1958 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Major League Baseball
- World Series1958 World SeriesThe 1958 World Series was a rematch of the 1957 Series, with the New York Yankees beating the defending champion Milwaukee Braves in seven games for their eighteenth title, and their seventh in ten years...
: New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
over 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....
(4-3); Bob TurleyBob TurleyRobert Lee Turley was a Major League Baseball pitcher.Turley was signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Browns in . He played his first game on September 29, 1951 for the Browns and moved with them to Baltimore in...
, 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 8 at Memorial StadiumMemorial Stadium (Baltimore)Memorial Stadium was a sports stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street on an over-sized block also bounded by Ellerslie Avenue , 36th Street , and Ednor Road...
: American League, 4-3
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...
: MarianaoMarianaoMarianao is a town and municipality in the province of the city of Havana, Cuba, 6 miles southwest of the original city of Havana, with which it is connected by the Marianao railway. , the municipality had a population of 133,016. Marianao is on a range of hills about 1500 ft. above sea level,...
(Cuba) - 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,...
: USCUniversity of Southern CaliforniaThe University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university... - 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....
: Nishitetsu LionsSeibu LionsThe are a professional baseball team in Japan's Pacific League based west of Tokyo in Tokorozawa, Saitama. Before 1979, they were based in Fukuoka in Kyushu. The team is owned by a subsidiary of Prince Hotels, which in turn is owned by the Seibu Group...
over 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...
(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...
: Industrial, MonterreyMonterreyMonterrey , is the capital city of the northeastern state of Nuevo León in the country of Mexico. The city is anchor to the third-largest metropolitan area in Mexico and is ranked as the ninth-largest city in the nation. Monterrey serves as a commercial center in the north of the country and is the...
, MexicoMexicoThe United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
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...
:- AL: Jackie JensenJackie JensenJack 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...
, 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"... - NL: Ernie BanksErnie BanksErnest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
, 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...
- AL: Jackie Jensen
- Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
: Bob TurleyBob TurleyRobert Lee Turley was a Major League Baseball pitcher.Turley was signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Browns in . He played his first game on September 29, 1951 for the Browns and moved with them to Baltimore in...
, 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...
- 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...
:- AL: Albie PearsonAlbie PearsonAlbert Gregory Pearson is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played with the Washington Senators , Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles/California Angels . One of the smallest MLB players of his era, he stood tall, weighed , and batted and threw left-handed...
, 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... - NL: Orlando CepedaOrlando CepedaOrlando Manuel Cepeda Pennes is a former Puerto Rican Major League Baseball first baseman.Cepeda was born to a poor family. His father, Pedro Cepeda, was a baseball player in Puerto Rico, which influenced his interest in the sport from a young age. His first contact with professional baseball was...
, San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
- AL: Albie Pearson
MLB statistical leaders
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January–March
- January 28 - Los Angeles 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...
catcher 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...
suffers a broken neck in an early morning auto accident on Long IslandLong IslandLong Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
. His spinal column is nearly severed and his legs are permanently paralyzed. Campanella will never play for the Dodgers after their move to Los Angeles, although a newspaper story (showing a picture of him wearing a Brooklyn cap) describes him as being of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- February 4 - The Baseball Hall of Fame fails to elect any new members for the first time since 19501950 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Philadelphia Phillies *All-Star Game, July 11 at Comiskey Park: National League, 4-3 -Other champions:*Caribbean World Series: Carta Vieja *College World Series: Texas...
.
- February 6 - Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
signs a one-year contract with 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"...
. Reports on the worth of the contract estimate from $135,000 to $150,000. Either way, Williams becomes the highest paid player in major league history.
April–June
- April 15 - In the first Major League Baseball game played on the West CoastWest Coast of the United StatesWest Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
, Rubén Gómez of the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
hurls an 8-0 shutout against the Los Angeles 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...
. Giants' shortstop Daryl SpencerDaryl SpencerDaryl Dean Spencer , is a former professional baseball player. He was a utility infielder, playing shortstop, second base, and third base in the major leagues from 1952-1963. He played for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, St...
hits the first Major League home run on the Pacific Coast. A park-record 23,192 fans pack Seals StadiumSeals StadiumSeals Stadium was a minor league baseball stadium that stood in San Francisco from 1931 through 1959.Built during the depression, Seals Stadium opened on April 7, 1931, It cost $600,000 to construct, and Seals President "Doc" Strub described how laborers would leap onto the running boards of his...
to witness the historic game.
- April 25 - The Los Angeles 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...
beats 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...
, 5–3, setting a record for the most fans at a regular season night game as 60,635 attend a game at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
- May 12 - Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie 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...
hits the first grand slamGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
in San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
history. Mays also belts another home run in a 12–3 victory over the rival Los Angeles 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...
.
- May 13
- San Francisco Giants1958 San Francisco Giants seasonThe San Francisco Giants season involved the 80-74 team finishing in third place in the National League standings, twelve games behind the NL Champion Milwaukee Braves in their inaugural season in The Golden Gate City.- Offseason :...
teammates Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie 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...
and Daryl SpencerDaryl SpencerDaryl Dean Spencer , is a former professional baseball player. He was a utility infielder, playing shortstop, second base, and third base in the major leagues from 1952-1963. He played for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, St...
each have four extra-base hits as San Francisco beats the Dodgers1958 Los Angeles Dodgers seasonThe Los Angeles Dodgers took the field before 78,672 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on April 18, 1958, to usher in the beginning of the team's new life in Los Angeles...
in Los Angeles, 16–9. Mays hits two 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, two triplesTriple (baseball)In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, a singleSingle (baseball)In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out...
and 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...
four runs, while Spencer has two home runs, a triple, a double and six RBI for a combined 28 total basesTotal basesIn baseball statistics, total bases refers to the number of bases a player has gained with hits, i.e., the sum of his hits weighted by 1 for a single, 2 for a double, 3 for a triple and 4 for a home run.Only bases attained from hits count toward this total....
. - 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 Cardinals1958 St. Louis Cardinals seasonThe St. Louis Cardinals season was the team's 77th season in St. Louis, Missouri and its 67th season in the National League. The Cardinals went 72-82 during the season and finished 5th in the National League.- Offseason :...
collects his 3,000th career hit when he pinch hitPinch hitterIn baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. Batters can be substituted at any time while the ball is dead ; the manager may use any player that has not yet entered the game as a substitute...
a double off Chicago Cubs1958 Chicago Cubs season- Offseason :* October 8, 1957: Steve Bilko was purchased from the Cubs by the Cincinnati Redlegs.* November 16, 1957: Casey Wise was traded by the Cubs to the Milwaukee Braves for Chick King, Ben Johnson, Leonard Williams and cash....
pitcher Moe DrabowskyMoe DrabowskyMyron Walter Drabowsky was a Polish-American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs , Milwaukee Braves , Cincinnati Reds , Kansas City Athletics , Baltimore Orioles , Kansas City Royals , St...
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...
. The Cardinals win, 5–3.
- San Francisco Giants
- May 23 - Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie 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...
hits 200th career home run, helping the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
beat 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....
, 5–3.
- June 12 - In a shortstopShortstopShortstop, 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...
s transaction, 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...
send 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...
to 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....
in exchange for Billy HunterBilly Hunter (baseball)Gordon William Hunter is a retired American shortstop, coach and manager in Major League Baseball.A slick-fielding, light-hitting shortstop from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the right-handed-batting Hunter was originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers. With his path to the majors blocked by Pee Wee...
.
- June 15 - 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...
went 5-for-6 with four runs batted in and scored two times, as 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....
edged 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"...
, 17–6, at Fenway ParkFenway ParkFenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
. 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...
collected four RBI, while Bob CervBob CervRobert Henry Cerv was an American baseball player. Prior to his professional career he was a standout baseball and basketball player at the University of Nebraska....
and Frank House added two runs and three RBI a piece. Ralph TerryRalph TerryRalph Willard Terry is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees , Kansas City Athletics , Cleveland Indians and New York Mets...
was the winning pitcher and Jack UrbanJack UrbanJack Elmer Urban is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1957 to 1959 for the Kansas City Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals....
earned the save, while Willard Nixon got the loss. For Carrasquel, it was the fifth five-hit game of his career.
- June 27 - Against the Washington SenatorsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
at Comiskey ParkComiskey ParkComiskey Park was the ballpark in which the Chicago White Sox played from 1910 to 1990. It was built by Charles Comiskey after a design by Zachary Taylor Davis, and was the site of four World Series and more than 6,000 major league games...
, Billy PierceBilly PierceWalter 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...
of 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...
has a perfect gamePerfect gameA perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
broken up with two out in the ninth—by inches. Pinch-hitter Ed Fitz GeraldEd Fitz GeraldEdward Raymond Fitz Gerald is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played from - for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians. He attended Saint Mary's College of California...
hits Pierce's first pitch down the left field line, the ball landing just inside the foul line for a double, the only hit Pierce allows in a 3-0 White Sox victory. The perfect game would have been the first in regular season play since that of another White Sox, Charlie RobertsonCharlie RobertsonCharles Culbertson Robertson was an American Major League Baseball pitcher.Born in Dexter, Texas, and grew up in Nocona, Texas graduating from Nocona High School in 1915. Charles attended Austin College from 1917 until 1919. He began his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1919 at the age of 23...
, in .
July–September
- July 8 - At Memorial StadiumMemorial Stadium (Baltimore)Memorial Stadium was a sports stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street on an over-sized block also bounded by Ellerslie Avenue , 36th Street , and Ednor Road...
, home of the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, 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...
defeated 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...
, 4-3, in the All-Star Game. This was the first All-Star Game without an extra-base hit. - July 20 - In the first game of a doubleheader at Fenway ParkFenway ParkFenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
, Jim BunningJim BunningJames Paul David "Jim" Bunning is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and politician.During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1955 to 1971, most notably with the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. When he retired, he had the second-highest total of career...
of 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...
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 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"...
3-0. - July 28 - For the sixth time in his career, 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 plate. New York beats the Athletics, 14-7. - September 14 - 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...
sweep a doubleheader against 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....
, 5-3 and 12-7 (14 innings), clinching their fourth straight 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...
pennantPennant (sports)A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a...
. - September 20 - Hoyt WilhelmHoyt WilhelmJames Hoyt Wilhelm was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985....
of the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
strikes out eight while throwing 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"...
against 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...
, in a 1-0 win. It is the first 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"...
since the franchise's move to Baltimore. - September 21 - 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....
clinch their second consecutive National League pennant with a 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, thus ensuring a Yankees-Braves World Series for the second straight year.
October–December
- October 2 - The Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
send LFLeft 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...
Dick WilliamsDick WilliamsRichard Hirschfeld "Dick" Williams was an American left fielder, third baseman, manager, coach and front office consultant in Major League Baseball. Known especially as a hard-driving, sharp-tongued manager from 1967–69 and 1971–88, he led teams to three American League pennants, one National...
to 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....
in exchange for 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...
.
- October 9 - 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...
defeat 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....
, 6–2, in the decisive Game 7 of the World Series1958 World SeriesThe 1958 World Series was a rematch of the 1957 Series, with the New York Yankees beating the defending champion Milwaukee Braves in seven games for their eighteenth title, and their seventh in ten years...
to win their eighteenth World Championship title. Yankees 1B Moose SkowronMoose SkowronWilliam Joseph "Moose" Skowron Jr. is a former Major League Baseball player, primarily a first baseman. He is currently a Community Relations Representative for the White Sox....
's three-run home run off Milwaukee pitcher Lew BurdetteLew BurdetteSelva Lewis Burdette, Jr. was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the Boston and Milwaukee Braves...
in the 8th inning puts the game on ice. The Yankees became only the second team to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series (the 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates1925 World SeriesIn the 1925 World Series, the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the defending champion Washington Senators in seven games.In a reversal of fortune on all counts from the previous 1924 World Series, when Washington's Walter Johnson had come back from two losses to win the seventh and deciding game, Johnson...
were the first to do it). Milwaukee's Eddie MathewsEddie MathewsEdwin Lee "Eddie" Mathews was an American Major League Baseball third baseman. He is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game.-Early life:...
strikes out for the 11th time, a record that will stand until 19801980 World Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 14, 1980 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaThe Royals jumped on Philly rookie starter Bob Walk early with a pair of two run bombs—one by Amos Otis in the second and another by Willie Aikens in the third...
, when broken by 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....
of the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. The Braves' 53 strikeouts are also a new Series record. This is the seventh WS title for manager Casey StengelCasey StengelCharles Dillon "Casey" Stengel , nicknamed "The Old Perfessor", was an American Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in ....
, tying him with Joe McCarthy for the most Series won. Yankees P Bob TurleyBob TurleyRobert Lee Turley was a Major League Baseball pitcher.Turley was signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Browns in . He played his first game on September 29, 1951 for the Browns and moved with them to Baltimore in...
is named the Series MVPWorld Series MVP AwardThe World Series Most Valuable Player Award is given to the player deemed to have the most impact on his team's performance in the World Series, which is the final round of the Major League Baseball postseason...
.
- November 12 - New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
pitcher Bob TurleyBob TurleyRobert Lee Turley was a Major League Baseball pitcher.Turley was signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Browns in . He played his first game on September 29, 1951 for the Browns and moved with them to Baltimore in...
, who posted a 21-7 record with 168 strikeoutStrikeoutIn 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....
s and a 2.97 earned run averageEarned run averageIn 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...
, is named the MLB Cy Young Award. With only one award given for the two leagues, Turley gathers five votes to four for the last year winner, Warren SpahnWarren SpahnWarren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42...
of 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....
, who went 22-11 with 150 SO and a 3.07 ERA.
- November 25 - 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...
slugger Ernie BanksErnie BanksErnest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
, who hit a .313 average with 47 home runs and 129 RBI, is named National League MVP. Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie 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...
of the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
is the runner-up, after going .347, 29, 96.
- November 26 - 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"...
outfielder Jackie JensenJackie JensenJack 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...
, who hit .286 with 31 home runs and 122 RBI, is named American League MVP, winning 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...
pitcher Bob TurleyBob TurleyRobert Lee Turley was a Major League Baseball pitcher.Turley was signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Browns in . He played his first game on September 29, 1951 for the Browns and moved with them to Baltimore in...
(21-7, 2.94 ERA), and 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...
outfielder Rocky ColavitoRocky ColavitoRocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
(.303, 41, 113).
- November 28:
- The American League announces that its Opening Day will be April 9 making it earliest date ever to open the junior circuit's regular season.
- 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"...
sign teenage sensation Carl YastrzemskiCarl YastrzemskiCarl Michael Yastrzemski is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder and first baseman. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. Yastrzemski played his entire 23-year baseball career with the Boston Red Sox . He was primarily a left fielder, with part of his later career...
to a reported bonus of $100,000. The future Hall of Famer will make his major league debut with Boston in the season.
- November 30 - ItalianItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
baseball commissioner Prince Borghese visits the United States to seek aid in organizing Italian teams.
- December 2:
- International LeagueInternational LeagueThe International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
President Frank ShaughnessyFrank ShaughnessyFrancis Joseph "Shag" Shaughnessy was an American athlete and sports executive. Shaughnessy played both baseball and football and was an executive in baseball, football and ice hockey. He was born in the United States and moved to Canada in the 1910s, where he was involved with football and ice...
reports that club owners are sympathetic to player demands for a pension plan, but says there is no way that $250,000 can be raised to start one. - National League President Warren GilesWarren GilesWarren Crandall Giles was a National League executive in Major League Baseball.-Baseball:Giles was elected president of the Moline, Illinois baseball club in the Three-I League in 1919 and began a 50-year career in baseball that saw him rise all the way to the presidency of the National League...
says he doubts New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
will get a franchise for several years. He says the NL will reject expansion now, even if assured of a stadium and financial backing. - 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...
send 2B Bobby AvilaBobby AvilaRoberto Francisco Ávila González to Maria Gonzalez and Jorge Avila, was a Major League Baseball second baseman and right-handed batter who played for the Cleveland Indians , Baltimore Orioles , Boston Red Sox , Milwaukee Braves and Tigres del México...
to the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
for P Russ HemanRuss HemanRussell Frederick Heman is an American former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. The , right-hander was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent before the 1952 season...
and cash consideration. In a separate trade, Cleveland sends 1B Vic WertzVic WertzVictor Woodrow Wertz was a Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder. He had a seventeen year career from 1947 to 1963. He was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Tigers in 1942 and played for the Tigers, St...
and OF Gary GeigerGary GeigerGary Merle Geiger was a major league outfielder for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros from . He was born in Sand Ridge, Illinois. His offseason home while a major leaguer was Murphysboro, Illinois. His wife Lyn's parents were St...
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 OF Jimmy PiersallJimmy PiersallJames Anthony Piersall is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. Between 1950 and 1967, he played for the Boston Red Sox , Cleveland Indians , Washington Senators , New York Mets , and Los Angeles/California Angels .While he had a fairly good professional career as a center...
.
- International League
- December 4 - The American AssociationAmerican Association (20th century)The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
expands to 10 teams by admitting the Houston Buffs, Dallas Rangers, and Fort Worth Cats from the Texas LeagueTexas LeagueThe Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
. This effectively denudes the Texas League, leaving it with five teams and a vacancy.
January–February
- January 3 - Brian AllardBrian AllardBrian Marshall Allard is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners . His fastball was 90-95 mph. He also threw a curveball, slider, and changeup...
- January 5 - Ron KittleRon KittleRonald Dale Kittle is a former left fielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who was known mostly for his home run power, being named the 1983 AL Rookie of the Year...
- January 7 - Carlos DiazCarlos Diaz (pitcher)Carlos Antonio Diaz is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Born in Kaneohe, Hawaii, he was the thirteenth native Hawaiian to have played in the major leagues....
- January 10 - Pat KeedyPat KeedyCharles Patrick Keedy is a former collegiate and professional baseball player who played for Auburn University and three seasons for the California Angels, Chicago White Sox, and Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. Keedy now teaches at Gardendale High School and is also the baseball...
- January 13 - Mike MaddenMike MaddenMike Madden , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1983-1986 for the Houston Astros. Madden played college ball at University of Northern Colorado....
- January 13 - Gene RoofGene RoofEugene Lawrence Roof is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played during three seasons at the major league level for the St. Louis Cardinals and Montreal Expos. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the 12th round of the 1976 amateur draft...
- January 19 - Rick AdairRick AdairMichael Richard Adair is the pitching coach for the Baltimore Orioles and a former minor league baseball player.-Playing career:...
- January 20 - Bill ScherrerBill ScherrerWilliam Joseph Scherrer , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from 1982-1988...
- January 24 - Neil AllenNeil AllenNeil Patrick Allen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher currently serving as pitching coach for the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Durham Bulls.-New York Mets:...
- January 24 - Atlee HammakerAtlee HammakerCharlton Atlee Hammaker is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who played the majority of his career for the San Francisco Giants from 1982 to 1990. He also played for the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox...
- January 31 - Rafael SantanaRafael SantanaRafael Francisco Santana de la Cruz is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who won a World Series ring with the 1986 New York Mets. He currently serves as the Dominican Republic scouting and player development supervisor for the Chicago White Sox.-St...
- February 2 - Pat TablerPat TablerPatrick Sean "Pat" Tabler is a former Major League Baseball player and currently a color analyst for the Toronto Blue Jays on the Canadian sports television network Rogers Sportsnet and formerly with Rod Black on TSN....
- February 6 - Bill DawleyBill DawleyWilliam Chester Dawley is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1983 to 1989, for the Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Oakland Athletics...
- February 7 - Ralph CitarellaRalph CitarellaRalph Alexander Citarella is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. The right-hander was drafted by the St...
- February 9 - Pete O'BrienPete O'Brien (first baseman)Peter Michael O'Brien is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Texas Rangers , Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners...
- February 13 - Frank WilliamsFrank Williams (baseball)Frank Lee Williams , born in Seattle, Washington, was a major league baseball player. He played during six seasons , pitching for the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers. He was drafted by the Giants in the 11th round of the 1979 amateur draft...
- February 17 - Alan WigginsAlan WigginsAlan Anthony Wiggins was a Major League Baseball second baseman and left fielder. He was the first baseball player known to die of AIDS.-Early career:Wiggins was born in 1958 in Los Angeles, California...
- February 18 - Rafael RamírezRafael Ramírez (baseball)Rafael Emilio Ramírez Peguero , is a former professional baseball player who played in the major leagues primarily as a shortstop from 1980-1992...
- February 21 - Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
- February 23 - Juan AgostoJuan AgostoJuan Roberto Agosto Gonzalez is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals and the Seattle Mariners.-Professional career:...
- February 23 - John ShelbyJohn ShelbyJohn T. Shelby is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1981–1991. His nickname was "T-Bone" for his slight frame...
- February 26 - Darrell MillerDarrell MillerDarrell Keith Miller is a former Major League Baseball catcher/outfielder, playing from 1984 through 1988. Before being drafted to the major leagues, he played three seasons at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California...
March–April
- March 2 - Jeff StemberJeff StemberJeffrey Alan Stember is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. The right-hander was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 26th round of the 1976 amateur draft, and appeared in one game for the Giants in 1980....
- March 7 - Albert HallAlbert Hall (baseball)Albert Hall is a former professional baseball player who played the majority of his career for the Atlanta Braves. Hall was drafted by the Braves in the 6th round of the 1977 amateur draft, and would go on to become a second-string outfielder.On September 23, 1987, he became the first Atlanta...
- March 8 - Nick CapraNick CapraNick Lee Capra is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder and the current manager of the Kannapolis Intimidators of the Class-A South Atlantic League. He played during five seasons at the major league level for the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals. He was drafted by the Rangers in the 3rd...
- March 10 - Steve HoweSteve Howe (baseball player)Steven Roy Howe was an American left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees....
- March 24 - Bruce HurstBruce HurstBruce Vee Hurst is a former Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher. He is best remembered for his brilliant performance for the Boston Red Sox in the postseason. He was even named World Series M.V.P...
- March 26 - Chris CodiroliChris CodiroliChristopher Allen Codiroli , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1982–1988 and 1990.-Teams:* Oakland Athletics 1982-1987* Cleveland Indians 1988...
- March 29 - Domingo RamosDomingo RamosDomingo Antonio Ramos , is a former professional baseball player who was an infielder in the Major Leagues from 1978-1990.-External links:...
- April 1 - Mike KinnunenMike KinnunenMichael John Kinnunen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched in parts of three seasons between and . He holds the major league record for most pitching appearances without a decision of any kind with 48....
- April 2 - Mike HowardMike HowardMichael Frederic Howard was a Major League Baseball player for the New York Mets.Howard broke into the big leagues at age 23, making his debut on September 12, 1981...
- April 3 - Gary PettisGary PettisGary George Pettis is the current first base coach of the Texas Rangers. Prior to coaching, he spent eleven seasons as a center fielder in Major League Baseball....
- April 11 - Jeff CalhounJeff Calhoun (baseball player)Jeffrey Wilton Calhoun is a retired professional baseball player who pitched in the major leagues from 1984-88. Calhoun is best remembered as a left-handed reliever with the 1986 National League West Champion Houston Astros. In Game 6 of the 1986 NLCS against the New York Mets he unleashed two...
- April 16 - Rick GrapenthinRick GrapenthinRichard Ray Grapenthin , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues as a relief pitcher.-External links:*...
- April 22 - Stefan WeverStefan WeverStefan Matthew Wever is a former professional baseball pitcher. He made his Major League Baseball debut, incidentally his only game, with the New York Yankees in ....
- April 24 - Bill KruegerBill KruegerWilliam Culp Krueger , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from -. Krueger would play for the Oakland A's, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, and San Diego Padres.-Early career:After graduating from McMinnville...
- April 25 - Dave OwenDave OwenDave Owen , is a former professional baseball player who played infielder in the Major Leagues from -. He played for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. He got the game-winning RBI game during the The Sandberg Game. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington and played for the...
- April 29 - Steve CrawfordSteve Crawford (baseball)Steven Ray Crawford is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for two teams from 1980 through 1991. Listed at 6' 5", 225 lb., he batted and threw right-handed....
May–June
- May 11 - Walt TerrellWalt TerrellCharles Walter Terrell is a former starting pitcher with an eleven year career from 1982 to 1992. He played for the New York Mets , Detroit Tigers , San Diego Padres , New York Yankees , Pittsburgh Pirates , and once again the Detroit Tigers...
- May 24 - Mike RichardtMike RichardtMichael Anthony Richardt is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. He played all or part of four seasons in the majors, between and , mostly for the Texas Rangers. He also played in 16 games for the Houston Astros at the end of the 1984 season....
- May 28 - Bill Doran
- May 28 - Ed OlwineEd OlwineEdward R. Olwine is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played during three seasons at the major league level for the Atlanta Braves. He was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in...
- May 29 - Jamie AllenJamie Allen (baseball)James Bradley Allen is an American former Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. He attended Arizona State University.-Seattle Mariners:...
- May 29 - Mike StenhouseMike StenhouseMichael Steven Stenhouse is a former outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played for the Montreal Expos from -, the Minnesota Twins in , and the Boston Red Sox in . Listed at 6'1", 195 lb., Stenhouse batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
- June 7 - Tim LaudnerTim LaudnerTimothy Jon Laudner is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Minnesota Twins from 1981 to 1989.-Playing career:...
- June 8 - Carmen CastilloCarmen CastilloMonte Carmelo Castillo is a former right-handed outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins.-External links:...
- June 15 - Wade BoggsWade BoggsWade Anthony Boggs is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He spent his 18-year baseball career primarily with the Boston Red Sox, but also played for the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays...
- June 19 - Butch DavisButch Davis (baseball player)Wallace McArthur Davis was a Major League Baseball outfielder. He is an alumnus of East Carolina University....
- June 20 - Dickie ThonDickie ThonRichard William "Dickie" Thon is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball.- Early life :Thon was raised in Puerto Rico after spending only the first two weeks of his life in Indiana where his father had just completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Notre Dame.- Professional career :He...
- June 23 - Marty Barrett
- June 28 - Clay ChristiansenClay ChristiansenClay C. Christiansen is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played during one season at the major league level for the New York Yankees. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 15th round of the 1980 amateur draft...
July–August
- July 7 - Glenn HoffmanGlenn HoffmanGlenn Edward Hoffman is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball and the current third base coach for the San Diego Padres...
- July 7 - Tim TeufelTim TeufelTimothy Shawn Teufel is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, and currently the 3rd base coach for the New York Mets.Teufel was a member of the World Series champion New York Mets...
- July 11 - Mike FuentesMike FuentesMike Fuentes is a former Major League Baseball player. He attended Florida State University, where he was the 1981 recipient of the Golden Spikes Award....
- July 21 - Dave HendersonDave HendersonDavid Lee Henderson , nicknamed Hendu, is an American former Major League Baseball player who played for the Seattle Mariners , Boston Red Sox , San Francisco Giants , Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals . He batted and threw right-handed...
- July 25 - Marc SullivanMarc SullivanMarc Cooper Sullivan is an American former college and professional baseball player. Sullivan was a catcher who played for five Major League Baseball seasons with the Boston Red Sox....
- July 26 - Marty BystromMarty BystromMartin Eugene Bystrom , is a former professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1980-1985. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.-External links:...
- July 30 - Scott Fletcher
- August 5 - Bob JamesBob James (baseball)Robert Harvey James , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the major leagues primarily as a relief pitcher from 1978-1987....
- August 5 - Reid NicholsReid NicholsThomas Reid Nichols is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly at center field from to for the Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox and Montreal Expos . Listed at 5' 11", 165 lb., he batted and threw right-handed...
- August 8 - Alan FowlkesAlan FowlkesAlan Kim Fowlkes is a retired professional baseball player who played two seasons for the San Francisco Giants and California Angels of Major League Baseball.-External links:...
- August 9 - Matt YoungMatt YoungMatthew John Young is a former American Major League baseball player. Young played for a variety of teams over his career, and is best known for his unofficial no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians while a member of the Boston Red Sox....
- August 12 - Rusty McNealyRusty McNealyRobert Lee McNealy was a designated hitter and outfielder in Major League Baseball. He played college baseball for Florida International University.-External links:...
- August 15 - Joe Cowley
- August 16 - Jim MalerJim MalerJames Michael Maler is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Seattle Mariners from to .He was 6'4" tall and he weighed 230 pounds.-The draft and minor league career:...
- August 18 - Don CrowDon CrowDonald Le Roy Crow is a former catcher in Major League Baseball. He played in four games for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1982 season, recording four at bats. He never got a big league hit....
- August 18 - Tom DoddTom DoddThomas Marion Dodd is a former Major League Baseball player. He is likely best remembered for being one of the players included in the deal that brought Fred McGriff to the Toronto Blue Jays as a minor league prospect.-Yankee farmhand:...
- August 19 - Gary GaettiGary GaettiGary Joseph Gaetti , nicknamed "G-Man", "Rat", or "Zorn" is an American former third baseman in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins , California Angels , Kansas City Royals , St...
- August 19 - Luis DeLeónLuis DeLeónLuis Antonio DeLeón Tricoche is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched all or part of seven seasons in the majors between and . He was the co-closer for the San Diego Padres in and , sharing the role with Gary Lucas.DeLeón pitched 206 games over the first six seasons of his career,...
- August 23- Julio FrancoJulio FrancoJulio César Robles Franco is a former Major League Baseball infielder and designated hitter. In , Franco was the oldest active player in the major leagues at the age of 49....
- August 31 - Von HayesVon HayesVon Francis Hayes , was a Major League Baseball player from 1981 to 1992 for the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and California Angels...
September–October
- September 4 - Rod BookerRod BookerRoderick Stewart Booker is an American professional baseball player. He played second base, third base and shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1987 to 1989. He also played with the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1990 and 1991 seasons....
- September 4 - Paul HouseholderPaul HouseholderPaul Wesley Householder is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played during eight seasons at the major league level for the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Houston Astros. He was drafted by the Reds in the 2nd round of the 1976 amateur draft...
- September 7 - Bill SchroederBill Schroeder (baseball)Bill Schroeder is a former Major League Baseball player and a current television sports broadcaster...
- September 11 - Brad LesleyBrad LesleyBradley Jay Lesley is a former Major League Baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers from 1982 to 1985. Lesley, who was nicknamed "The Animal", was known for his aggressive style to motivate himself. He later became a television personality in Japan after playing 2 seasons for...
- September 11 - Don SlaughtDon SlaughtDonald Martin Slaught is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who had a 16-year career from to...
- September 16 - Orel HershiserOrel HershiserOrel Leonard Hershiser IV is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He is currently an analyst for Baseball Tonight and Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN and a professional poker player for...
- September 17 - Tom WaddellTom Waddell (baseball)Thomas David Waddell is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. One of only eight Scotland natives to ever be a major league ballplayer, he pitched for the Cleveland Indians from to , and again in ....
- September 18 - Roger Mason
- September 22 - Dave SaxDave SaxDavid John Sax is a former Major League Baseball player and the brother of All-Star second baseman Steve Sax. He played catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox in his brief major league career.-External links:...
- September 24 - Jim AckerJim AckerJames Justin Acker is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from to . He played college baseball at the University of Texas....
- September 25 - Larry WhiteLarry WhiteLarry David White was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in 11 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1983 & 1984 seasons.-External links:...
- September 28 - Pete FilsonPete FilsonWilliam Peter Filson is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played during seven seasons at the major league level for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Kansas City Royals. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 9th round of the amateur draft out of Temple...
- September 28 - Jerry LayneJerry LayneJerry Blake Layne is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the National League between 1989 and 1999, and throughout both major leagues since 2000...
- October 3 - Daryl SconiersDaryl SconiersDaryl Anthony Sconiers is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played all or part of five seasons in the major leagues between and , all with the California Angels....
- October 5 - Randy BushRandy BushRobert Randall Bush , is a former professional baseball player and currently a front office member of the Chicago Cubs. With the hiring of Theo Epstein, Bush will continue as an assistant General Manager, and will be involved in the hiring process of the field and scouting staff.Bush played for...
- October 26 - Ed Vande BergEd Vande BergEdward John Vande Berg is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He is an alumnus of Redlands High School and Arizona State University...
- October 26 - Frank WillsFrank Wills (baseball)Frank Lee Wills is an American former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , and Toronto Blue Jays...
- October 31 - Paul ZuvellaPaul ZuvellaPaul Zuvella is a former Major League Baseball player and minor league baseball manager. Primarily a shortstop and second baseman, he stood 6'0" tall, weighed 178 pounds, and batted and threw right-handed.-Atlanta Braves:...
November–December
- November 1 - Rich ThompsonRich Thompson (pitcher, born 1958)Richard Neil Thompson is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the Cleveland Indians and the Montreal Expos . In his career, he made 77 appearances and went 3-10 with a 5.05 ERA....
- November 2 - Willie McGeeWillie McGeeWillie Dean McGee is a retired professional baseball player who won two batting titles and was named Major League Baseball's National League MVP. McGee primarily played center and right field, winning three Gold Glove Awards for defensive excellence. McGee spent the majority of his 18-year career...
- November 8 - Bobby Moore
- November 9 - Teddy HigueraTeddy HigueraTeodoro Higuera Valenzuela is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for nine years for the Milwaukee Brewers of the American League.-Early career:...
- November 13 - Dan PetryDan PetryDaniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
- November 22 - Lee GuettermanLee GuettermanArthur Lee Guetterman is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from to for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals...
- November 22 - Ricky WrightRicky WrightJames Richard Wright was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers from 1982-1986.-External links:...
- November 27 - Mike SciosciaMike SciosciaMichael Lorri Scioscia is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He has worked in that capacity since the 2000 season, and is the longest-tenured manager in Major League Baseball....
- November 28 - Dave RighettiDave RighettiDavid Allan Righetti is a former left-handed pitcher for various Major League Baseball teams, primarily the New York Yankees. He is currently the pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants and was the first player in history to both pitch a no-hitter and also lead the league in saves in his career...
- November 30 - Tobías (Toby) HernándezTobías HernándezRafael Tobías Hernández Alvarado , commonly known as "Toby Hernández", is a former Major League Baseball catcher and right-handed batter who played for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1984....
- November 30 - Steve ShieldsSteve Shields (baseball)Steve Shields is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 10th round of the 1977 amateur draft, and played for five different teams between 1985–89. He lives with his family in Hokes Bluff, Alabama.-External links:...
- December 5 - Scott MunninghoffScott MunninghoffScott Andrew Munninghoff is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played briefly for the Philadelphia Phillies during the season. Listed at 6' 0", 175 lb., he batted and threw right-handed....
- December 15 - Scott NielsenScott NielsenJeffrey Scott Nielsen is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played during four seasons at the major league level for the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 6th round of the amateur draft...
- December 16 - Ted WilbornTed WilbornThaddeaus Inglehart Wilborn is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played during two seasons at the major league level for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 4th round of the amateur draft...
- December 16 - Rondin JohnsonRondin JohnsonRondin Allen Johnson was a Major League Baseball player. He played with the Kansas City Royals of the American League. Johnson played second base in eleven games in 1986 with 8 hits in 31 at-bats for a .258 batting average.-External links:...
- December 22 - Glenn WilsonGlenn Wilson (baseball)Glenn Dwight Wilson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He was selected in the 1st round of the 1980 amateur draft by the Detroit Tigers, and made his Major League debut in a Tigers uniform on April 15, 1982...
- December 22 - George WrightGeorge Wright (outfielder)George De Witt Wright , is a retired professional baseball player who played as an outfielder in the Major Leagues from -. He played for the Texas Rangers and Montreal Expos. In 1983 he had a career year with a surprising Texas Rangers club that was in first place at the all-star break...
- December 23 - Tim Leary
- December 25 - Rickey HendersonRickey HendersonRickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
Deaths
- January 23 - Walter LonerganWalter LonerganWalter E. Lonergan was a second baseman in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 5' 7", 156 lb., Lonergan batted and threw left-handed. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts.In a 10-game career, Lonergan was a .269 hitter with two runs,...
, 72, shortstop for the 1911 Boston Red Sox - March 28 - Chuck KleinChuck KleinCharles Herbert "Chuck" Klein was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Philadelphia Phillies , Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates ....
, 53, slugging right fielder, primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies, who was named the NL's MVP in 1932 and won the Triple Crown one year later; the 7th player to hit 300 home runs, winning four league titles - April 14 - John FreemanJohn Freeman (baseball)John Edward Freeman was a reserve outfielder in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the 1927 season. Listed at 5' 8", 160 lb., Freeman batted and threw right-handed. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he was signed out of the College of the Holy...
, 57, outfielder for the 1927 Boston Red Sox - April 20 - Chet NourseChet NourseChester Linwood Nourse was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 6' 3", 180 lb., Nourse batted and threw right-handed...
, 70, pitcher for the 1909 Boston Red Sox - June 9 - John FickJohn FickJohn Ralph Fick was a Major League Baseball pitcher. The left-hander appeared in four games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1944 . The 23-year-old rookie was a native of Baltimore, Maryland....
, 37, pitcher for the 1944 Philadelphia Blue Jays - August 1 - Ike BooneIke BooneIsaac Morgan Boone was a right fielder in Major League Baseball. Boone batted left-handed and threw right-handed. He was born in Samantha, Alabama...
, 61, an outfielder for the New York Giants, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and Brooklyn Dodgers between 1922 and 1932, who posted an ML career average of .321, compiled a .370 BA for the highest minor league all-time, and set a professional baseball record in 1929 collecting 553 total bases while playing in the Pacific Coast League - September 6 - Tommy de la CruzTommy de la CruzTomás de la Cruz Rivero was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1944. The 32-year-old rookie was a native of Marianao, Cuba; he played from 1934 to 1947 in the winter Cuban League and from 1945 to 1948 in the Mexican League...
, 46, Cuban pitcher for the 1944 Cincinnati Reds, and one of many players who only appeared in the majors during World War II - November 21 - Mel OttMel OttMelvin Thomas Ott , nicknamed "Master Melvin", was a Major League Baseball right fielder. He played his entire career for the New York Giants . Ott was born in Gretna, Louisiana. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
, 49, Hall of Fame outfielder and 12-time All-Star for the New York Giants who held National League career record for home runs (511), leading league 6 times - November 27 - Harry G. Salsinger, 71, sportswriter for the Detroit News for over 50 years
- December 8 - Tris SpeakerTris SpeakerTristram E. Speaker , nicknamed "Spoke" and "The Grey Eagle", was an American baseball player. Considered one of the best offensive and defensive center fielders in the history of Major League Baseball, he compiled a career batting average of .345 , and still holds the record of 792 career doubles...
, 70, Hall of Fame center fielder known for spectacular defense as well as superlative batting, becoming the second player to compile over 3,500 hits and posting a .345 career average - December 31 - Jack DoyleJack Doyle (baseball)John Joseph "Jack" Doyle was an Irish-American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned 17 seasons, mainly in the National League.He was born in Killorglin, Ireland, and emigrated to the U.S...
, 89, 17 year playing career includes a one time stint as managerManager (baseball)In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of the New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
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