IN THE NEWS: In the January amateur draft, the Phillies pick Dick Ruthven, the Rangers take C Jim Sundberg, and the Cubs pick RHP Donnie Moore. The Reds pick Southern Miss punter Ray Guy on the 3rd round, but he chooses the NFL instead.
IN THE NEWS: Cincinnati attorney Louis Nippert assumes control of the Reds when he purchases 51% of the stock from the Gamble and Williams families. Nippert was part of the group that bought the Reds in 1966.
IN THE NEWS: The Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee selects 19th-century players Mickey Welch and George Kelly, plus umpire Billy Evans, for enshrinement.