This Day in Baseball History
On March 2, 1976, the Los Angeles Dodgers re-acquire second baseman Ted Sizemore from the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Willie Crawford. Sizemore had started his major league career with the Dodgers in 1969, when he won the National League’s Rookie of the Year Award, and was later traded to the Cardinals as part of a package for slugger Richie Allen.
On March 2, 1949, New York Yankees star outfielder Joe DiMaggio leaves spring training to have his injured right heel examined at Johns Hopkins Hospital. DiMaggio will play in only 76 games, but will bat .346 and help New York to the American League pennant.
On March 2, 1909, future Hall of Famer Mel Ott is born in Gretna, Louisiana. Known as “Master Melvin,” Ott will make his major league debut with the New York Giants in 1926. Over a 22-year career, Ott will hit 511 home runs and drive in 1,860 runners.
On March 2, 1966, Commissioner Spike Eckert voids the contract recently signed by collegiate star Tom Seaver. The Atlanta Braves had signed Seaver to a $50,000 bonus a week earlier, but Eckert cites a rule prohibiting teams from signing players while their college seasons are ongoing.
On March 2, 1927, Babe Ruth becomes the highest paid player in baseball history. The New York Yankees reward Ruth with a three-year contract worth an estimated $210,000. In 1926, Ruth led the American League in home runs and RBIs while batting .372.
