Last Updated: March 19th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1911: Death Of Cardinals President Robison
On March 24, 1911, the St. Louis Cardinals faced a significant shift in leadership as their president, Matthew Stanley Robison, passed away. The event led to a historic change in the upper echelons of major league baseball; Robison’s unexpected death resulted in the team falling into the hands of Mrs. Helene Hathaway Britton. With this transition, she broke new ground by becoming the first female owner in major league history, heralding a new chapter for the franchise.
1933: Babe Ruth’s Salary Cut
Amid the Great Depression’s financial strain, Babe Ruth saw his salary shrink significantly, reflecting the economic hardships of the era. The New York Yankees trimmed Ruth’s pay from the pinnacle of $75,000 to $52,000, a stark $23,000 decrease. This pay cut didn’t diminish his legendary status, yet it did illustrate the pervasive impact of the economic downturn on America’s pastime.
1952: Bob Slaybaugh’s Tragic Injury
In the spring of 1952, Bob Slaybaugh, a promising talent within the Cardinals organization, suffered a catastrophic injury that forever altered his baseball career. During a routine Spring Training exercise, he was hit in the face by a batted ball, resulting in the loss of his left eye. Despite the severity of his injury, Slaybaugh displayed remarkable resilience by returning to the field. This incident reinforced the inherent risks present in the sport and served as a stark reminder of the physical vulnerabilities athletes face.
1961: Funding Approved For New York Stadium
In 1961, a pivotal move by the New York State Senate saw the approval of a considerable investment for the city’s baseball infrastructure. With a nod to the future, they earmarked $55 million for a brand new baseball stadium, destined to become a new hub for the sport in Queens. The selected location for this modern marvel was Flushing Meadows Park, signaling the start of a new era for baseball in New York.
1982: Fernando Valenzuela Ends Holdout
After an impressive debut season, pitcher Fernando Valenzuela reported to the Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training, ending his contract holdout. His rookie year accolades set high expectations, but contractual negotiations led to an initial stalemate. Fernando agreed to a salary of $350,000, a substantial figure at the time, although it was short of the $1 million he had sought.
1984: Baseball At The Los Angeles Olympics
Baseball made its debut as an official demonstration sport at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone for the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic program. This event featured a six-team exhibition tournament, reflecting baseball’s growing international appeal. Although not yet a medal sport, the demonstration offered a global stage for teams to showcase their talent and the universal appeal of baseball.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
March 24 is a notable day in baseball history, celebrating the birthdays of several illustrious players who left their mark on the game.
1891: Ernie Shore
Ernie Shore, once a Boston Red Sox pitcher known for his part in a combined no-hitter, was born on this day in 1891.
1893: George Sisler
Birthed on this day, George Sisler made a name for himself as one of baseball’s legendary first basemen and a lifetime .340 hitter.
1942: Jesus Alou
One-third of the Alou brothers, Jesus helped establish the Alou family’s significant baseball lineage.
1956: Garry Templeton
A switch-hitting shortstop with adept skills both at the plate and in the field, Garry Templeton would grow to become quite an asset for his teams.
1958: Bruce Hurst
Bruce Hurst, a crafty left-handed pitcher, was an All-Star and World Series standout with the Boston Red Sox.
1970: Wilson Alvarez
Wilson Alvarez, a pitcher who chalked up a no-hitter in just his second major league start, was born in 1970.