3/19 & 3/20 in Yankee History

On the 19th of March over the years…

2006: After Randy Johnson throws 6 shutout innings in a grapefruit league game against the Astros, reliever Al Leiter pitches to one batter before leaving. He will announce his retirement at a press conference after the game.

2003: The Yankees trade outfielder Rondell White (below) to the Padres for outfielder Bubba Trammell and pitcher Mark Phillips.

rondell white.jpg

1989: With Dave Winfield sidelined‚ the Yankees trade catcher Joel Skinner and a minor leaguer to the Indians for outfielder Mel Hall. Winfield will miss all of the 1989 season after undergoing back surgery next week for central disc herniation.

1974: In a 3-team deal involving the Indians, Tigers and Yankees. Pitcher Jim Perry joins his brother Gaylord in Cleveland. Pitcher Ed Farmer and outfielder Walt ‘No Neck’ Williams end up on the Yankees, while former Thurman Munson backup Gerry Moses goes to the Motor City.

1871: ‘Iron Man’ Joe McGinnity is born. McGinnity pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 1901-02. When the Orioles moved to New York in 1903 to become the Highlanders, he would jump to the Giants, with whom he achieved his Hall of Fame credentials.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcginjo01.shtml

…and on the 20th…

1984: Hall of Fame pitcher Stan Coveleski dies in South Bend, Indiana at the age of 94. Coveleski pitched for the Philadelphia A’s, the Indians, and the Senators before finishing his career with the 1928 Yankees Championship team. Over a 14-year career, he won 215 games, which included five 20-win seasons.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Stan_Coveleski

1961: The Yankees announce that the team will oppose any plan that would enable the new National League expansion franchise in the city to share Yankee Stadium. This decision leaves the old Polo Grounds as the only viable option for the NL’s new team, the Mets.