On December 26, 1919—exactly 97 years ago today—
Harry Frazee became the biggest villain in Boston baseball history. The Red Sox owner sold the rights to a young player who not only pitched brilliantly but had just
set the single-season HR mark at 29 in 1919. He also knocked in 113 runs, while starting 15 games and delivering a 2.97 ERA in '19. Ah, what the heck, dump him to your biggest rival. So,
George Herman 'Babe' Ruth was sold to the soon-to-be
Evil Ones for a mere pittance ($100,000). Over the next 15 seasons, Ruth hit .349 with 659 HRs.
Nice goin', Harry!