Template:Today in Baseball/January 31

December 1: Today's featured birthday is that of Larry Walker, who turns 58.

• 1898 - After 19 seasons, Cap Anson (pictured) is let go by the Chicago Colts. The club will become known as the Chicago Orphans without its long-time leader.
• 1950 - Paul Pettit signs a then-record $100,000 contract as a bonus baby, joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will only win one game in the major leagues.
• 1952 - Harry Heilmann and Paul Waner are elected to the Hall of Fame.
• 1969 - The usage of the Designated hitter rule is approved for use in four minor leagues.
• 1999 - Shohei Baba dies of liver cancer. A former Yomiuri Giants hurler, he became Japan's most famous wrestler as "Giant Baba" after his baseball career ended.

Also on this date - several players become the highest-paid players ever - Willie Mays for $90,000 in 1962, Barry Bonds for $4.7 million in 1992 and Ken Griffey Jr. for $8.5 million per year in 1996.

Recent days: January 30 – January 29 – January 28