Today in Braves History: Atlanta signs a crucial player to a one-year contract.

Braves Franchise History:

1912 – Boston Braves owner James Gaffney acquires the Allston Golf Club on Commonwealth Avenue with the intention of constructing a ballpark. Groundbreaking for the new ballpark is scheduled for March 20, 1915.

1998 – The Atlanta Braves sign free agent outfielder Otis Nixon. Nixon, known for his speed, was a starting player for Atlanta from 1991 to 1993.

2009 – The Braves ink reliever Billy Wagner to a one-year, $7 million contract. Wagner impressively saves 37 games for Atlanta with a 1.43 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 69 1⁄3 innings. Wagner retires at the end of the season with 422 career saves.

2016 – The Braves trade Luke Dykstra, Chris Ellis, and John Gant to the Cardinals in exchange for veteran Jaime Garcia.

MLB History:

1928 – NL President John Heydler proposes using a designated hitter (DH) to hit in place of the pitcher. Although the NL approves the proposal, the American League rejects it.

1942 – World War II travel restrictions dominate major league meetings in Chicago. Owners decide to limit travel to a three-trip schedule instead of the usual four. Spring training in 1943 will be confined to locations north of the Potomac or Ohio rivers and east of the Mississippi.

1954 – The Yankees and Orioles complete the largest trade in major league history, involving 17 players, including Don Larsen, Gene Woodling, and Bob Turley.

1964 – The Houston Colt .45s change their nickname to “Astros.” This change coincides with the team’s move from Colt Stadium to the Harris County Domed Stadium, also known as the Astrodome. The decision is prompted by a dispute with the Colt firearm company and the team’s proximity to NASA headquarters.

1971 – The Chicago Cubs release future Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, concluding his 19-year major league career. Banks will serve as a coach on manager Leo Durocher’s staff next season. He finishes his playing career with 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI.

1987 – The San Francisco Giants sign free agent outfielder Brett Butler.

2000 – Reliever Turk Wendell agrees to a three-year deal worth $9,999,999 with the New York Mets.

2014 – The Seattle Mariners sign outfielder Nelson Cruz to a four-year, $57 million deal.

2015 – The Boston Red Sox sign free agent starter David Price to a seven-year deal worth $217 million.

2018 – The New York Mets acquire second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz from Seattle in exchange for Jay Bruce and Anthony Swarzak, along with prospects Gerson Bautista, Justin Dunn, and Jarred Kelenic.