1980 Major League Baseball season
Encyclopedia
Major league baseball final standings
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Postseason
The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals in 6 games to win their first ever World Series Championship.- American League Championship Series1980 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Wednesday, October 8, 1980 at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, MissouriThe series opener saw the Yankees throw their ace, Ron Guidry, against the Royals' Larry Gura. In the top of the second, the Bronx Bombers jumped out to a 2–0 lead when Rick Cerone and Lou Piniella smacked back-to-back...
: Frank White, MVP - National League Championship Series1980 National League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 7, 1980 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGame 1 was the most ordinary contest of the series. Starters Ken Forsch and Steve Carlton dueled for the first five innings, with only one run scored by Houston in the third on an RBI single by Gary Woods...
Manny TrilloManny TrilloJesús Manuel Marcano Trillo , also nicknamed "Indio", is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from to...
, MVP - 1980 World Series1980 World Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 14, 1980 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaThe Royals jumped on Philly rookie starter Bob Walk early with a pair of two run bombs—one by Amos Otis in the second and another by Willie Aikens in the third...
Mike SchmidtMike SchmidtMichael Jack Schmidt is a Hall of Fame third baseman popularly considered among the greatest third basemen in the history of Major League Baseball. He played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies....
, MVP
Awards and honors
- Most Valuable PlayerMLB Most Valuable Player AwardThe Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
- George BrettGeorge Brett (baseball)George Howard Brett , nicknamed "Mullet", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman, designated hitter, and first baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Kansas City Royals. Brett's 3,154 career hits are the most by any third baseman in major league history, and 15th...
(AL) - Mike SchmidtMike SchmidtMichael Jack Schmidt is a Hall of Fame third baseman popularly considered among the greatest third basemen in the history of Major League Baseball. He played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies....
(NL)
- George Brett
- Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
- Steve Stone (AL)
- Steve CarltonSteve CarltonSteven Norman Carlton , nicknamed "Lefty", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1965-1988 for six different teams in his career, but it is his time with the Philadelphia Phillies where he received his greatest acclaim as a professional and won four Cy Young Awards...
(NL)
- Rookie of the YearMLB Rookie of the Year AwardIn Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
- Joe CharboneauJoe CharboneauJoseph Charboneau was a Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and is one of the most often-cited examples of a flash in the pan or of baseball's fabled sophomore jinx....
(AL) - Steve Howe (NL)
- Joe Charboneau
Statistical leaders
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January-April
- January 9 - Al KalineAl KalineAlbert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
and Duke SniderDuke SniderEdwin Donald "Duke" Snider , nicknamed "The Silver Fox" and "The Duke of Flatbush", was a Major League Baseball center fielder and left-handed batter who played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers , New York Mets , and San Francisco Giants .Snider was elected to the National Baseball Hall of...
are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of AmericaBaseball Writers Association of AmericaThe Baseball Writers' Association of America is a professional association for baseball journalists writing for daily newspapers, magazines and qualifying Web sites. The BBWAA was founded on October 14, 1908, to improve working conditions for sportswriters in the early part of the 20th century...
. Kaline is the 10th player to be elected in his first year of eligibility, while Snider is making his 11th appearance on the ballot.
- January 24 - The New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
are sold to a group headed by Nelson Doubleday, Jr.Nelson Doubleday, Jr.Nelson Doubleday, Jr. was the president of Doubleday. He was instrumental in the company's purchase of the New York Mets in 1980. He served as chairman of the Mets' board during the team's rise to its 1986 World Series title. In 1986, he and Fred Wilpon bought the team from the publishing company...
and Fred WilponFred WilponFred Wilpon is a real estate developer, baseball executive and the majority owner of the New York Mets.-Biography:...
for an estimated $21.1 million. It was, at the time, the highest amount ever paid for an American professional sports franchise.
- February 12 - The Board of the Oakland Coliseum and the OaklandOakland, CaliforniaOakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
City Council both reject an attempt to buy out the remainder of the Oakland Athletics'Oakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
lease to the stadium. This blocks an attempt to sell the team and a possible move to DenverDenver, ColoradoThe City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
.
- March 8 - Rookie Joe CharboneauJoe CharboneauJoseph Charboneau was a Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and is one of the most often-cited examples of a flash in the pan or of baseball's fabled sophomore jinx....
of the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
is attacked outside a Mexico City hotel. A fan seeking his autograph stabs him in the chest with a pen. Charboneau misses the start of the year, but goes on to batBatting averageBatting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.289, hitting 23 home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s, while driving in 87 RBI in 131 games. He will be elected American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
Rookie of the Year.
- March 12 - Slugger Chuck KleinChuck KleinCharles Herbert "Chuck" Klein was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Philadelphia Phillies , Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates ....
and former Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
owner Tom YawkeyTom YawkeyThomas Austin Yawkey, born Thomas Austin , was an American industrialist and Major League Baseball executive. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Yawkey became president of the Boston Red Sox in 1933, and was the sole owner of the team for 44 seasons, longer than anyone else in baseball history.-Early...
are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee. Yawkey is the first club owner selected who never served as a player, manager or general manager.
May-August
- May 23 - Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
pitcher Ferguson JenkinsFerguson JenkinsFerguson Arthur "Fergie" Jenkins, CM, is a Canadian former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He was a three-time All-Star and the 1971 NL Cy Young Award winner. In 1991, Jenkins was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. During a 19-year career, he pitched for four different teams,...
wins his 250th game against the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
. Jenkins pitched a complete game for the Rangers, striking out eight batters in the victory.
- June 27 - Jerry ReussJerry ReussJerry Reuss -- pronounced "royce" -- is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the United States, who had a 22-year career from to ....
of the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
no-hitsNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
8-0 at Candlestick Park.
- July 4
- Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
pitcher Nolan RyanNolan RyanLynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
strikes out César GerónimoCésar GerónimoCésar Francisco Gerónimo Zorrilla , known as César Gerónimo, is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball, who was a member of the famed Big Red Machine of the Cincinnati Reds during the 1970s. He batted and threw left-handed....
of the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, to become the fourth major league pitcher ever to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. Gerónimo was also Bob GibsonBob GibsonRobert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
's 3,000th career strikeout victim six years earlier. Despite the milestone, Ryan allows six runs in 4.1 innings and Houston loses, 8–1. - During the first-ever fireworks night hosted at Shea StadiumShea StadiumWilliam A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
, Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
Rookie Bill GullicksonBill GullicksonWilliam Lee Gullickson is a former major league baseball pitcher who played for six different major-league teams, in Canada, the U.S...
sailed a pitch over New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
first basemanFirst basemanFirst base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Mike JorgensenMike JorgensenMichael Jorgensen is a former Major League Baseball player drafted by the New York Mets in the fourth round of the 1966 Major League Baseball Draft...
's head in the second game of a doubleheaderDoubleheader (baseball)A doubleheader is a set of two baseball games played between the same two teams on the same day in front of the same crowd. In addition, the term is often used unofficially to refer to a pair of games played by a team in a single day, but in front of different crowds and not in immediate...
. Jorgensen didn't appreciate this as he had been the victim of one of the worst beanballBeanball"Beanball" is a colloquialism used in baseball, for a ball thrown at an opposing player with the intention of striking him such as to cause harm, often connoting a throw at the player's head...
injuries in baseball history the previous season with the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
, and motioned toward Gullickson his disapproval. Mets catcherCatcherCatcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
John StearnsJohn StearnsJohn Hardin Stearns is a former major league catcher who played for the New York Mets from to , and played a single game for the Philadelphia Phillies in ....
, who wasn't even in the line-up for this game, charged out of the dugout and welcomed Gullickson to the majors by slamming him to the ground.
- Houston Astros
- July 6 - Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
pitcher Steve CarltonSteve CarltonSteven Norman Carlton , nicknamed "Lefty", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1965-1988 for six different teams in his career, but it is his time with the Philadelphia Phillies where he received his greatest acclaim as a professional and won four Cy Young Awards...
becomes the major leagues' left-handed strikeout king, fanning seven CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in an 8–3 Phillies win to bring his career total to 2,836. Mickey LolichMickey LolichMichael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
had held the record with 2,832.
- July 8 - At Dodger StadiumDodger StadiumDodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
, the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
battles back to win its ninth consecutive All-Star GameMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
over the American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
, 4–2. Ken GriffeyKen Griffey, Sr.George Kenneth "Ken" Griffey is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He currently serves as Manager for the Bakersfield Blaze, the Reds' Single A minor league affiliate. He is the father of former professional outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr. and former minor leaguer Craig Griffey. He and his...
goes 2-for-3 with a solo home run to win the MVP honors.
- July 30 - Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
pitcher J. R. Richard suffers a stroke during his first attempt to pitch since being hospitalized for tests weeks earlier. He would not play again.
September-December
- September 10 - Bill GullicksonBill GullicksonWilliam Lee Gullickson is a former major league baseball pitcher who played for six different major-league teams, in Canada, the U.S...
strikes out 18, the most by a major league rookie pitcher, as the Montréal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
beat the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
4–2.
- September 20
- George BrettGeorge Brett (baseball)George Howard Brett , nicknamed "Mullet", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman, designated hitter, and first baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Kansas City Royals. Brett's 3,154 career hits are the most by any third baseman in major league history, and 15th...
goes 0-for-4 dropping his batting averageBatting averageBatting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
below .400. It will not climb above .400 again, and he finishes the season with a .390 batting averageBatting averageBatting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
, the closest any player had come to a .400 batting average since Ted WilliamsTed WilliamsTheodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
in . Only Tony GwynnTony GwynnAnthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Sr. , nicknamed Mr. Padre and Captain Video, is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the San Diego Padres...
will come closer than that before the twentieth century ends. - The Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
' game with the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
at Metropolitan StadiumMetropolitan StadiumMetropolitan Stadium was a sports stadium that once stood in Bloomington, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis. The area where the stadium once stood is now the site of the Mall of America...
was postponed due to rain. The game was the last outdoor MLB game to be postponed in the state for almost three decades as the Twins moved to the Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeThe Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
in and ultimately to Target FieldTarget FieldTarget Field is a baseball park located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the home ballpark of the Minnesota Twins, the city's Major League Baseball franchise. It is the franchise's sixth ballpark and third in Minnesota. The Twins moved to Target Field for the 2010 Major League Baseball...
in , where their scheduled game with the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
on May 7th was rained out.
- George Brett
- September 24 - The Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
reach the 1,000,000 mark in attendance. It marks the first time that every National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
team has drawn at least 1,000,000 fans for a season.
- October 4
- In a 17–1 rout of the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
, Willie WilsonWillie Wilson (baseball player)Willie James Wilson is a former Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. He was an outfielder known for his speed and ability as an effective leadoff hitter....
of the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
becomes the first major league player ever to be credited with 700 at-bats in a single season, and ends the year with 705 at bats. He also sets the ALAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
record for singles in a season with 184, eclipsing the mark Sam RiceSam RiceEdgar Charles "Sam" Rice was an American pitcher and right fielder in Major League Baseball. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963....
set in . Wilson also becomes only the second player in major league history to collect 100 hits from each side of the plate, matching the feat accomplished by Garry TempletonGarry TempletonGarry Lewis Templeton, nicknamed "Jumpsteady", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets from 1976 to 1991...
in . - Philadelphia's Mike SchmidtMike SchmidtMichael Jack Schmidt is a Hall of Fame third baseman popularly considered among the greatest third basemen in the history of Major League Baseball. He played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies....
hits a 2-run home run in the top of the 11th inning to give the Phillies a 6-4 win over the Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
at Olympic StadiumOlympic Stadium (Montreal)The Olympic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district of Montreal, Quebec, Canada built as the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics...
, clinching the National League East title. The home run is Schmidt's 48th of the season, breaking Eddie MathewsEddie MathewsEdwin Lee "Eddie" Mathews was an American Major League Baseball third baseman. He is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game.-Early life:...
' single-season record for third basemen set in .
- In a 17–1 rout of the Minnesota Twins
- October 5 and 6 - On October 3, the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
had been down three games to the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
to tie for the National League West Division title. Needing a sweep of the Astros, the Dodgers complete just such a sweep on that Sunday; each of the wins by a single run. They would play a one-game playoffOne-game playoffA one-game playoff, sometimes known as a pennant playoff or play-in game, is a tiebreaker in certain sports—usually but not always professional—to determine which of two teams, tied in the final standings, will qualify for a post-season tournament...
the next day, as Joe NiekroJoe NiekroJoseph Franklin Niekro was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of Minor League Baseball pitcher Lance Niekro. A native of Blaine, Ohio, Niekro attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and attended West...
would win his twentieth game of the season to earn a win for the Astros, 7–1, clinching their first Division Title.
- October 10 - In Game 3 of the 1980 ALCS1980 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Wednesday, October 8, 1980 at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, MissouriThe series opener saw the Yankees throw their ace, Ron Guidry, against the Royals' Larry Gura. In the top of the second, the Bronx Bombers jumped out to a 2–0 lead when Rick Cerone and Lou Piniella smacked back-to-back...
, and with the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
leading 2–1, Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
' George Brett delivered a three-run home run off Yankees' reliever Rich GossageRich GossageRichard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
, and with it total revenge for the Royals, who won the pennant after being second best to the Yankees in the ALCS in , and . Kansas City won the pennant in, of all places, Yankee Stadium.
- October 12 - The Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
capture their first pennant since with a 10-inning, 8–7 win over the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
at the Astrodome, in the fifth and final game of the 1980 NLCS1980 National League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 7, 1980 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGame 1 was the most ordinary contest of the series. Starters Ken Forsch and Steve Carlton dueled for the first five innings, with only one run scored by Houston in the third on an RBI single by Gary Woods...
. Three of the last four games were decided in extra innings. The Phillies, down by three runs to Nolan RyanNolan RyanLynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
in the 8th inning, rally and go ahead on Garry Maddox's double in the 10th inning.
- October 21 - The Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
win the World Series1980 World Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 14, 1980 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaThe Royals jumped on Philly rookie starter Bob Walk early with a pair of two run bombs—one by Amos Otis in the second and another by Willie Aikens in the third...
, the first WS Championship in their 98-year history, by beating the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
, 4–1, in Game Six. Steve CarltonSteve CarltonSteven Norman Carlton , nicknamed "Lefty", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1965-1988 for six different teams in his career, but it is his time with the Philadelphia Phillies where he received his greatest acclaim as a professional and won four Cy Young Awards...
earns the win, though the most memorable moment may be Tug McGrawTug McGrawFrank Edwin "Tug" McGraw Jr. was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher and the father of Country music singer Tim McGraw and actor/TV personality Mark McGraw and Cari McGraw...
on the mound jumping for joy as he earns the save after loading the bases with no outs. Another equally memorable moment comes with one out in the bottom of the ninth when Frank White's pop-up is bobbled by Bob BooneBob BooneRobert Raymond Boone is a former catcher and manager in Major League Baseball who was a four-time All-Star. Born in San Diego, California, Bob Boone is the son of a major league player, the late third baseman Ray Boone, and the father of two major leaguers: former second baseman Bret Boone and...
, only to be tipped into the glove of Pete RosePete RosePeter Edward Rose , nicknamed "Charlie Hustle", is a former Major League Baseball player and manager. Rose played from 1963 to 1986, and managed from 1984 to 1989....
. Philadelphia's Mike SchmidtMike SchmidtMichael Jack Schmidt is a Hall of Fame third baseman popularly considered among the greatest third basemen in the history of Major League Baseball. He played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies....
is named MVP, hitting .381 with two home runs and seven RBI, while KC's Willie Wilson is the "goatScapegoatScapegoating is the practice of singling out any party for unmerited negative treatment or blame. Scapegoating may be conducted by individuals against individuals , individuals against groups , groups against individuals , and groups against groups Scapegoating is the practice of singling out any...
", striking out a WS-record 12 times, including the final out of the Series with the bases loaded, and hitting only .154. Of the original 16 Major League franchises from , the Phillies are the last to win their first World Series.
- November 3 - An era ends for the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
as the sale of the team is finalized. The flamboyant Charlie O. Finley sells the team to Walter A. HaasWalter A. HaasWalter A. Haas, Sr. , son of the founder of Hellman-Haas Grocery , was a former President and Chairman of Levi Strauss & Co. Haas was credited with saving the once struggling company....
, ending his relationship with the team.
- November 4 - Sadaharu OhSadaharu OhSadaharu Oh, or Wang Chenchih , is a retired Japanese-Taiwanese baseball player and manager. He batted and threw left-handed and primarily played first base. Oh, who was born in Sumida, Tokyo the son of a Taiwanese father and a Japanese mother, had originally signed with the powerhouse Yomiuri...
announces his retirement as a player from Japanese baseball. His 868 documented career home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s remain an unapproached world record among professional baseball players.
- November 25 - Gene Michael becomes the 25th manager in New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
history, replacing a resigning Dick HowserDick HowserRichard Dalton Howser was an American Major League Baseball shortstop, coach and manager. He is best known as the manager of the Kansas City Royals during the 1980s, and for guiding them to the franchise's only World Series title in 1985.-Playing career:A native of Miami, Florida, Howser grew up...
, who led the team to the American League title with a 103-59 mark.
- November 26 - Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
third baseman Mike SchmidtMike SchmidtMichael Jack Schmidt is a Hall of Fame third baseman popularly considered among the greatest third basemen in the history of Major League Baseball. He played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies....
, who hit .286 with career highs of 48 home runs and 121 RBI, is a unanimous choice as National League Most Valuable Player.
- December 1 - Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
relief pitcher Steve Howe wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award, edging Montréal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
starting pitcher Bill GullicksonBill GullicksonWilliam Lee Gullickson is a former major league baseball pitcher who played for six different major-league teams, in Canada, the U.S...
and outfielder Lonnie SmithLonnie SmithLonnie Smith is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He made his debut for the Philadelphia Phillies on September 2, 1978 and later played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles...
of the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. Howe posted a 7-9 record with a 2.65 ERA and 17 saves.
- December 9 - The Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
send relief pitcher Bruce SutterBruce SutterHoward Bruce Sutter is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. He was arguably the first pitcher to make effective use of the splitter....
to their arch-rivals, the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, in exchange for first baseman Leon DurhamLeon DurhamLeon "Bull" Durham is a former first baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for 10 seasons. Durham played with the St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago Cubs , and Cincinnati Reds...
. Sutter will go on to save many more games for the Cardinals, including the 1982 World Series1982 World Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 12, 1982 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MissouriThe Brewers' left-hander Mike Caldwell pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits. The Brewers' offense was led by Paul Molitor, who had a World Series-record five hits and two RBIs...
clincher, while Durham's critical error in Game 5 of the 1984 NLCS1984 National League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 2, 1984 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IllinoisBob Dernier led off the game for the Cubs with a homer, and things went steadily downhill for the Padres as Chicago romped to a crushing 13–0 win in their first postseason game since 1945. Gary Matthews also homered in the first...
will doom the Cubs.
January-March
- January 3 - Brad SalmonBrad SalmonBradley Keith Salmon is an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently pitching for the Acereros de Monclova in the Mexican League....
- January 10 - Matt RoneyMatt RoneyMatthew Stephen Roney is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent. He was drafted in the first round of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies...
- January 12 - Bobby CrosbyBobby CrosbyRobert Edward Crosby is an infielder in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. The son of former major league infielder Ed Crosby, he bats and throws right-handed...
- January 15 - J.D. ClosserJ.D. ClosserJD Closser is a Major League Baseball catcher, who is currently playing for the Edmonton Capitals of the North American Baseball League.-Arizona Diamondbacks:...
- January 15 - Matt HollidayMatt HollidayMatthew Thomas Holliday , nicknamed "Big Daddy", is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Holliday was originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the seventh round of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft.Holliday is a five-time All-Star and Silver Slugger...
- January 16 - Albert PujolsAlbert PujolsJosé Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
- January 17 - Mike RabeloMike RabeloMichael Gregory Rabelo is a former Major League Baseball catcher.Rabelo grew up in the city of New Port Richey, Florida, and attended Ridgewood High School...
- January 20 - Franklyn GermanFranklyn GermánFranklyn Miguel Germán Madé is a right-handed relief pitcher who is currently a Free Agent...
- January 25 - Phil StockmanPhil StockmanPhillip Matthew Stockman is a free-agent pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:...
- January 26 - Brandon MeddersBrandon MeddersBrandon Edward Medders is a professional relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He throws a 4-seam fastball, curveball, slider, and a cutter....
- January 26 - Antonio Pérez
- February 1 - Héctor LunaHéctor LunaHéctor R. Luna is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is primarily an infielder, but has played every position at the major league level except pitcher and catcher....
- February 3 - Skip SchumakerSkip SchumakerJared Michael "Skip" Schumaker is a Major League Baseball Outfielder and Second Baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals.-Biography:...
- February 4 - Steve SchmollSteve SchmollStephen John Schmoll is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He bats and throws right-handed....
- February 4 - Doug SlatenDoug SlatenDouglas Slaten , is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals. He attended Venice High School...
- February 7 - Brad HennesseyBrad HennesseyBrad Martin Hennessey is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He attended Whitmer High School.-Professional career:...
- February 10 - César IzturisCésar IzturisCésar David Izturis is a Major League Baseball shortstop who is currently a free agent. He is the half-brother of shortstop Maicer Izturis, who plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Julio Izturis, who plays in the minor leagues in the San Francisco Giants organization.Izturis' greatest...
- February 11 - Matt LindstromMatthew LindstromMatthew Raymond Lindstrom is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies.-College career:Lindstrom played college baseball at Ricks College .-New York Mets:...
- February 12 - Adam SternAdam SternAdam James Stern is a Canadian Major League Baseball outfielder who is presently a free agent.He bats left-handed, and throws right-handed. He was dubbed the "Canadian Babe Ruth" by Cleveland Indians outfielder Trot Nixon. Stern is the second Jewish player from Canada in major league history....
- February 13 - Drew HensonDrew HensonDrew Daniel Henson is a retired Major League Baseball third baseman and National Football League quarterback. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
- February 15 - Don KellyDon Kelly (baseball)Donald Thomas Kelly is an American professional baseball player infielder with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball...
- February 18 - Walter Young
- February 20 - Ryan LangerhansRyan LangerhansRyan David Langerhans is an American Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Langerhans was drafted in the third round of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves...
- February 27 - John HattigJohn HattigJohn Duane Hattig is a corner infielder currently playing for the Reno Silver Sox of the Golden Baseball League....
- March 4 - Jack HannahanJack HannahanJohn Joseph "Jack" Hannahan IV is an American professional baseball third baseman with the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. Mainly a third baseman, Hannahan has also played other infield positions....
- March 7 - Scott MunterScott MunterScott Michael Munter is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently playing in the San Diego Padres organization. He attended St. James/Seton grade school and Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska...
- March 11 - Chris Burke
- March 11 - Rich Hill
- March 13 - Byron GettisByron GettisByron Earl Gettis is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals. Gettis graduated from Cahokia Senior High School in 1998, and was signed by the Kansas City Royals as an amateur free agent that same year. He had a career batting average of .179 in 39 at-bats...
- March 15 - Freddie BynumFreddie BynumFreddie Lee Bynum Jr. is a shortstop playing in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He is known for his blazing speed and excellent defensive abilities which include the ability to field several different positions in the infield and outfield...
- March 25 - Neal CottsNeal CottsNeal James Cotts is a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a Free Agent-College career:...
- March 31 - Chien-Ming WangChien-Ming WangChien-Ming Wang is a Taiwanese Major League Baseball pitcher. He was initially signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Yankees for the 2000 season, and played for the Staten Island Yankees...
April-June
- April 9 - Ryan O'MalleyRyan O'MalleyRyan Joseph O'Malley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Chicago Cubs in . O'Malley made his major league debut for the Cubs on August 16, 2006, against the Houston Astros. He pitched eight innings, giving up five hits, six walks, two strikeouts and no runs in a 1-0 win...
- April 11 - Mark TeixeiraMark TeixeiraMark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
- April 14 - John Van BenschotenJohn Van BenschotenJohn Wesley Van Benschoten is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-Personal:...
- April 15 - Yoel HernándezYoel Hernández (baseball)Yoel Alejandro Hernández is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. Listed at 6' 2", 210 lb., he bats and throws right-handed....
- April 20 - Chris Duffy
- April 21 - Jeff KeppingerJeff KeppingerJeffrey Scott "Jeff" Keppinger is an American professional baseball infielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed. Known as a contact hitter, Keppinger has one of the lowest strikeout rates in Major League Baseball...
- April 22 - Carlos HernándezCarlos Hernández (baseball pitcher)Carlos Henrique Hernández is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher in the Oakland Athletics organization. Carlos is also the son of legendary Indian Professional Baseball League Pitcher Enrique Humberto Hernandez. He played for the Houston Astros from 2001–2002 and 2004. He is a switch hitter...
- April 25 - Mike RouseMike RouseMichael Gregory Rouse is an infielder in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. He bats left-handed, although he throws right-handed....
- April 25 - Kazuhito TadanoKazuhito Tadanois a right-handed pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan's Pacific League. He had previously pitched in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians.-Biography:...
- April 26 - Mike WoodMike Wood (baseball)Michael Burton Wood is a former professional baseball pitcher. He has played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball, and one in Nippon Professional Baseball....
- April 29 - Kelly ShoppachKelly ShoppachKelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
- May 5 - Chad BentzChad BentzChad Robert Bentz is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Bentz grew up in Juneau, and he made history on April 7, by becoming the second pitcher, after Jim Abbott, to play in the major leagues after being born without one of his hands...
- May 8 - Jason Davis
- May 12 - Felipe LópezFelipe López (baseball player)Felipe López is a Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder who is a free agent.-High school career:...
- May 15 - Josh BeckettJosh BeckettJoshua Patrick Beckett is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. During his career in the playoffs, he won the 2003 World Series MVP Award with the Florida Marlins, and received the 2007 ALCS MVP award with the Red Sox.-Florida Marlins :A...
- May 18 - Luis TerreroLuis TerreroLuis Enrique Terrero is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently playing for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico of the Mexican League. Terrero debuted with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2003 and remained with the team until 2005. He has also played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2006 and the...
- May 20 - Austin KearnsAustin KearnsAustin Ryan Kearns is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent.-Cincinnati Reds:...
- May 22 - Ruddy LugoRuddy LugoRuddy Joraider Lugo is a Dominican-American Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher in the Detroit Tigers organization. Lugo is the younger brother of Atlanta Braves shortstop Julio Lugo...
- May 22 - Chad TracyChad TracyChad Austin Tracy is a Major League Baseball third baseman, who is currently with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.-College & draft:...
- May 24 - Justin HampsonJustin HampsonJustin Michael Hampson is an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher.-Colorado Rockies:Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 28th round of the 1999 MLB amateur draft, Hampson would make his Major League Baseball debut with the Colorado Rockies on September 10, .-San Diego Padres:On...
- May 25 - Scott HairstonScott HairstonScott Alexander Hairston is an outfielder in Major League Baseball. Hairston bats and throws right-handed.-High school years:...
- May 26 - Sean BarkerSean BarkerSean Reed Barker is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He made his major league debut June 6, , with a plate appearance against Chad Qualls of the Houston Astros...
- May 29 - Cha Seung BaekCha Seung BaekCha Seung Baek is a Pacific League pitcher who is currently a member of the Orix Buffaloes.Baek graduated from Busan High School, Busan, South Korea in 1998. He was signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent on September 25, 1998....
- June 16 - Dewon BrazeltonDewon BrazeltonDewon Cortez Brazelton is a professional baseball pitcher. He pitched all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball, and is currently a free agent....
- June 6 - Matt BelisleMatt BelisleMatthew Thomas Belisle is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Colorado Rockies.-Early life:...
- June 9 - Mike FontenotMike FontenotMichael Eugene "Mike" Fontenot is a Major League Baseball infielder for the San Francisco Giants.-High school career:Mike Fontenot was a standout for Salmen High School in Slidell, Louisiana...
- June 21 - Sendy RlealSendy RlealSendy Rleal Aquino is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched as a reliever for the Baltimore Orioles in 2006.In 2007, Rleal pitched in the minor leagues for the Class AA Bowie Baysox. In 2008, Rleal played with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. He pitched for the Newark Bears...
- June 22 - Luis MazaLuis MazaLuis Alberto Maza is an infielder in Major League Baseball, who is currently playing for Bbc Grosseto in the Italian Baseball League. Listed at 5'9", 180 lb., he bats and throws right-handed...
- June 26 - Chris SheltonChris Shelton (baseball player)Christopher Bob Shelton is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the New York Mets organization.-Amateur career:...
July-September
- July 1 - Nelson Cruz
- July 2 - Jermaine Van BurenJermaine Van BurenJermaine Russell Van Buren is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who now plays for Amarillo Dillas, an Independent Professional Baseball club in the United League.-Early career:...
- July 3 - John KoronkaJohn KoronkaJohn Vincent Koronka is a left-handed baseball pitcher who currently is a free agent.-Cincinnati Reds:...
- July 12 - Brad EldredBrad EldredBradley Ross Eldred is a Major League Baseball first baseman in the San Francisco Giants organization...
- July 15 - Reggie AbercrombieReggie AbercrombieReginald Damascus Abercrombie is a former Major League Baseball outfielder now playing for the Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.-Professional career:...
- July 15 - Jung Bong
- July 15 - Chris DenorfiaChris DenorfiaChristopher Anthony Denorfia is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres.-Early life:...
- July 17 - Justin KnoedlerJustin KnoedlerJustin Joseph Knoedler is a former Major League Baseball catcher.Knoedler was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 41st round in the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft out of Springfield High School but did not sign with them...
- July 21 - C. C. Sabathia
- July 23 - Dallas McPhersonDallas McPhersonDallas Lyle McPherson is an American professional baseball third baseman in the Chicago White Sox organization.-High school:McPherson played at Randleman High School under Coach Tommy Price...
- July 25 - Shawn RiggansShawn Riggans-Career:Riggans was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 24th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft. He played nine games for the Devil Rays in 2006, including eight appearances as catcher and one as a pinch hitter. In 2008, Riggans became the backup catcher for the Rays, behind...
- July 26 - Jason BottsJason BottsJason Carl Botts is a Major League Baseball infielder currently in the New York Mets organization...
- July 28 - Wilson BetemitWilson BetemitWilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds...
- July 29 - Ryan BraunRyan BraunRyan Joseph Braun is an American right-handed Major League Baseball left fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers. A perennial standout, he was ranked No...
- August 8 - Craig BreslowCraig BreslowCraig Andrew Breslow is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. He throws left-handed, and is considered a lefty specialist....
- August 13 - Jonah BaylissJonah BaylissJonah James Bayliss is an American professional baseball relief pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization...
- August 17 - Brett MyersBrett MyersBrett Allen Myers is a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who is currently playing for the Houston Astros.-High school career:...
- August 19 - Lance CormierLance CormierLance Robert Cormier is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers.-Early years:Cormier went to Lafayette High School, and graduated in...
- August 23 - Denny BautistaDenny BautistaDenny M. Bautista is Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization. He also played in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Francisco Giants.-Florida...
- August 23 - Marcus McBethMarcus McBethMarcus Andre McBeth is a right-handed professional baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent...
- August 25 - Neal MusserNeal MusserNeal Gordon Musser is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets organization.Musser began his Major League Baseball career with the Kansas City Royals in...
- August 24 - Kevin CorreiaKevin CorreiaKevin John Correia is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Early life:...
- August 26- Brendan HarrisBrendan HarrisBrendan Michael Harris Brendan Michael Harris Brendan Michael Harris (born August 26, 1980 in Albany, New York is a Major League Baseball utility infielder who is a free agent.Brendan grew up in Queensbury, New York and led the Spartans to the 1998 State Baseball Tournament. He graduated from the...
- August 28 - Ryan MadsonRyan MadsonRyan Michael Madson , nicknamed "Mad Dog", is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who is a currently a free agent...
- August 30 - Russ AdamsRuss AdamsRuss Moore Adams is a former Major League Baseball player who played for the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets organizations. Adams bats left-handed and throws with his right hand....
- September 4 - Pat NeshekPat NeshekPatrick J. Neshek is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Neshek is a graduate of Park Center Senior High School in Minnesota and of Butler University.-Early career:...
- September 7 - Mark PriorMark PriorMark William Prior is an American professional baseball pitcher in the New York Yankees organization. He pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2002-2006. His repertoire of pitches includes a low to mid 90s fastball, a curveball, a slurve, and a changeup.-Amateur career:Prior graduated from the...
- September 9 - Todd CoffeyTodd CoffeyJustin Todd Coffey is an American professional baseball pitcher. He was born in Forest City, North Carolina.-Baseball career:...
- September 9 - Ray SadlerRay SadlerRaymond Lee Sadler is a professional baseball outfielder who is currently with the Kansas City T-Bones. He played in Major League Baseball in 2005 for the Pittsburgh Pirates Sadler bats and throws right-handed, is 6'1" tall, and weighs 200 pounds...
- September 12 - Sean BurroughsSean BurroughsSean Patrick Burroughs is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent. He has previously played for the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Devil Rays....
- September 13 - Daisuke MatsuzakaDaisuke Matsuzakais a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball in the United States. He previously played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. He was selected the MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze...
- September 12 - Maicer IzturisMaicer IzturisMaicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...
- September 17 - Danny Haren
- September 19 - Ryan RobertsRyan RobertsRyan Alan Roberts is a Major League Baseball infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. A right-handed batter, Roberts is 5' 11" tall and weighs 190 pounds. He is married to actress Kim Camille. Roberts has over 30 tattoos.-College career:After graduating from L. D...
- September 24 - Levale SpeignerLevale SpeignerJimmy Levale Speigner is an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent...
- September 29 - Miguel AsencioMiguel AsencioMiguel DePaula Asencio is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He began his pro-career in in the Dominican Republic. In eleven games, he went 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA....
- September 29 - Dewon DayDewon DayAmos Dewon Day is a relief pitcher who is currently in the Oakland Athletics organization. He had two brief stints with the Chicago White Sox in , sandwiched around a trip to the disabled list...
- September 30 - Bryan BullingtonBryan BullingtonBryan Paul Bullington is a right-handed pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball...
October-December
- October 1 - Chad OrvellaChad OrvellaChad Robert Orvella is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. He spent his college career at North Carolina State University as their starting shortstop and would also pitch in certain situations...
- October 9 - Mark McLemoreMark McLemore (pitcher)Mark Steven McLemore is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Florida Marlins organization.He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft out of Oregon State University...
- October 10 - Noah LowryNoah LowryNoah Ryan Lowry is a free agent left-handed starting pitcher formerly of the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball.-College and the MLB Draft:...
- October 18 - Shane KomineShane KomineShane Kenji Komine is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher. He made his major league debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 30,...
- October 19 - José Bautista
- October 19 - Rajai DavisRajai DavisRajai Davis [RAH-jay] is an American professional baseball center fielder with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball....
- October 20 - José VerasJose VerasJosé Enger Veras Romero is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Playing career:Veras was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in . He rose through the Tampa Bay minor league system, mostly as a starter. Veras struggled when he reached AAA,...
- October 21 - Troy CateTroy CateTroy Patrick Cate is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He is retired.He went to school and played baseball at Ricks College. After finishing school there, he served as a Mormon missionary in England....
- October 21 - Jon CoutlangusJon CoutlangusJonathan Thomas Coutlangus is an American baseball pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.He played college ball at the University of South Carolina.-Baseball career:...
- October 23 - Pedro LirianoPedro LirianoPedro Antonio Liriano is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies ....
- October 25 - Clint NageotteClint NageotteClinton Scott Nageotte [nuh-ZHOTT] is a right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent. Nageotte was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 5th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and played parts of three seasons for the Mariners, from through...
- October 27 - Kelvin JiménezKelvin JiménezKelvin Jiménez is a relief pitcher who plays for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Nippon Professional Baseball. Listed at 6'2", 195 lb., he bats and throws right-handed....
- October 30 - Mike Jacobs
- November 6 - Mike Thompson
- November 21 - Hank BlalockHank BlalockHank Joe Blalock is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent.-High school:Blalock attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California...
- November 22 - Jonny GomesJonny GomesJonathan Johnson "Jonny" Gomes is an American professional baseball outfielder.-Early years:...
- November 23 - Jonathan PapelbonJonathan PapelbonJonathan Robert Papelbon is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. Before joining the Phillies, Papelbon played with the Boston Red Sox from 2005-2011....
- November 24 - Jeff SalazarJeff SalazarJeffrey Dewan Salazar is a Major League Baseball outfielder. He made his major league debut on September 7, ....
- November 25 - Nick SwisherNick SwisherNicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
- November 30 - Shane VictorinoShane VictorinoShane Patrick Victorino is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed.-Career:...
- December 2 - Eric ReedEric ReedEric Shane Reed is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He is an alumnus of Texas A&M University...
- December 4 - Gustavo ChacínGustavo ChacínGustavo Adolfo Chacín is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Toronto Blue Jays:In 2004, Chacín led all minor leaguers with 18 wins, and was the 24th pitcher used by the Blue Jays, tying the team record set in the 2002 season...
- December 11 - Joe BlantonJoe BlantonJoseph Matthew Blanton is a starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.-College career:...
- December 21 - Royce RingRoyce RingRoger Royce Ring is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Schools:Ring graduated from Monte Vista High School and attended San Diego State University where he was a star closer....
- December 23 - Cody RossCody RossCody Joseph Ross is an American professional baseball outfielder. He has played with the Detroit Tigers , Los Angeles Dodgers , Cincinnati Reds , and Florida Marlins and San Francisco Giants...
- December 27 - Jason RepkoJason RepkoJason Edward Repko is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. Naturally a centerfielder, his career has been slowed by numerous injuries.-High school years:...
Deaths
- January 10 - Hughie CritzHughie CritzHugh Melville Critz was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1920s and the New York Giants in the 1930s.-Career overview:...
, 79, second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants who led NL in fielding four times and double plays three times - January 21 - Gene RyeGene RyeEugene Rudolph Rye [Half Pint] was a utility player in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 5'6", 165 lb., Rye batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
, 73, outfielder for the 1931 Boston Red Sox - February 1 - Fred WaltersFred WaltersFred James Walters [Whale] was a backup catcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 6' 1", 210 lb., Walters batted and threw right-handed...
, 67, catcher for the 1945 Boston Red Sox, and one of many players who only appeared in the majors during World War II - February 2 - Jack RothrockJack RothrockJohn Huston Rothrock was a utility player in Major League Baseball who played for four different teams between the and seasons. Listed at 5'11", 165 lb., Rothrock was a switch-hitter who threw right-handed. He was born in Long Beach, California.Rothrock was a line drive hitter and...
, 74, center fielder for four different teams from 1925 to 1937, who led the victorious St. Louis Cardinals with six RBI in the 1934 World Series - March 1 - Emmett AshfordEmmett AshfordEmmett Littleton Ashford , nicknamed "Ash", was the first African American umpire in Major League Baseball, working in the American League from 1966 to 1970....
, 65, the major leagues' first black umpire, who worked in the American League from 1966 to 1970 and in the 1970 World Series - March 1 - Johnny Watwood, 74, center fielder who played from 1929 to 1939 for the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies
- April 7 - Buck CanelBuck CanelEloy "Buck" Canel was an American Spanish language sportscaster of Major League Baseball games. Canel was born in Argentina when his father was working for the Spain consulate in that country. He won the 1985 Ford C. Frick Award. He began his career in journalism...
, 74, Spanish-language broadcaster of 42 World Series, as well as many years of New York Yankees games - April 21 - Ray DobensRay DobensRaymond Joseph Dobens [Lefty] was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the 1929 season. Listed at 5' 8", 175 lb, Dobens batted and threw left-handed. He was born in Nashua, New Hampshire.Dobens recorded a 3.81 ERA with four strikeouts and 28 ⅓...
, 73, pitcher for the 1929 Boston Red Sox - April 21 - Joe PageJoe PageJoseph Francis Page , nicknamed Fireman and The Gay Reliever, was a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Page, who was left-handed, played with the New York Yankees from to and with the Pittsburgh Pirates in .-Professional career:Page was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free...
, 62, All-Star relief pitcher for the New York Yankees who set single-season record with 27 saves in 1949, led AL in saves and appearances twice each - April 28 - Bob PorterfieldBob PorterfieldErwin Coolidge "Bob" Porterfield is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for twelve seasons between 1948 and 1959 for the New York Yankees, Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs...
, 56, All-Star pitcher who was named The Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year in 1953 after a 22-10 season with the Senators - June 1 - Rube MarquardRube MarquardRichard William "Rube" Marquard was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball in the 1910s and early 1920s...
, 93, Hall of Fame pitcher who retired with 201 wins and the NL record for career strikeouts by a left-hander (1593); had 19 consecutive wins for the Giants in 1912 for a modern major league record - June 3 - Fred LiebFred LiebFrederick Lieb was an American sportswriter and baseball historian. He and his wife Mary were especially close to Lou Gehrig. Walter Brennan's character in the movie The Pride of the Yankees was loosely based on him...
, 92, sportswriter who covered every World Series from 1911 to 1958 - June 9 - Odell HaleOdell HaleOdell Hale was a Major League Baseball infielder in the 1930s and early 1940s, primarily for the Cleveland Indians. Though he was born Arvel Odell Hale, baseball encyclopedias listed him simply as Odell Hale, which stuck with him as well as the nickname "Bad News". He had a good career, with many...
, 71, infielder for the Cleveland Indians in the 1930s, who hit .300 three times and collected two 100-RBI seasons - July 4 - Jack MartinJack Martin (baseball)John Christopher Martin was an infielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly at shortstop for three different teams between the and seasons...
, 93, shortstop who played from 1912 to 1914 for the New York Highlanders, Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies - July 23 - Wally SnellWally SnellWalter Henry "Doc" Snell was a pinch-hitter/catcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Following this brief baseball career he became a successful mycologist who worked primarily at Brown University for the next 60 years.-Baseball career:Snell...
, 91, catcher for the 1913 Boston Red Sox, who later went on to a distinguished career as a college botany professor and athletic coach at Brown University for four decades - July 30 - Joe LuceyJoe LuceyJoseph Earl Lucey [Scootch] was an infielder/pitcher in Major League Baseball. Listed at 6' 0", 168 lb., Lucey batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts....
, 83, infielder/pitcher for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox between 1920 and 1925 - August 4 - Lefty JamersonLefty JamersonCharles Dewey Jamerson was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Listed at 6' 1", 195 lb., he batted and threw left-handed....
, 80, pitcher for the 1924 Boston Red Sox - August 27 - John Wilson, 77, pitched briefly for the Red Sox from 1927 to 1928
- September 24 - Ernie ShoreErnie ShoreErnest Grady Shore was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox during some of their best years in the 1910s....
, 89, pitcher who relieved Babe RuthBabe RuthGeorge Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
with a man on first in a 1917 game and proceeded to retire the runner and all 26 remaining batters - October 1 - Pat VeltmanPat VeltmanPat Veltman played pro baseball from 1926 to 1934. He played for the Chicago White Sox, New York Giants, Boston Braves, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He never played as a starter, the most at bats he collected in one season was 28 in 1934. The other seasons he had less than 4 at bats, many he only had...
, 74, utility player best known for his 1928 season, where his only hit was a triple - November 29 - Bill DunlapBill DunlapWilliam Dunlap may refer to:* William Dunlap , pioneer of the American theater* William Dunlap Simpson , Governor of South Carolina...
, 71, outfielder for the Boston Braves from 1929 to 1930 - December 5 - Don PadgettDon PadgettDon Wilson Padgett born in Caroleen, North Carolina was a Catcher/Outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals , Brooklyn Dodgers , Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies ....
, 69, backup catcher/outfielder who hit .288 in 699 games with the Cardinals, Dodgers, Braves and Phillies from 1937-48 - December 14 - Elston HowardElston HowardElston Gene Howard was an American Negro League and Major League Baseball catcher, left fielder and coach. During a 14-year baseball career, he played from 1955–1968, primarily for the New York Yankees...
, 51, nine-time All-Star catcher for the New York Yankees who was that team's first black player and the AL's 1963 MVP; later a coach - December 31 - Bob ShawkeyBob ShawkeyJames Robert Shawkey was a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher from to .-Biography:Shawkey born to John William Shawkey and Sarah Catherine Anthony, in Sigel, Pennsylvania...
, 90, pitcher who had four 20-win seasons for the Yankees, later was coach at Dartmouth