Before We Jump In…🎄🕎🥂
In honor of the holiday season, I’m offering a HUGE discount on annual plans. If you sign up for a year, you’ll get half off! Don’t let this offer pass by!
December 9, 1936: Big Rule Changes Occur in Both AL & NL
Several important changes were voted on and approved at owners’ meetings this particular offseason. Some of those included:
The Introduction of Night Games: The American League authorized the St. Louis Browns to host up to seven night games per season, marking the league’s first toe dip into evening baseball. This decision aimed to boost attendance and revenue for the Browns, who had struggled with low turnout. 
All American League teams, except the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers, agreed to play at least one night game against the Browns in St. Louis.
An Update to Home Plate: The National League adopted a new design featuring beveled edges to home plate, the first modification in 50 years.
400 At-Bats Requirement for Batting Champ: The American League established a rule mandating that a player must have at least 400 at-bats to qualify for the batting champion. This step was implemented to ensure that the title reflected consistent performance over the whole season.
December 10, 1919: The National League Bans the Spitball
The National League took a significant step by voting to ban the spitball for all new pitchers, a decision that would be officially confirmed by the Rules Committee in February 1920.
This move was spearheaded by Pittsburgh Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss, who was at the forefront of ridding baseball of this particular pitch.
To ensure a smooth transition, 17 existing spitball pitchers were exempted from the ban, allowing them to continue using the pitch until their retirement. Notable among them were Burleigh Grimes, who retired in 1934, and Stan Coveleski, who was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Background on the Spitball:
The spitball is a pitch where the ball is altered using saliva or other substances, affecting its aerodynamics and causing unpredictable movement.
By the late 1910s, the spitball had become a subject of debate due to concerns over fair play and safety, especially after incidents like the fatal beaning of Ray Chapman in 1920, which, although occurring after the ban, highlighted the dangers of altered pitches.
As a result of this rule change, pitchers had to develop new techniques and pitches, such as the slider and forkball, to adapt to the ban on the spitball.
Note: I did an entire episode on the history of the spitball. You can listen by clicking here to access the episode.
December 11, 1989: The Royals Set up a Rotation With 2 Cy Young Winners
On December 11, 1989, the Kansas City Royals made a significant move by signing free-agent closer Mark Davis to a four-year, $13 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in baseball at the time. 
This acquisition was important because it paired Davis, the 1989 National League Cy Young Award winner, with Bret Saberhagen, the American League Cy Young Award recipient, marking the first time a team entered a season with both reigning Cy Young winners.
Mark Davis’s 1989 Performance:
Led the majors with 44 saves for the San Diego Padres.
Posted a 1.85 earned run average over 70 appearances.
Recorded 92 strikeouts in 92⅔ innings pitched.
Bret Saberhagen’s 1989 Highlights:
Achieved a franchise-record 23 wins.
Led the American League with a 2.16 ERA.
Issued only 43 walks in 262 1⁄3 innings.
These moves were part of the Royals’ most significant commitment to free agents in the club’s history.
Despite these high-profile acquisitions, the Royals finished the 1990 season with a 75-86 record, placing sixth in the American League West.  Mark Davis struggled, recording only six saves with a 5.11 ERA, while Bret Saberhagen posted a 5-9 record with a 3.27 ERA, as injuries limited his performance.
December 12, 1949: The AL Updates the Strike Zone
On December 12, 1949, the American League voted 7-1 against reinstating the spitball, the pitch banned in 1920 due to concerns over unfair advantages and safety. This decision reaffirmed the league’s commitment to maintaining fair play. 
Another important decision related to a major strike zone update:
The strike zone was redefined as the area over home plate between the batter’s armpits and the top of the knees, eliminating the shoulders from the zone. 
This adjustment hoped to standardize umpire calls and balance the competition between pitchers and hitters, influencing pitching strategies and batting approaches.
December 13, 1956: Jackie Robinson Retires Instead of Accepting Trade
The Brooklyn Dodgers traded an aging Jackie Robinson to the New York Giants in exchange for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $30,000.
This move still shocked fans, as Robinson had been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success.
What both teams were unaware of was that Robinson had already decided to retire, and had accepted a position as vice president for personnel at Chock full o’Nuts, making him one of the first African Americans to hold such a high-ranking position in a major American company.
Robinson had also signed an exclusive agreement with Look magazine to announce his retirement, which is why he didn’t inform the Dodgers or Giants immediately. 
Obviously, Robinson’s retirement nullified the trade, keeping him from ever playing for the Giants.
December 14, 1977: The Rangers Trade for a Pitching Ace
On December 14, 1977, the Boston Red Sox traded future Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins to the Texas Rangers in exchange for left-handed pitcher John Poloni and $25,000.
During his two seasons with Boston (1976–1977), Jenkins compiled a 22-21 record, including a 10-10 mark in 1977.
Jenkins’s Impact on the Rangers:
The following season, Jenkins led the Rangers with 18 wins, posting a 3.04 ERA and leading the league with 1.5 walks per nine innings ratio. 
Over the next three seasons (1978–1980), Jenkins averaged 15 wins per year, reaffirming his status as a top-tier pitcher.
John Poloni’s Return for the Red Sox:
Poloni had a brief MLB career, pitching only seven innings over two appearances with the Rangers in 1977. He did not appear in any games for the Red Sox following the trade.
December 15, 1980: Dave Winfield Becomes the Highest-Paid Player in Baseball
The New York Yankees made headlines by signing outfielder Dave Winfield to a 10-year, $23 million contract, marking the richest deal in professional sports at that time. The agreement set a new standard for player salaries across all sports.
Initially, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner believed the contract was worth $16 million. This misunderstanding led to tensions between Winfield and Steinbrenner, contributing to a strained relationship during Winfield’s time with the Bombers.
Winfield’s Impact with the Yankees:
Consistent Performance: Over nine seasons (1981–1990), Winfield maintained a .290 batting average, hit 205 home runs, and accumulated 818 RBIs.
All-Star Selections: He was selected to the All-Star Game every year from 1981 to 1988, underscoring his status as one of the game’s premier players. 
Defensive Excellence: Winfield earned five Gold Glove Awards during his time with the Yankees, highlighting his exceptional defensive skills in the outfield. 
Winfield’s signing not only transformed the financial landscape of professional sports contracts but also solidified his role as a key figure in the Yankees’ lineup throughout the 1980s.
If You Haven’t Yet, Would You Consider Becoming a Paid Subscriber?
You get:
The ad-free version of our weekly main show 'Rounders' a whole DAY EARLIER.
A sneak peek at our secret list of upcoming episodes.
A chance to share your thoughts, which I might just read out in the episode.
Exclusive chats, events, and more fun stuff only for our members.
Help me work towards going full-time as your baseball history media choice.
And if you're feeling extra awesome, join our 'Starting Nine' crew. Help shape the show, pick episode topics, and even get a shoutout as a producer.
Share this post