Visi Money
TLDR:
- February 29 is a rare date in baseball history, with only 16 MLB players born on this day.
- Key financial transactions, such as the sale of the Cleveland Indians and player contracts, have occurred on this unique date.
Welcome to February 29, a day that only occurs in a Leap Year. This date holds significance in baseball history, with only 16 MLB players being born on February 29. Two notable players born on this day were Pepper Martin and Al Rosen, both legends in their own right. Martin was a part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Gashouse Gang and Rosen won the American League MVP in 1953.
Financially, February 29 has seen significant transactions in baseball. In 1956, the Cleveland Indians were sold to a group that included Hank Greenberg for a whopping $4 million. Fast forward to 2016, when Juan Uribe was paid $4 million by the Indians for his services.
In terms of player contracts, February 29, 1972, marked a milestone when Hank Aaron signed a contract for $200,000, becoming the first player in MLB to do so. This was a significant increase from the $6,000 he made as a rookie in 1954. The article also highlights the exponential growth of player salaries over the years, with the highest-paid player in 1994 earning $6.3 million, compared to $32 million in 2016.
Overall, February 29 has been a rare yet interesting date in baseball finance, showcasing the historical and financial significance of this unique day in the sport’s history.
