February 24, 1990: A Red Sox Legend Passes Away
Former Red Sox slugger Tony Conigliaro died of pneumonia and kidney failure at the age of 45. Conigliaro, the youngest American League player ever to reach 100 career home runs, was nearly blinded by a 1967 beaning.
Tony C. burst onto the national stage with the Boston Red Sox in the mid‑1960s, captivating fans with his explosive power and fearless approach at the plate.
As one sportswriter once captured it, “Tony didn’t just play baseball—he redefined it with every swing.”
That promise, however, was shadowed by tragedy. In 1967, a beanball nearly blinded him—a moment that not only cost him his vision but also altered the course of his career.
Despite a courageous comeback attempt, the lingering effects of that injury prevented him from recapturing his early brilliance. His output fell short in later seasons and he ended up retiring far too young.
Tony’s shortened career serves as a painful reminder of how fleeting athletic potential can be when the unexpected deals a harsh blow.
February 25, 1987: A Padres Hurler Gets Banned for Drug Use
In February 1987, Major League Baseball's commitment to a drug-free sport took center stage when Padres hurler La Marr Hoyt was banned by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth for the 1987 season.
Following three drug-related incidents over the past year, the strict disciplinary action signaled that even established players were not immune to the league’s crackdown on substance abuse.
At a time when the sport was grappling with broader concerns over off-field behavior, Hoyt’s suspension—characterized by Ueberroth as necessary to "preserve the integrity of the game"—resonated deeply with fans and team executives alike, casting a long shadow over a once-promising career.
On June 16, an arbitrator reduced Hoyt’s suspension to 60 days and mandated that the Padres reinstate him. Although the decision temporarily hinted at a potential comeback, the harsh reality was that he would never pitch in another major league game.
February 26, 1935: The Babe Signs With the (Boston) Braves
In 1935, baseball legend Babe Ruth found himself at a crossroads. The New York Yankees, where he had achieved iconic status for 16 seasons, released him. But the Boston Braves saw an opportunity.
Team owner Emil Fuchs was cash-strapped and was looking for creative ways to boost revenue for the Braves. He had tried to establish a greyhound track at Braves Field but was denied. So, Fuchs aimed to reignite interest in his club in a different way - by landing Ruth.
The Yankees made a half-hearted effort to keep Ruth by offering him a chance to manage their top Minor League club. Ruth declined, and instead signed a three-year contract with the Braves, taking on roles as assistant manager, second vice president, and star player.
This move sparked rumors that he would replace the current manager of the Braves, Bill McKechnie, who had been with the Braves since 1930. McKechnie emphasized the importance of Ruth playing and dismissed the idea of a team having two managers.
At 39, Ruth's performance had declined from his peak years, but he had managed to hit 22 home runs and drive in 84 runs in his previous season with the Yankees in 1934.
The Braves investment in Ruth seemed to pay off right away. On Opening Day of the 1935 season, he thrilled the estimated 35,000 fans at Braves Field by hitting a home run off Hall of Fame pitcher Carl Hubbell. However, over the next 21 games, his performance dropped.
By May, Ruth was fighting with team management and openly contemplating retirement. He made it to the end of May and decided to call it quits. During his time in a Braves uniform he compiled a disappointing .181 batting average in 28 games. He never got the chance to manage the team, either.
Less than a year after his retirement, Ruth was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.
February 27, 1901: The National League Adds Lasting New Rules to Baseball
The National League’s Rules Committee met and finalized some important changes to gameplay - some of which still last to today. These updates included:
All foul balls would count as strikes, except after two strikes. This change aimed to streamline the game and reduce the cost associated with lost foul balls. Batters who repeatedly fouled off good strikes were now subject to discipline. The goal was to keep the game moving efficiently.
Catchers were required to play within 10 feet of the batter. This rule aimed to enhance the interaction between the pitcher, batter, and catcher.
The committee introduced a time limit for pitchers. If a pitcher did not throw to a ready and waiting batter within 20 seconds, an automatic ball would be called. This rule encouraged a brisk pace of play.
The N.L. took a stand against indecent or improper language on the field. Umpires were empowered to kick out players who violated this standard of conduct. This move emphasized sportsmanship and respect among players, ensuring a more dignified atmosphere during games.
February 28, 1931: The Founder of the American League Dies
Ban Johnson, passed away after a prolonged illness. His impact on the game was profound, and his legacy reverberates to this day. He played a pivotal role in professional baseball’s growth.
He served as the founder and first president of the American League (AL). Johnson’s vision was to create a league that appealed to families and women, emphasizing sportsmanship and orderliness.
Johnson strongly supported the AL’s umpires, giving them unqualified support. He had little tolerance for players or managers who disrespected them.
With the help of league owners and managers like Charles Comiskey, Charles Somers, and Jimmy McAleer, Johnson attracted top talent to the AL and created fierce competition between the two leagues.
However, a public dispute with baseball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis led to his forced resignation as AL president.
Ban Johnson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937 as one of its charter members.
March 1, 1954: Baseball’s Highest-Paid Player Breaks His Collarbone
A significant setback occurred for the Boston Red Sox and their legendary slugger, Ted Williams.
On March 1, 1954, while attempting to make a shoestring catch of a sinking line drive during practice at Payne Park, Williams collided with the ground, breaking his left collarbone. The injury was a nightmare start to the season for the highest-salaried star in baseball.
Despite the setback, Williams was determined to return to the lineup as soon as possible. His commitment to the game and his team remained unwavering. Williams made his comeback on May 7, hitting an impressive .345 for the season.
March 2, 1874: Boston’s Professional Association Sets Important Rules Precedents
In 1874, during the fourth meeting of the Professional Association in Boston, several significant decisions were made:
The batter’s box was officially adopted. This marked a crucial development in the game, as it standardized the area where batters stood before facing the pitcher.
It was decided that any player caught betting on their own team would face expulsion.
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