On February 12, 1924 — The National League announces it will join the AL in awarding a thousand dollars to the player selected by writers as the league’s Most Valuable Player. Dazzy Vance, who posts a 28-6 record along with an ERA of 2.16 for the Brooklyn Dodgers, easily outpoints Rogers Hornsby to become the National Leagues first MVP.

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

On February 11, 1982 — Ozzie Smith agrees to go to the St. Louis Cardinals to complete the December deal that finally sends Gary Templeton to the San Diego Padres.

An outside arbitrator, Tom Roberts, will determine ‘the Wizard of Oz’s’ Cardinal salary before the season starts, awarding the light-hitting Gold Glove shortstop $450,000, rather than the $750,000 he requested. Smith batted only .222 for the Padres in 1981, but will blossom into stardom in St. Louis.

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 10 - Happy Birthday to Allie Reynolds.

Allie Reynolds, born in 1917 in Bethany, Oklahoma, faced religious restrictions on playing organized baseball due to his parents' Nazarene beliefs. Overcoming this, he excelled in various sports during high school and later earned a track scholarship at Oklahoma A&M. After an impressive college career, he joined professional baseball, pitching for the Cleveland Indians and eventually the New York Yankees. Renowned for his achievements, including two no-hitters in 1951, Reynolds played a crucial role in the Yankees' dominance, contributing to five consecutive World Championships from 1949 to 1953. After retirement, he succeeded in the oil business and supported charitable causes. Reynolds passed away in 1994.

Mentioned in this episode:

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts