January 31st in 1990s Baseball
Happy Birthday to Nolan Ryan!
Happy 1990s Birthday to Rafael Santana, who debuted with the Cardinals in 1983, won a ring with the Mets in 1986, and finished his playing career with Cleveland in 1990 before becoming minor league coach and manager. He also coached at the major-league level.
Happy 1990s Birthday to Francisco Oliveras, who pitched for the Giants and Twins from 1989 through 1992.
Happy 1990s Birthday to Dave Cochrane, who played 218 games in the bigs and played every position except pitcher and center field. He is one of a select few to log significant time at catcher and shortstop during their careers.
Happy 1990s Birthday to Steve Phoenix, who pitched in 3 games for the A’s in 1994 and 1995.
Happy 1990s Birthday to Joel Bennett, who appeared in 7 games for the Phillies and Orioles in 1998 and 1999.
Happy 1990s Birthday to Chris Pritchett, who played in 61 games for the Angels and Phillies between 1996 and 2000.
1/31/90
The Pirates sign Wally Backman to a one-year free agent deal worth $400,000. He hits .292 in 104 games and signs with the Phillies in the offseason.
1/31/91
The Dodgers avoid arbitration with Fernando Valenzuela by signing him to a one-year deal worth $2,550,000. L.A. releases Fernando in March and he hooks on with the Angels before spending all of 1992 pitching in Mexico.
1/31/91
The Pirates avoid arbitration with John Smiley by signing him to a one year deal worth $1.05 million. It turns out to be a bargain as Smiley goes 20-8 for the Bucs.
1/31/92
The Royals and Jim Eisenreich agree on a one-year deal worth $1.65 million.
1/31/92
The Royals and Kevin Seitzer agree on a one-yea deal worth $1.625 million, the same he made in 1991.
1/31/92
The Reds avoid arbitration with Norm Charlton by signing him to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million. Back in the bullpen full time, Charlton earns 26 saves to lead the team.
1/31/92
The Pirates sign Barry Bonds to a one-year contract worth $4.7 million. It is the largest-ever one-year deal ever, breaking the record set by Cecil Fielder three days earlier.
1/31/94
The Angels sign Bo Jackson to a one-year free agent deal worth $1 million. Bo hits .279 with 13 homers in 75 games on one leg and his career is over.
1/31/94
The Cardinals sign Rick Sutcliffe to a minor league deal with a spring training invite. Sutcliffe began the previous season by going 8-2, but injured his knee and ended the year with a 10-10 record. He goes 6-4 with a 6.52 E.R.A. in 16 games and his career is over.
1/31/94
The Mariners sign Bobby Thigpen to a minor league deal with a spring training invite. He goes 0-2 in 7 games and is released at the end of April, ending his major league career.
1/31/96
Ken Griffey, Jr. becomes the highest-paid major league player when he signs a four-year, $34 million contract with Seattle.
1/31/96
The Pirates sign 40-year-old Danny Darwin as a free agent. He goes 7-9 for the Bucs and is flipped to Houston at the deadline. The man was undrafted and pitched in the big leagues for 21 years.
1/31/97
Reds reliever Jeff Brantley picks up his 1996 Rolaids Relief Man trophy for leading MLB with 44 saves. As a nice gesture, Brantley gifts his setup man, Jeff Shaw, a Rolex. Shaw wins the Rolaids Award in 1997.
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