baseball. He played for four National League teams, mainly the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals, and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in after winning the batting title with a .325...
, Roberto ClementeRoberto ClementeRoberto Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder. He was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. Clemente played his entire 18-year baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in...
and Frank Thomas in a row to preserve his victory. It is also the first no-hitter at Wrigley FieldWrigley FieldWrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
in the last 38 years. Unfortunately, only 2,918 fans are on hand to witness the double milestone.
- May 13 - At Yankee Stadium, Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
hits home runs from both sides of the plateSwitch hitterIn baseball, a switch-hitter is a player who bats both right-handed and left-handed.-Baseball:Usually, right-handed batters hit better against left-handed pitchers and vice-versa. Most curveballs break away from batters hitting from the same side as the opposing pitcher. Such pitches are often...
for the first time in his major league career. The New York Yankees1955 New York Yankees seasonThe New York Yankees season was the team's 53rd season in New York, and its 55th season overall. The team finished with a record of 96-58, winning their 21st pennant, finishing 3 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians. New York was managed by Casey Stengel. The Yankees played their home games at...
slugger finishes the game with three home runs – two left-handed and one right-handed, while driving inRun batted inRuns batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
all of his team's runs in a 5–2 victory over the Detroit Tigers1955 Detroit Tigers seasonThe Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The team finished fifth in the American League with a record of 79-75, 17 games behind the New York Yankees.- Offseason :...
. Whitey FordWhitey FordEdward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
is the winning pitcher and Steve GromekSteve GromekStephen Joseph Gromek was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He played seventeen seasons in the American League with the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers . He was a native of Hamtramck, Michigan.An All-Star in 1945, Gromek posted a 19-9 won-loss record with a 3.26 ERA...
takes the loss.
July–September
- July 12 - In the All-Star GameAll-star gameAn all-star game is an exhibition game played by the best players in their sports league, except in the circumstances of professional sports systems in which a democratic voting system is used...
in Milwaukee's County 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...
takes a 5-run lead on a 3-run home run by Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
off Robin RobertsRobin Roberts (baseball player)Robin Evan Roberts was a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who pitched primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies . He spent the latter part of his career with the Baltimore Orioles , Houston Astros , and Chicago Cubs...
, only to see 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...
tie it. Milwaukee Braves' pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Gene ConleyGene ConleyDonald Eugene Conley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played eleven seasons from to for four different teams. Conley also played forward in the 1952-1953 season and from 1958 to 1964 for two teams in the National Basketball Association...
strikes out the side in the 12th inning, and Stan MusialStan MusialStanley Frank "Stan" Musial is a retired professional baseball player who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals . Nicknamed "Stan the Man", Musial was a record 24-time All-Star selection , and is widely considered to be one of the greatest hitters in baseball...
of 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...
homers off Frank SullivanFrank Sullivan (baseball)Franklin Leal Sullivan is a retired American professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of eleven seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins. He tied for the American League lead in wins in 1955 with Boston...
of the Red Sox to win it.
- July 31 - On the anniversary of his 4-home run game, Braves' first basemanFirst basemanFirst base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Joe AdcockJoe AdcockJoseph Wilbur "Billy Joe" Adcock was an American first baseman and right-handed batter in Major League Baseball, best known for his years with the powerful Milwaukee Braves teams of the 1950s, whose career included numerous home run feats...
has his arm broken by a pitch from the New York Giants'San Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
Jim HearnJim HearnJames Tolbert Hearn was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for 13 seasons . A right-hander, he stood tall and weighed .-Career:...
. Adcock will miss the rest of the season.
- August 20 - The Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
rally to edge 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...
‚ 8–7. Nellie FoxNellie FoxJacob Nelson Fox was a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Chicago White Sox. Fox was born in St. Thomas Township, Pennsylvania. He was selected as the MVP of the American League in...
and Jim RiveraJim RiveraManuel Joseph "Jim" Rivera is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and left-handed batter who played for the St. Louis Browns , Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Athletics...
pace the attack with four hits apiece‚ while Chico CarrasquelChico CarrasquelAlfonso Carrasquel Colón, better known as Chico Carrasquel was a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Kansas City Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles...
adds a home run. George KellGeorge KellGeorge Clyde Kell was an American baseball third baseman who played for the Philadelphia Athletics , Detroit Tigers , Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox , and Baltimore Orioles in the American League, who went on to become a baseball broadcaster for 40 years.-Playing career:In college, Kell...
drives inRun batted inRuns batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
five runs for the White Sox. The win leaves Chicago (71-46) tied in second place with ClevelandCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
(73-48)‚ and a game in back of New YorkNew 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...
(74-47).
- September 8 - 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...
clinch the National League pennant by beating the Milwaukee BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, 10–2, for their 8th straight NL title. The Dodgers also break their own Major League Baseball record for the earliest clinching, set in .
- September 16 - The Kansas City 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....
score seven runs in the first inning and roll to a 13–7 win over the faltering Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
. The third place Sox lose their 10th in 17 games. Héctor LópezHéctor LópezHéctor Headley López Swainson is a former left fielder and third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees from to...
hits a three-run home run in the first to start the scoring and later in the game Joe AstrothJoe AstrothJoseph Henry Astroth is a retired American professional baseball player. He was a catcher for the Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics...
adds another three-run homer. George KellGeorge KellGeorge Clyde Kell was an American baseball third baseman who played for the Philadelphia Athletics , Detroit Tigers , Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox , and Baltimore Orioles in the American League, who went on to become a baseball broadcaster for 40 years.-Playing career:In college, Kell...
and Chico CarrasquelChico CarrasquelAlfonso Carrasquel Colón, better known as Chico Carrasquel was a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Kansas City Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles...
hits solo homers for Chicago. In the 8th‚ 16-year-old shortstop Alex GeorgeAlex George (baseball)Alex Thomas M. George is a retired American professional baseball player. He appeared in five Major League Baseball games as a shortstop and pinch hitter for the Kansas City Athletics during the season...
debuts for Kansas City‚ handling two chances in the field flawlessly and making out in his one at bat. George will go 1-for-10 in this his only Major League season.
October–December
- October 3 - No more "wait till' next year" as the Brooklyn Dodgers, behind the pitching of Johnny PodresJohnny PodresJohn Joseph Podres was an American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, brings its first, and only, 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...
to Brooklyn after seven previous frustrated 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...
appearances in a 2-0 win over 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...
. The Dodgers win the Series four game to three, and Podres is named Most Valuable PlayerMost Valuable PlayerIn sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
– the first time the award is given in 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...
.
- October 25 - In an interesting deal, Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
GMGeneral manager (baseball)In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
Frank LaneFrank LaneFrank Lane was an American executive in professional baseball, most notably serving as a general manager in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox, St...
trade SSShortstopShortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Chico CarrasquelChico CarrasquelAlfonso Carrasquel Colón, better known as Chico Carrasquel was a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Kansas City Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles...
and CFCenter 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...
Jim BusbyJim BusbyJames Franklin Busby was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball and right-handed batter who played for the Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , Cleveland Indians , Baltimore Orioles , Boston Red Sox and Houston Colt .45's .Busby was born in Kenedy, Texas, and attended...
to the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in exchange for CFLeft fielderIn baseball, a left fielder is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
Larry DobyLarry DobyLawrence Eugene "Larry" Doby was an American professional baseball player in the Negro leagues and Major League Baseball....
. The trade was made by Lane to make room for Carrasquel's fellow VenezuelaVenezuelaVenezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
n and future Hall of Famer Luis AparicioLuis AparicioLuis Ernesto Aparicio Montiel is a former shortstop in professional baseball. His career in Major League Baseball spanned three decades, from through . Aparicio played for the Chicago White Sox , Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
.
- November 2 - 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...
name Bobby BraganBobby BraganRobert Randall Bragan was a shortstop, catcher, manager, and coach in American Major League Baseball. He also was an influential executive in minor league baseball...
as their new field manager, replacing Fred HaneyFred HaneyFred Girard Haney was an American third baseman, manager, coach and executive in Major League Baseball. As a manager, he won two pennants and a world championship with the Milwaukee Braves and, as an executive, he was the first general manager of the expansion Los Angeles Angels of the American...
.
- November 8 - In a nine-player transaction before the 1956 season1956 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Brooklyn Dodgers ; Don Larsen, MVP*All-Star Game, July 10 at Griffith Stadium: National League, 7-3-Other champions:*Caribbean World Series: Cienfuegos *College World Series: Minnesota...
, 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...
sent All-Stars Bob PorterfieldBob PorterfieldErwin Coolidge "Bob" Porterfield is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for twelve seasons between 1948 and 1959 for the New York Yankees, Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs...
and 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...
along with Johnny SchmitzJohnny SchmitzJohn Albert Schmitz, nicknamed "Bear Tracks" , was a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played 13 seasons between and , missing 1943 to 1945 due to World War II. His nickname was inspired by the way he shuffled to the mound and his size 14 feet...
and Tom UmphlettTom UmphlettThomas Mullen Umphlett is a former center and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1953 to 1955 with the Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators....
to 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"...
, in exchange for Dick BrodowskiDick BrodowskiRichard Stanley Brodowski is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1952 through 1955 for the Boston Red Sox , Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians . He batted and threw right-handed.Brodowski was 19 years old when he reached the majors in 1952 with the Boston Red...
, Neil ChrisleyNeil ChrisleyBarbra O'Neil Chrisley is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played from 1957 to 1961 with the Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Braves. He was 6'3" tall, weighed 187 pounds and he threw right and batted left-handed.He was originally signed by the Boston Red Sox as a...
, Tex ClevengerTex ClevengerTruman Eugene "Tex" Clevenger is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher/spot starter who played for the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees from 1954-1962. He was 6'1" tall and 180 pounds, and threw and batted right-handed. He attended Fresno State...
, Karl OlsonKarl OlsonKarl Arthur Olson of Kentfield, California was a former backup outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox , Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers . He batted and threw right-handed.In a six-season career, Olson was a .235 hitter with six home runs and 50 RBI in 279...
and Minor leaguer Al Curtis. The Red Sox got the best part of the trade, when Vernon will hit .310 with 15 homers and 84 RBI (.914 OPSOn-base plus sluggingOn-base plus slugging is a sabermetric baseball statistic calculated as the sum of a player's on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The ability of a player to both get on base and to hit for power, two important hitting skills, are represented. An OPS of .900 or higher in Major League...
), including the sixth of his seven All-Star career appearances.
- November 12 - Fred HutchinsonFred HutchinsonFrederick Charles Hutchinson was an American professional baseball player, a major league pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. He also was a manager for three major league teams...
replaces Harry WalkerHarry WalkerHarry William Walker, known to baseball fans of the middle 20th century as "Harry the Hat" , was an American baseball player, manager and coach.-Early life and family:...
as 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...
manager. With the departure of Walker, next season will be the first time in National League history without a player-manager.
- November 21 - In an obvious power struggle for control, Carl StotzCarl StotzCarl E. Stotz is the American founder of Little League Baseball. He is honored in Williamsport by having the Carl E. Stotz Memorial Little League Bridge which carries U.S. Route 15 across the West Branch Susquehanna River between Williamsport and South WilliamsportStotz was born in Williamsport,...
, principal founding father of the Little League, sues the organization for breach of contract. The suit will be settled out of court.
- November 28 - 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...
trade pitcher Hal JeffcoatHal JeffcoatHarold Bentley Jeffcoat was an outfielder and pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Cincinnati Redlegs and St...
to the Cincinnati RedlegsCincinnati 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....
in exchange for catcher Hobie LandrithHobie LandrithHobart "Hobie" Neal Landrith is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1950 through 1963 for the Cincinnati Reds & Redlegs, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Senators...
.
- December 8 - Lenny YochimLenny YochimLeonard Joseph Yochim is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1951 and 1954 and later served in the organization for almost four decades...
of the Caracas LionsLeones del CaracasThe Leones del Caracas is a Venezuelan baseball team that plays in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Since its inception, the team has played in the Estadio Universitario in Caracas...
became the first pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
to throw a no-hitterNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
in a professional game in VenezuelaVenezuelaVenezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
. The 27-year-old left-hander accomplished the feat in a 3–0 victory over MagallanesNavegantes del MagallanesThe Navegantes del Magallanes are a baseball team in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Based in Valencia, the Navegantes have won ten LVBP championships and two Caribbean World Series.-Pitchers:...
helped by catcherCatcherCatcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Earl BatteyEarl BatteyEarl Jesse Battey, Jr. was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Chicago White Sox , the Washington Senators and the Minnesota Twins...
. Ray Monzant was the losing pitcher. The screwballScrewballA screwball , is a baseball pitch that is thrown so as to break in the opposite direction of a slider or curveball. Depending on the pitcher's arm angle, the ball may also have a sinking action....
er Yochim also pitched for 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...
in part of two seasons.
January–March
- January 1 - LaMarr HoytLaMarr HoytDewey LaMarr Hoyt is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who won the American League Cy Young Award.-Chicago White Sox:...
- January 1 - Bob OwchinkoBob OwchinkoRobert Dennis Owchinko is a former professional baseball pitcher. A left-handed pitcher, he played all or part of ten seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1976 and 1986, for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal...
- January 21 - Dave Smith
- January 21 - Mike Smithson
- January 24 - Ted CoxTed Cox (baseball)William Ted Cox is a former shortstop who played in Major League Baseball from through for the Boston Red Sox , Cleveland Indians , Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays . He batted and threw right-handed.Cox was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first-round of the 1973 draft ahead of Fred...
- January 26 - Brian DoyleBrian Doyle (baseball)Brian Reed Doyle is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played for the New York Yankees and Oakland A's. He played primarily as a second baseman. His brother, Denny Doyle, was also a Major League baseball player...
- January 26 - Joe PettiniJoe PettiniJoseph Paul "Joe" Pettini is a former Major League Baseball player and a current major league bench coach with the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe and his family now reside in Bethany, West Virginia....
- January 28 - Joe BeckwithJoe BeckwithThomas Joseph Beckwith is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher.Beckwith grew up in Auburn, Alabama, where he played for Auburn High School and Auburn University. In the Majors, Beckwith played for two teams in his career: the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals...
- January 31 - Ted PowerTed PowerTheodore Henry Power is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1981-1993 for eight different teams.Power was born on January 31, 1955 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The right-handed pitcher and right-handed batter went to college at Kansas State University...
- February 1 - Ernie CamachoErnie CamachoErnest Carlos Camacho is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1980–1981 and 1983-1990.In 1984, Camacho lead the Cleveland Indians in saves with 23.-External links:...
- February 4 - Gary AllensonGary AllensonGary Martin Allenson is a former Major League Baseball catcher and the current manager of the Norfolk Tides, the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.-Playing career:...
- February 4 - Rusty KuntzRusty KuntzRussell Jay "Rusty" Kuntz is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He is an alumnus of California State University, Stanislaus....
- February 5 - Mike HeathMike HeathMichael Thomas Heath is a former catcher in Major League Baseball. Heath played fourteen seasons in the major leagues with the New York Yankees , Oakland Athletics , St...
- February 7 - Dámaso GarcíaDámaso GarcíaDámaso Domingo García Sánchez is a former Major League Baseball player best known for his time spent with the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1980s....
- February 7 - Charlie PuleoCharlie PuleoCharles Michael Puleo is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1981 to 1989 with the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves....
- February 12 - Juan BonillaJuan BonillaJuan Guillermo Bonilla in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Juan Bonilla is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1981-1987 as a second baseman.He played for the San Diego Padres,Baltimore Orioles,and New York Yankees...
- February 12 - Chet LemonChet LemonChester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
- March 11 - Larry LandrethLarry LandrethLarry Robert Landreth was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in seven games for the Montreal Expos from 1976-1977.-External links:...
- March 12 - Ruppert JonesRuppert JonesRuppert Sanderson Jones is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and California Angels...
- March 15 - Mickey HatcherMickey HatcherMichael Vaughn Hatcher is a former Major League Baseball player and a current coach. Most notably, he was Kirk Gibson's replacement for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 World Series, batting .368 with two home runs and five RBI...
- March 18 - Dwayne MurphyDwayne MurphyDwayne Keith Murphy is a former Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career playing for the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder. He is currently the hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1973 and made his Major League debut in 1978...
- March 19 - Mike Norris
- March 25 - Lee MazzilliLee MazzilliLee Louis Mazzilli, , is a former Major League Baseball player, coach, and manager. On December 11, 2006, he was hired as the lead studio analyst for SportsNet New York, the New York Mets' cable television network...
April–June
- April 2 - Billy SampleBilly SampleWilliam Amos Sample , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an outfielder from 1978-1986. Sample played for the Texas Rangers , New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves ....
- April 7 - Bobby Mitchell
- April 14 - Chris WelshChris WelshChristopher Charles Welsh is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and a current sportscaster for the Cincinnati Reds. He was a left-hander with a career ERA of 4.45 and career win/loss record of 22-31. He graduated from St...
- April 16 - Bruce BochyBruce BochyBruce Douglas Bochy is the manager of the San Francisco Giants. Prior to joining the Giants, Bochy had been the manager of the San Diego Padres for twelve seasons. Bochy is the only former Padres player to serve as the team's manager. He has participated in all five postseason appearances in...
- April 16 - Rick Jones
- April 18 - Bobby CastilloBobby CastilloRobert Ernie Castillo Jr. is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins between and . He was in the bullpen for the Dodgers in the 1981 World Series, pitching one inning against the New York Yankees. He also pitched one season in Japan for...
- April 22 - David ClydeDavid ClydeDavid Eugene Clyde is a former left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played all or part of five seasons for the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians...
- April 23 - Tom Dixon
- April 26 - Mike ScottMike Scott (baseball)Michael Warren "Mike" Scott is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets and the Houston Astros. He won the National League Cy Young Award in...
- May 7 - Bob FerrisBob FerrisRobert Eugene Ferris is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. The 6'6", 225 lb. right-hander was drafted by the California Angels in the 2nd round of the 1976 amateur draft, and he played for the Angels in 1979 and 1980.Ferris was called up to the Angels after a 14-7 season with the Salt...
- May 12 - Ralph BottingRalph BottingRalph Wayne Botting is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. The left-hander was drafted by the California Angels in the 7th round of the 1974 amateur draft, and played for the Angels in 1979 and 1980....
- May 14 - Dennis MartínezDennis MartínezJosé Dennis Martínez Emilia , nicknamed "El Presidente" , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher...
- May 14 - Hosken PowellHosken PowellHosken Powell was a Major League Baseball player from 1978 to 1983 for the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. He was an outfielder.-External links:...
- May 16 - Jack MorrisJack MorrisJohn Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
- May 16 - Tack WilsonTack WilsonMichael "Tack" Wilson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played in 12 games with the Minnesota Twins and California Angels in 1983 and 1987.-External links:...
- May 19 - Ed WhitsonEd WhitsonEddie Lee Whitson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher best remembered for his short and turbulent stint with the New York Yankees in the mid 1980s. He batted and threw right-handed.-Pittsburgh Pirates:...
- May 21 - Eddie MilnerEddie MilnerEdward James Milner is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of nine seasons in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants , primarily as a center fielder. Milner batted and threw left-handed.Eddie Milner was drafted out of Central State...
- May 27 - Ross BaumgartenRoss BaumgartenRoss Baumgarten is an American former professional baseball player who was a pitcher in Major League Baseball for five seasons in the late 1970s and early 1980s...
- June 10 - Floyd BannisterFloyd BannisterFloyd Franklin Bannister is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched for the Houston Astros , Seattle Mariners , Chicago White Sox , Kansas City Royals , California Angels , and the Texas Rangers .-History:In 1973, as a high school...
- June 10 - Scott UllgerScott UllgerScott Matthew Ullger is a former Major League Baseball player and current bench base coach of the Minnesota Twins. He was previously the Twins' third base coach from 2006–2010 and batting coach from 1998-2006...
- June 17 - Joe CharboneauJoe CharboneauJoseph Charboneau was a Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and is one of the most often-cited examples of a flash in the pan or of baseball's fabled sophomore jinx....
July–September
- July 3 - Matt KeoughMatt KeoughMatthew Lon Keough Drafted by the Oakland A's out of Corona del Mar High School in 1973. Keough is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from through for the Oakland Athletics , New York Yankees , St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros...
- July 7 - Len BarkerLen BarkerLeonard Harold Barker III , better known as Lenny Barker or Len Barker, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He pitched the tenth perfect game in baseball history. Barker pitched for the Texas Rangers , Cleveland Indians , Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers...
- July 7 - Jerry DybzinskiJerry DybzinskiJerome Matthew Dybzinski is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who played for three teams from 1980 to 1985. He attended Cleveland State University from 1974 to 1977, becoming the first of four Cleveland State alumni to play in the major leagues...
- July 9 - Willie WilsonWillie Wilson (baseball player)Willie James Wilson is a former Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. He was an outfielder known for his speed and ability as an effective leadoff hitter....
- July 21 - Mark LemongelloMark LemongelloMark Lemongello is a retired professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1976-1979. He played for the Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays...
- July 27 - Shane RawleyShane RawleyShane William Rawley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of twelve seasons in the majors, from 1978 through 1989, for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Minnesota Twins.Rawley was selected to the National League All-Star team in 1986 as...
- August 2 - Jim DorseyJim Dorsey (baseball)James Edward Dorsey is a retired professional baseball player who played 3 seasons for the California Angels and Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-References:...
- August 6 - Ron Davis
- August 6 - Steve NicosiaSteve NicosiaSteven Richard Nicosia , is a former major league baseball player. He played catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos, and Toronto Blue Jays from 1979 until 1985.-External links:...
- August 11 - Bryn SmithBryn SmithBryn Nelson Smith is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1981-1993....
- August 18 - Bruce BenedictBruce BenedictBruce Edwin Benedict is an American former professional baseball player, coach and scout. He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Atlanta Braves from to .-Major League career:...
- August 19 - Terry HarperTerry Harper (baseball)Terry Joe Harper , is a retired professional baseball player who played outfielder in the Major Leagues from -. He played for the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Tigers, as well as one season for the Yakult Swallows in Japan.-External links:...
- August 19 - Ned YostNed YostEdgar Frederick "Ned" Yost III is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the Kansas City Royals. He is the former manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.-Playing career:...
- August 27 - Pat KellyPat Kelly (baseball catcher)Dale Patrick Kelly is a former Major League Baseball catcher. Drafted in the third round of amateur draft, his career in the majors consisted of three games. He made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 28, , and played his final game five days later...
- September 5 - Gil PattersonGil PattersonGilbert Thomas "Gil" Patterson is former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Playing career:...
- September 16 - Robin YountRobin YountRobin R. Yount is an American former Major League Baseball shortstop and center fielder. He spent his entire 20-year baseball career with the Milwaukee Brewers . In 1999, Yount was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.-Early years:Yount was born in Danville, Illinois...
- September 18 - Don McCormackDon McCormackDonald Ross McCormack is a former professional baseball player, and current coach in the minor leagues. He was a fourth round draft pick in the 1974 Major League Baseball Draft, by the Philadelphia Phillies. On September 30, 1980, the 25-year-old McCormack made his major league debut with the...
- September 13 - Mike FischlinMike FischlinMichael Thomas Fischlin is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of ten seasons in Major League Baseball between 1977 and 1987 for the Houston Astros , Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves , primarily as a backup shortstop and second baseman.Fischlin...
- September 16 - Joe EdelenJoe EdelenBenny Joe Edelen was touted as one of the all-time great high school athletes in the state of Oklahoma. A recipient of the Jim Thorpe award, Joe excelled in basketball and baseball receiving All-State and All-America honors in both sports. Joe is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who...
- September 22 - Jeffrey LeonardJeffrey LeonardJeffrey N. Leonard is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball with a 14-year career from to...
- September 24 - Mike Champion
October–December
- October 1 - Jeff ReardonJeff ReardonJeffrey James Reardon , nicknamed "The Terminator" for his intimidating presence on the mound and 98 mph fastball, is a former professional baseball relief pitcher from 1979-1994 who played for the New York Mets, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati...
- October 3 - Jim JoyceJim JoyceJames A. "Jim" Joyce III is a Major League Baseball umpire who has worked in the American League from 1987 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. He wears uniform number 66...
- October 4 - Gary CederstromGary CederstromGary L. Cederstrom is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League from 1989 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. He has umpired in two World Series; in 2005 and 2011...
- October 4 - Lary SorensenLary SorensenLary Alan Sorensen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Milwaukee Brewers , St...
- October 8 - Jerry Reed
- October 9 - Alex TaverasAlex TaverasAlejandro Antonio Taveras was an infielder in Major League Baseball. He played in 35 games over three seasons for the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers....
- October 21 - Jerry GarvinJerry GarvinTheodore Jared Garvin , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the major leagues for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1977-1982. He was named by Topps as their left-handed rookie pitcher of the year in 1977.After his playing days, he has become involved in the real estate...
- October 25 - Danny DarwinDanny DarwinDaniel Wayne "Danny" Darwin , known as the "Bonham Bullet" and "Dr. Death," is a former pitcher of Major League Baseball. He amassed 171 wins and 182 losses over his career for 8 different Major League teams with a 3.84 earned run average...
- November 2 - Greg HarrisGreg A. HarrisGreg Allen Harris is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees from 1981 to 1995. Harris pitched in 703 games in his career, starting 98...
- November 2 - Bob TuftsRobert TuftsRobert Malcolm Tufts is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played in parts of three seasons for the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals from through .-Career:...
- November 5 - Bobby RamosBobby RamosRoberto "Bobby" Ramos is currently the bullpen coach for the Tampa Bay Rays. During his playing career, he was a catcher, playing parts of six seasons for the Montreal Expos and New York Yankees. He was a minor league manager in the Rays' system from to .-External links:*...
- November 9 - Jeff CoxJeff CoxJeffrey Lindon Cox is a Major League Baseball third base coach for the Chicago White Sox. Previously, Cox was a second baseman for the Oakland Athletics during the 1980 and 1981 seasons...
- November 10 - Jack ClarkJack Clark (baseball)Jack Anthony Clark , also known as "Jack the Ripper," is a former Major League Baseball player. From 1975 through 1992, Clark played for the San Francisco Giants , St. Louis Cardinals , New York Yankees , San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox...
- November 15 - Fred BreiningFred BreiningFred Breining , was a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants and the Montreal Expos from 1981-1985. His career was cut short when pitching to Ray Knight. He fielded a bunt and threw it to first, only to blow out his shoulder. He never played another inning as a Major Leaguer...
- November 15 - Randy NiemannRandy NiemannRandal Harold Niemann was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1979 to 1987 for the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets and Minnesota Twins. Niemann was a southpaw pitcher who worked mostly in relief.-External links:...
- November 18 - Luis PujolsLuis PujolsLuis Bienvenido Pujols Toribio was a catcher and manager in Major League Baseball. He played nine seasons with the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers. Luis Pujols and St...
- November 22 - Kevin RhombergKevin RhombergKevin Jay Rhomberg is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball. He was selected by the Cleveland Indians of the American League in the 14th round of the 1977 amateur draft, and made his major league debut on June 9,...
- November 22 - Wayne TollesonWayne TollesonJimmy Wayne Tolleson is a former Major League Baseball player. A switch hitter who threw right-handed, Tolleson was listed at 5'9" tall and 160 pounds during his playing career.-Western Carolina University:...
- November 23 - Todd CruzTodd CruzTodd Ruben Cruz was an American Major League Baseball player who spent all or part of six seasons in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles, from 1978 to 1984...
- November 26 - Jay HowellJay HowellJay Canfield Howell is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds , Chicago Cubs , New York Yankees , Oakland Athletics , Los Angeles Dodgers , Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers .Howell was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers when they won the 1988 World Series...
- December 7 - Scot ThompsonScot Thompson (baseball)Vernon Scot Thompson , was a professional baseball player who played outfielder in the Major Leagues from to for the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, and San Francisco Giants.He was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania.-External links:...
- December 18 - Jim Clancy
- December 18 - Bobby ClarkBobby Clark (outfielder)Robert Cale Clark is a retired professional baseball player who played seven seasons for the California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball.-References:...
- December 22 - Lonnie SmithLonnie SmithLonnie Smith is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He made his debut for the Philadelphia Phillies on September 2, 1978 and later played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles...
- December 23 - Keith ComstockKeith ComstockKeith Martin Comstock is a former left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He went to high school in San Carlos, California. He played for the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners over his six-year career. He also played for the Yomiuri Giants in...
- December 30 - Keith MacwhorterKeith MacwhorterKeith MacWhorter is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox during the 1980 season...
- December 31 - Jim Tracy
Deaths
- January 13 - Bill DinneenBill DinneenWilliam Henry Dinneen, alternately spelled Dineen , was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who followed his 12-year career from 1898 to 1909 with a highly regarded tenure as an American League umpire from 1909 to 1937...
, 78, pitching star of the 1903 World Series who went on to have a 29-year career as an American League umpire
- February 6 - Hank ThormahlenHank ThormahlenHerbert Ehler Thormahlen [Lefty] was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the New York Yankees , Boston Red Sox and Brooklyn Robins . Listed at 6' 0", 180 lb., Thormahlen batted and threw left-handed...
, 58, pitcher for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Brooklyn Robins between 1917 and 1925
- June 6 - Mike Kelley, 79, first baseman for the 1899 Louisville Colonels, later became a long time minor league baseball owner and manager.
- June 27 - Harry AgganisHarry AgganisAristotle George Agganis ' , nicknamed "The Golden Greek", was an American athletic star in two sports. His family origins were from Longanikos near Sparta, Greece. -Career:...
, 26, Red Sox first baseman from Lynn, MassachusettsLynn, MassachusettsLynn is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 89,050 at the 2000 census. An old industrial center, Lynn is home to Lynn Beach and Lynn Heritage State Park and is about north of downtown Boston.-17th century:...
who gave up being a football star to play for the BoSox, closer to his home and mother. On June 2, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. He rejoined the Sox 10 days later, fell ill again on June 27 and was flown back to Cambridge, Ma. where he died of a pulmonary embolism.
- August 26 - Sol WhiteSol White* , Personal profiles at Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. – identical to Riley * , by Sol White. Compiled and with an introduction by Jerry Malloy -External links:...
, 87, player, manager and executive with various Negro leagues and teams from 1887 to 1926
- September 23 - Gary FortuneGary FortuneGarrett Reese Fortune was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played between and for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox . Listed at 5' 11.5", 176 lb., Fortune was a switch-hitter and threw left-handed...
, 60, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox between 1916 and 1920
- October 9 - Howie FoxHowie FoxHoward Francis Fox was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for three different teams between the 1944 and 1954 seasons. Listed at 6' 3", 210 lb., Fox batted and threw right-handed...
, 34, pitcher for the Reds, Phillies and Orioles from 1944 to 1954
- October 18 - George MurrayGeorge Murray (baseball)George King "Smiler" Murray was a baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, and Chicago White Sox.-Biography:...
, 57, pitched from 1922 to 1933 for the Yankees, Red Sox, Senators and White Sox
- October 27 - Clark GriffithClark GriffithClark Calvin Griffith , nicknamed "the Old Fox", was a Major League Baseball pitcher, manager and team owner.-Biography:...
, 85, Hall of Fame pitcher and manager, and owner of the Washington Senators since 1920
- November 4 - 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...
, 88, Hall of Fame pitcher who won a record 511 games over a 22-year career and pitched three no-hitters, including a perfect game
- November 30 - John StoneJohn Stone (baseball)John Thomas Stone , nicknamed "Rocky," was an outfielder in Major League Baseball who played eleven seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators...
, 50, outfielder for the Tigers and Senators from 1928–38, who collected seven .300 seasons, with a career-high .341 in 1936
- December 6 - 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....
, 81, legendary Hall of Fame shortstop who won eight National League batting crowns and led the league in RBI, stolen bases, doubles and slugging percentage at least five times each
- December 27 - Lord ByronLord Byron (umpire)William Jeremiah "Lord" Byron was a Major League Baseball umpire. Byron began umpiring in the Michigan State League in . He would then work in the South Atlantic League from to . From to , Byron umpired games for the Virginia League, Eastern League, Southern League, and the International League...
, 83, National League umpire from 1913 to 1919.