Major league trading deadline approaching

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Posted By: Ken McMillan

As we all may have heard, the deadline for trades in the major leagues is approaching. I have heard that this rule was implemented in the early 1920's due to trades with the Yankees and Red Sox affecting the outcome of pennant races and ultimately the world series. Does anyone know the year the rule was started and the players involved that ultimately led to the trade rule? Interesting question for vintage card collectors.

Ken

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Posted By: Anonymous

It started in 1922 when both the Cards and Browns were competing for the pennant in their respective leagues. Both the Giants and the Yankees made trades late in the year, I am thinking August, that helped both teams clinch the pennant, thus depriving the world of an all St. Louis series. They complained mightily, I think Branch Rickey had the most influence, and the deadline came to be the next year.

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Posted By: Ken McMillan

found this trade that started the rule change.

» July 23, 1922: The Yankees start planning for the Series when they pick up 3B Joe Dugan and one-time Cleveland World Series hero Elmer Smith from Boston, giving up OF Elmer Miller, SS Chick Fewster, SS John Mitchell, and, later, P Lefty O'Doul. The contending Browns and other western clubs howl in protest and this deal will lead to a rule barring nonwaiver trades after June 15th.


would be nice to see cards of all the players involved

Ken