It’s been mentioned in the last few days, but it was officially on December 11, 2017, that the Yankees closed on a biggie, obtaining outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, the 2017 NL MVP, in a trade with Miami for minor leaguers Jose Devers and Jorge Guzman, and second baseman Starlin Castro.
“We play today; we win today.â€
The Yankee acquisition of free agent infielder Mariano Duncan on December 11, 1995, was a huge factor in the upcoming successful 1996 World Championship season. The defense-challenged Duncan contributed eight homers, 56 rbi’s, and in particular a .340 batting average to the ’96 team, and his trademark quote from that glorious season became a rallying cry.
On December 11, 1951, the Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio, retired from the game. His 56-game consecutive-game hitting streak in 1941 may never be beaten, he patrolled the vast stretches in Death Valley with grace and skill, and he retired with a .325 career batting average, and 361 home runs.
Record-setting home-run hitter Roger Maris was acquired from the Kansas City A’s on December 11, 1959, in a seven-player trade that saw pitcher Don Larsen, outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, and first baseman Marv Throneberry moved to the Athletics. “Rajah†would win back-to-back MVPs, in addition to his magical “61 in ’61.â€
The Yanks erected two huge building blocks to the team that would win three pennants and two World Series the next three seasons on December 11, 1975. First, pitcher Doc Medich was shipped to Pittsburgh for pitchers Dock Ellis and Ken Brett and second baseman Willie Randolph. Then Bobby Bonds, who had been swapped for fellow outfielder Bobby Murcer the year before, was sent to California for speedy center fielder Mickey Rivers and reliable starter Ed Figueroa.