"You measure the value of a ballplayer by how many fannies he puts in the seats." -GEORGE STEINBRENNER, Yankee owner (1973-90, '93-present)

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1920 The secret deal made on December 26 to sell Babe Ruth to New York for $125,000 (twice the amount previously ever paid for a player) is announced publicly. Harry Frazee, the cash-strapped owner of the Red Sox, also secures a $300,000 loan from the Yankees as part of the deal.

1946 The Tigers trade Eddie Lake to the Red Sox for Rudy York.


1973 Tampa ship builder George Steinbrenner, heading a limited partnership, purchases Yankees from CBS.


1974 The Yankees sign Bill Virdon as manager. Although the former Pirate skipper will manage for two years in New York, he will never win a game at Yankee Stadium (the Bronx Bombers will play home games at Shea due to renovations at the stadium).


2001 The Astros sign free agent Ken Bottenfield to a one-year contract. The 32-year old hurler started last season with the Angels after being traded by the Cardinals for Jim Emmonds. The deal does not work out for Anaheim as the former 19-game winner is 7-8 with an ERA of 5.71 before being dealt to the Phillies.