IN THE NEWS: IL President Frank Shaughnessy reports that club owners are sympathetic to player demands for a pension plan, but says there is no way that $250,000 can be raised to start one.
National League President Warren Giles says he doubts New York City will get a franchise for several years. He says the NL will reject expansion now, even if assured of a stadium and financial backing.
The Indians send 2B Bobby Avila to the Orioles for P Russ Heman and cash.
IN THE NEWS: American League President Will Harridge announces his retirement.
The Giants trade P Ruben Gomez and C Valmy Thomas to the Phils for P Jack Sanford. Sanford, who slipped in his sophomore year will win 24 games in 1962, including 16 in a row, while leading the Giants to a pennant. The Phils Carpenter will later rue, "it was the worst trade I ever made."
IN THE NEWS: The American Association expands to 10 teams by admitting Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth from the Texas League. This effectively denudes the Texas League, leaving it with five teams and a vacancy.
IN THE NEWS: The Phils, under pressure provided by the Yankees' threat to broadcast into their territory, drop any plans for 1959 broadcasts to New York City. The Cards and Pirates follow suit.
IN THE NEWS: The University of Pittsburgh agrees to buy Forbes Field from the Pirates and lease it to them for five years, or until a new municipal stadium is built.
IN THE NEWS: The Dodgers trade minor league infielder Sparky Anderson to the Phillies for OF Rip Repulski and pitchers Gene Snyder and Jim Golden. Sparky will be the Phils' regular 2B in 1959, his only big league season as a player. His 152 games is the most for a one-season career and his 119 total bases is the fewest ever for a player with 500 at bats.