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[Billy The Kidd]

Today in Baseball History

On March 16, 1978, high-priced free agent Andy Messersmith separates his shoulder in an exhibition game for the New York Yankees. The onetime 20-game winner will never win a game for the Yankees.

On March 16, 1972, Oakland A’s holdout Vida Blue announces that he has rejected the team’s latest contract offer and will retire to work for a company that makes toilet fixtures. The “retirement” won’t last long; Blue will eventually come to terms with the A’s and begin his season in May.

On March 16, 1953, American League owners turn down Bill Veeck’s bid to move the St. Louis Browns to Baltimore. Some observers speculate that the rejection is meant to force Veeck into selling his majority interest in the franchise. The next day, Veeck announces his willingness to sell the Browns for just under $2.5 million.

On March 16, 1972, Hall of Famer Pie Traynor dies at the age of 72. Traynor batted .320 over a 17-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Traynor batted a career-high .366 in 1930.

On March 16, 1907, the Detroit Tigers offer legendary outfielder Ty Cobb to the Cleveland Naps for another star outfielder, Elmer Flick. Cleveland’s manager, Napoleon Lajoie, rejects the trade of future Hall of Famers. Flick will bat .302 in 1907 while Cobb will lead the American League with a .350 mark.

On March 16, 1906, future Hall of Famer Lloyd “Little Poison” Waner is born in Harrah, Oklahoma. Waner will make his major league debut in 1927, when he bats .355 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Waner will bat .316 over an 18-year career with the Pirates, Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Brooklyn Dodgers.