In 1963, the Milwaukee Braves orchestrated a significant trade, acquiring outfielder Felipe Alou, catcher Ed Bailey, pitcher Ernie Bowman, and infielder Ernie Bowman from the Giants. In return, they parted ways with catcher Del Crandell and pitchers Bob Hendley and Bob Shaw.
Moving forward to 1974, the Braves engaged in a deal with the White Sox, sending catcher Jim Essian in exchange for Dick Allen and cash. However, Allen opted not to report to Atlanta, choosing retirement instead.
Fast forward to 2010, the Braves bolstered their bullpen by acquiring reliever Scott Linebrink from the White Sox in exchange for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield.
In 2014, a pivotal moment occurred as the Braves secured outfielder Nick Markakis with a lucrative four-year, $44 million contract. This move transpired shortly after the trade of Jason Heyward to St. Louis. Markakis’s inaugural season with the Braves showcased his prowess, hitting .296/.370/.376 with three homers and a 109 OPS+. Over six years in an Atlanta uniform, Markakis compiled a batting line of .283/.357/.402 with a 103 OPS+ in 789 games.
Shifting to MLB history, notable events include the removal of the Milwaukee Brewers franchise from the American League in 1901, replaced by the St. Louis Browns. In 1955, Yogi Berra clinched his third American League MVP title, while 1958 marked the retirement announcement of American League president Will Harridge.
In 1968, a rule change aimed at boosting offense saw the MLB Rules Committee agreeing to reduce the size of the strike zone and lower the pitcher’s mound height from 15 inches to 10 inches.
Various player contracts also made headlines on this day, such as Don Sutton’s four-year deal with the Houston Astros in 1980 and Mike Lowell’s 2003 Marlins contract, which included a provision reverting to a one-year deal with a player option if ballpark financing wasn’t secured by November 1, 2004.
In 2013, the Yankees made a splash with a seven-year, $153 million deal for former Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, while 2018 witnessed the Mariners trading shortstop Jean Segura to the Phillies in exchange for prospect J.P. Crawford.
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