Grover Cleveland Alexander is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. 1958 — Canadian born Willie O’Ree becomes the NHL’s first black player for the Boston Bruins. 1972 — The Lakers’ Jerry West, hits a ...

1973 — Orlando ... Cepeda becomes the first player signed specifically to be a designated hitter. He signs with the Boston Red Sox one week after the designated hitter rule is approved. 1976 — ...