1939 Major League Baseball Transactions

This page is missing Negro League transactions because we do not have that data at this time. Negro Leagues Data: Frequently Asked Questions (NEW)

All Transactions

Transactions listed are from November 1 of previous year to April 1 of the following year. This page is missing Negro League transactions because we do not have that data at this time. Negro Leagues Data: Frequently Asked Questions (NEW)

November 5, 1938

Syracuse (International) purchased John Kroner from the Cleveland Indians.
November 10, 1938

The Philadelphia Athletics sent plus additional compensation (November 10, 1938) and Ralph Buxton (November 10, 1938) to Oakland (PCL) to complete the trade.
November 19, 1938

The Cleveland Indians purchased Johnny Broaca from the New York Yankees.
December, 1938

Buffalo (International) purchased Joe Cascarella from the Cincinnati Reds.
December 6, 1938

Hollywood (PCL) purchased Bill Cissell from the New York Giants.

Shreveport (Texas) purchased Gene Ford from the Chicago White Sox.

The Boston Red Sox purchased Elon Hogsett from the Washington Nationals.

The Chicago Cubs traded Frank Demaree, Billy Jurges and Ken O'Dea to the New York Giants for Dick Bartell, Hank Leiber and Gus Mancuso.

The Boston Red Sox traded Johnny Marcum to the St. Louis Browns for Tom Carey.
December 7, 1938

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Les Powers from the New York Giants.

The Chicago White Sox purchased Bobby Reis from the Boston Bees.

The Boston Red Sox purchased Phil Weintraub from the Philadelphia Phillies.
December 8, 1938

The Chicago Cubs purchased Ray Harrell from the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Brooklyn Dodgers traded a player to be named later and cash and 2 players to the Cleveland Indians for Charles George. The Brooklyn Dodgers sent Willie Duke (minors) (December 8, 1938) to the Cleveland Indians to complete the trade. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Cincinnati Reds traded Dusty Cooke to the St. Louis Cardinals for Frenchy Bordagaray.
December 10, 1938

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Jennings Poindexter from Little Rock (Southern Association).

The Chicago Cubs released Tony Lazzeri.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Tony Lazzeri as a free agent.
December 11, 1938

The New York Giants traded Tom Baker, Jim Carlin and $20,000 to the Washington Nationals for Zeke Bonura.
December 12, 1938
December 13, 1938

Oakland (Pacific Coast) purchased Johnny Vergez from the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Brooklyn Dodgers traded Lew Krausse and cash to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jimmy Outlaw.

The Brooklyn Dodgers traded Fred Frankhouse to the Boston Bees for Joe Stripp.

The Brooklyn Dodgers traded Buddy Hassett and Jimmy Outlaw to the Boston Bees for Ira Hutchinson and Gene Moore.
December 14, 1938

Seattle (PCL) purchased Gilly Campbell from the Brooklyn Dodgers.
December 15, 1938

The New York Giants purchased Bill Harris from the Boston Red Sox.

The St. Louis Cardinals purchased Coaker Triplett from the Chicago Cubs.

The Boston Red Sox traded Ben Chapman to the Cleveland Indians for Denny Galehouse and Tommy Irwin.

The Boston Red Sox traded Pinky Higgins and Archie McKain to the Detroit Tigers for Elden Auker, Chet Morgan and Jake Wade.
December 16, 1938

The Boston Bees traded Ray Mueller to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Johnny Dickshot, Al Todd and cash.
December 17, 1938

The Washington Nationals purchased Al Williams from the Philadelphia Athletics.
December 19, 1938

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Luke Sewell from the Chicago White Sox.

The Philadelphia Phillies released Bill Hallahan.
December 21, 1938

The Boston Red Sox traded Eric McNair to the Chicago White Sox for Boze Berger.
December 29, 1938

The Boston Bees purchased Al Simmons from the Washington Nationals for $3,000.
Before 1939 Season

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Boom-Boom Beck as a free agent.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Bobby Adams as an amateur free agent.

The Chicago Cubs signed Red Adams as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Ferrell Anderson as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Gene Bearden as an amateur free agent.

The Cleveland Indians signed Johnny Blatnik as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Hank Borowy as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Joe Collins as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Browns signed Bob Dillinger as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed George Dockins as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Karl Drews as an amateur free agent.

The Cleveland Indians signed Hank Edwards as an amateur free agent.

The Boston Red Sox signed Tommy Fine as an amateur free agent.

The Cleveland Indians signed Steve Gromek as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Gene Hermanski as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Billy Hitchcock as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Ralph Houk as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Bill Kennedy as an amateur free agent.

The Detroit Tigers signed Gene Markland as an amateur free agent.

The Washington Nationals signed Walt Masterson as an amateur free agent.

The Detroit Tigers signed George Metkovich as an amateur free agent.

The Detroit Tigers signed Hal Newhouser as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Ron Northey as an amateur free agent.

The Washington Nationals signed Roberto Ortiz as an amateur free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Johnny Ostrowski as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Johnny Podgajny as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Howie Pollet as an amateur free agent.

The Cleveland Indians signed Allie Reynolds as an amateur free agent.

The Washington Nationals signed Sherry Robertson as an amateur free agent.

The Boston Bees signed Skippy Roberge as an amateur free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Stan Rojek as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Browns signed Fred Sanford as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Bud Souchock as an amateur free agent.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Clyde Vollmer as an amateur free agent.

The Chicago Cubs signed Eddie Waitkus as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Jack Wallaesa as an amateur free agent.

The Chicago White Sox signed Jimmy Grant as a free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies obtained Bobby Bragan from Pensacola (Southeastern) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Boston Bees obtained John Dudra from Owensboro (Kitty) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Chicago White Sox obtained Eddie Lopat from Shreveport (Texas) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Cleveland Indians obtained Sal Maglie from Buffalo (International) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The St. Louis Browns obtained Jim Russell from Beaver Falls (Pennsylvania State Association) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Boston Red Sox returned Phil Weintraub to Minneapolis (American Association) after expiration of minor league working agreement.

The Boston Bees released Woody Abernathy.

The New York Giants released Tom Ferrick.

Ken Holcombe sent from Greensburg (Pennsylvania State Association) to the St. Louis Cardinals in an unknown transaction.

Stan Klopp sent from the Brooklyn Dodgers to ??? in an unknown transaction.

Bill Voiselle sent from Moultrie (Georgia-Florida) to the Boston Red Sox in an unknown transaction.

Hal White sent from Rome (Canadian-American) to the Cleveland Indians in an unknown transaction.

Phil Masi of the Cleveland Indians granted free agency.

The Washington Nationals returned Mike McCormick to Indianapolis (American Association) after expiration of minor league working agreement.

The Cleveland Indians returned Johnny Schmitz to Milwaukee (American Association) after expiration of minor league working agreement.

The Boston Bees signed Phil Masi as a free agent.

The Cincinnati Reds obtained Mike McCormick from Indianapolis (American Association) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Boston Red Sox obtained Pee Wee Reese from Louisville (American Association) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Chicago Cubs obtained Johnny Schmitz from Milwaukee (American Association) as part of a minor league working agreement.
January 5, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers traded a player to be named later and cash to the Washington Nationals for Fred Sington. The Brooklyn Dodgers sent Johnnie Chambers (January 5, 1939) to the Washington Nationals to complete the trade.
January 13, 1939

Hollywood (PCL) purchased Harl Maggert from the Boston Bees.
January 14, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates released Red Lucas.
January 21, 1939

Syracuse (International) purchased Tommy Heath from the St. Louis Browns.
January 24, 1939

The Chicago Cubs purchased Jim Gleeson from the New York Yankees for $25,000.
February 1, 1939

The Cleveland Indians released Earl Whitehill.
February 2, 1939

Memphis (Southern Association) purchased Tom Lanning from the Philadelphia Phillies.
February 4, 1939

The Boston Bees traded players to be named later, Gil English, Johnny Riddle and cash to the New York Yankees for Eddie Miller. The Boston Bees sent Tommy Reis (October 27, 1938), Johnny Babich (October 27, 1938) and Vince DiMaggio (February 4, 1939) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.
February 6, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Jack LaRocca (minors), Chris Hartje and Kemp Wicker from the New York Yankees for $50,000.
February 10, 1939

The Chicago Cubs purchased Julio Bonetti from the St. Louis Browns.
February 14, 1939

The Chicago Cubs signed Earl Whitehill as a free agent.

The Cincinnati Reds purchased Mel Preibisch from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
February 15, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed George Susce as a free agent.
February 16, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers released Joe Stripp.
February 17, 1939

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Dick Sisler as an amateur free agent.
February 18, 1939

Oklahoma City (Texas) purchased George Dickey from the Boston Red Sox.

The Chicago Cubs purchased Ken Jungels from the Cleveland Indians.
February 23, 1939

The New York Giants purchased Al Glossop from the Cincinnati Reds.

The Chicago Cubs purchased Woody English from the Cincinnati Reds.
March 2, 1939

Minneapolis (American Association) purchased Les Tietje from the St. Louis Browns.
March 16, 1939

The Cincinnati Reds purchased Billy Werber from the Philadelphia Athletics.
March 17, 1939

The Chicago Cubs purchased Charlie English from the Cincinnati Reds for $10,000.
March 21, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Joe Rullo as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Wally Millies from Baltimore (International).
March 23, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates released Ed Brandt.
March 24, 1939

Hartford (Eastern) purchased Butch Sutcliffe from the Boston Bees.
March 27, 1939

The Boston Red Sox purchased Monte Weaver from the Washington Nationals.
March 29, 1939

Syracuse (International) purchased Buck Jordan from the Philadelphia Phillies.
March 31, 1939

The Boston Bees sent Bob Kahle to the New York Yankees as part of a conditional deal.

The Brooklyn Dodgers traded Bill Posedel to the Boston Bees for Al Todd.
April, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Stan Benjamin from Chattanooga (Southern Association) for $10,000.
April 4, 1939

Baltimore (International) sent Harry Matuzak to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a conditional deal.
April 5, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Dave Coble from Little Rock (Southern Association).
April 8, 1939

The New York Yankees traded Len Gabrielson to the Philadelphia Phillies for Pete Sivess and cash.
April 9, 1939

Minneapolis (American Association) returned Les Tietje to the St. Louis Browns following previous purchase. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Brooklyn Dodgers selected Boots Poffenberger off waivers from the Detroit Tigers.
April 10, 1939

Lou Tost assigned by the St. Louis Browns to Hollywood (PCL).

The New York Giants purchased Johnny Dickshot from the Boston Bees.

Ken Richardson sent from Chattanooga (Southern Association) to the Philadelphia Athletics in an unknown transaction.
April 16, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies returned Harry Matuzak to Baltimore (International) as part of a conditional deal.
April 20, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers released Luke Sewell.
April 23, 1939

The Cleveland Indians signed Luke Sewell as a free agent.
April 24, 1939

Milwaukee (American Association) purchased Oliver Hill from the Boston Bees.
April 25, 1939

The St. Louis Browns released Red Barkley.
April 26, 1939

Atlanta (Southern Association) purchased Stan Sperry from the Philadelphia Athletics.

The Philadelphia Phillies released Cap Clark. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
April 27, 1939

The St. Louis Browns purchased Tommy Thompson from the Chicago White Sox.

The Chicago White Sox selected Eddie Smith off waivers from the Philadelphia Athletics.
April 29, 1939

The Boston Bees signed Red Barkley as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

Len Gabrielson returned to original team on April 29, 1939. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
May, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Bob McNamara as an amateur free agent.

Eddie Stanky sent from the Philadelphia Athletics to the Brooklyn Dodgers in an unknown transaction. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
May 1, 1939

The Washington Nationals selected Bud Thomas off waivers from the Philadelphia Athletics.
May 3, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Lyn Lary from the Cleveland Indians.
May 5, 1939

The Cincinnati Reds signed Jimmie Wilson as a free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Gene Schott off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
May 8, 1939

The Boston Red Sox purchased Lou Finney from the Philadelphia Athletics.
May 9, 1939

The St. Louis Browns purchased Les Fleming from the Detroit Tigers.

The New York Giants purchased Red Lynn from the Detroit Tigers.

Louisville (American Association) purchased Jim Weaver from the Cincinnati Reds.
May 13, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers released Tony Lazzeri.

The Detroit Tigers traded Mark Christman, George Gill, Bob Harris, Vern Kennedy, Chet Laabs and Roxie Lawson to the St. Louis Browns for Beau Bell, Red Kress, Bobo Newsom and Jim Walkup.
May 14, 1939

The New York Giants signed Tony Lazzeri as a free agent.

Toronto (International) purchased Fred Johnson and Russ Van Atta from the St. Louis Browns.
May 15, 1939

The New York Yankees returned Bob Kahle to the Boston Bees as part of a conditional deal.
May 16, 1939

The St. Louis Cardinals purchased Woody English from the Chicago Cubs.
May 18, 1939

Hollywood (PCL) purchased Bob Kahle from the Boston Bees.

The Detroit Tigers selected Bud Thomas off waivers from the Washington Nationals.
May 19, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Max Wilson from the Cleveland Indians. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
May 21, 1939

Evansville (I-I-I) purchased Art Kenney from the Boston Bees. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
May 22, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Ike Pearson as an amateur free agent.
May 25, 1939

The Boston Bees purchased Don Manno from Binghamton (Eastern). (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Johnny Watwood from the St. Louis Cardinals.
May 27, 1939

The New York Yankees traded Pete Sivess to the Philadelphia Phillies for unknown compensation. Pete Sivess returned to original team on May 27, 1939.
May 28, 1939

The New York Yankees released Wes Ferrell.
May 29, 1939

The Chicago Cubs traded Ray Harrell, Kirby Higbe and Joe Marty to the Philadelphia Phillies for Claude Passeau.
May 30, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Gene Lambert as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies returned Johnny Watwood to the St. Louis Cardinals following previous purchase. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
June, 1939

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Glenn Crawford as an amateur free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Lefty Hoerst as an amateur free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
June 1, 1939

Memphis (Southern Association) purchased Jim Henry from the Philadelphia Phillies.
June 2, 1939

The Chicago White Sox traded John Whitehead to the St. Louis Browns for Johnny Marcum.
June 3, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Eric Tipton as an amateur free agent.
June 5, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Harry O'Neill as an amateur free agent.
June 6, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies released Chuck Klein.
June 7, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Chuck Klein as a free agent.

The New York Giants released Tony Lazzeri.

The Pittsburgh Pirates released Heinie Manush.
June 9, 1939
June 11, 1939

The New York Giants purchased Woody Jensen from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
June 13, 1939

Toronto (International) purchased Mel Mazzera from the St. Louis Browns.

The New York Yankees traded Joe Gallagher to the St. Louis Browns for Roy Hughes and cash.
June 14, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Jim Schelle as an amateur free agent.

Baltimore (International) purchased Nick Etten from the Philadelphia Athletics.

Louisville (American Association) purchased Roy Parmelee from the Philadelphia Athletics.

The Cincinnati Reds traded Earl Cook and cash to the Cleveland Indians for Art Jacobs.

The Cleveland Indians traded Earl Averill to the Detroit Tigers for Harry Eisenstat and cash.
June 15, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Mel Almada from the St. Louis Browns for $25,000.

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Bill Kerksieck from the Boston Red Sox.

The Boston Bees traded Elbie Fletcher to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Bill Schuster and cash.

The Brooklyn Dodgers selected Gene Schott off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.
June 17, 1939

The Boston Red Sox purchased Fred Sington from the Brooklyn Dodgers.
June 18, 1939

Hartford (Eastern) purchased Ralph McLeod from the Boston Bees.
June 19, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies released Pete Sivess.
June 20, 1939

The New York Yankees purchased Jimmie DeShong from the Washington Nationals.
June 23, 1939

The Boston Red Sox signed Tony Lupien as an amateur free agent.
June 26, 1939

The Chicago Cubs purchased Bill Nicholson from Chattanooga (Southern Association) for $35000 and player to be named later.
June 28, 1939

St. Paul (American Association) purchased Vic Frazier from the Chicago White Sox.
July, 1939

Randy Gumpert sent from the Philadelphia Athletics to the New York Yankees in an unknown transaction.
July 1, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies released Les Powers.
July 2, 1939

The Cincinnati Reds purchased Hank Johnson from Birmingham (Southern Association).
July 3, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Eddie Collins as an amateur free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Cincinnati Reds traded Charles Glock (minors), Wes Livengood (minors) and Glenn Chapman to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Bud Hafey.
July 13, 1939

The New York Yankees traded Roy Hughes to the Philadelphia Phillies for Al Hollingsworth.
July 15, 1939

Skeeter Scalzi of the Cleveland Indians granted free agency. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
July 18, 1939

The Boston Red Sox traded Pee Wee Reese to the Brooklyn Dodgers for players to be named later and $35000 and 3 players. The Brooklyn Dodgers sent Red Evans (September 1, 1939) and Art Parks (February 24, 1940) to the Boston Red Sox to complete the trade.
July 21, 1939

The New York Giants signed Skeeter Scalzi as a free agent.

Toronto (International) purchased Jim Walkup from the Detroit Tigers.
July 24, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers.
July 25, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Charlie Letchas from Chattanooga (Southern Association).
July 28, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies traded Max Butcher to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Gus Suhr.
July 30, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates purchased Eddie Yount from the Philadelphia Athletics. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
July 31, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates purchased Johnny Gee from Syracuse (International).
August, 1939

The Detroit Tigers signed Merv Shea as a free agent.

The Chicago White Sox purchased Vallie Eaves from Shreveport (Texas) for $2,000.

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Alex Monchak from Baltimore (International). (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Cincinnati Reds purchased Johnny Niggeling from Indianapolis (American Association).

The Washington Nationals purchased Mike Palagyi from Spartanburg (South Atlantic).

The Philadelphia Phillies released Eddie Feinberg. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
August 2, 1939

The St. Louis Browns selected Moose Solters off waivers from the Cleveland Indians.
August 5, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Bud Hafey from the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cincinnati Reds traded players to be named later and $40,000 to the New York Yankees for Vince DiMaggio. The Cincinnati Reds sent Frenchy Bordagaray (January 27, 1940) and Nino Bongiovanni (January 27, 1940) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.
August 7, 1939

The Cleveland Indians purchased Rusty Peters from Atlanta (Southern Association).
August 11, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Bill Hoffman as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
August 12, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Al Hollingsworth from the New York Yankees.

The Boston Red Sox sent Red Evans (April 4, 1940) to Minneapolis (American Association) to complete the trade.

The Philadelphia Athletics sent Bob Joyce (October 15, 1939), Babe Barna (October 13, 1939) and Sam Page (October 13, 1939) to Memphis (Southern Association) to complete the trade.
August 14, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Charlie Gilbert as a free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Lyn Lary off waivers from the Brooklyn Dodgers.
August 15, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Carl Doyle from Memphis (Southern Association) for $20,000.
August 16, 1939
August 17, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Walt Masters as a free agent.

The New York Giants purchased Rae Blaemire from the Brooklyn Dodgers.
August 18, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Bennie Warren from Baltimore (International).
August 19, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Peaches Davis from the Cincinnati Reds.

The Washington Nationals sent Harry Kelley (1940), Bobby Estalella (1940) and Frank Trechock (1940) to Minneapolis (American Association) to complete the trade.

The Cincinnati Reds selected Milt Shoffner off waivers from the Boston Bees.
August 22, 1939

The Detroit Tigers purchased Clay Smith from the Cleveland Indians.
August 23, 1939

The New York Giants purchased Johnny Rucker from Atlanta (Southern Association).
August 24, 1939
August 31, 1939

The Cincinnati Reds purchased Al Simmons from the Boston Bees.
September, 1939

The Boston Bees signed Lefty Wallace as an amateur free agent.

Harry Walker of the Philadelphia Phillies granted free agency.

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Max Macon from the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Philadelphia Athletics released Harry O'Neill.

The Detroit Tigers released Merv Shea.
September 1, 1939

The New York Giants traded players to be named later and cash to the New York Yankees for Mickey Witek. The New York Giants sent Alex Kampouris (December 27, 1939) and Tom Padden (December 27, 1939) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.
September 2, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics purchased Al Rubeling from Atlanta (Southern Association). Cash and player to be named later
September 4, 1939

The Cincinnati Reds purchased Johnny Hutchings from Pensacola (Southeastern).
September 5, 1939

The Washington Nationals purchased Dick Bass from Chattanooga (Southern Association) for $10000 and 2 players to be named later.

The Chicago White Sox purchased Frank Metha from Fort Worth (Texas).
September 6, 1939

The St. Louis Browns purchased Jake Wade from the Boston Red Sox.
September 7, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics purchased Fred Chapman from the Washington Nationals.

The New York Giants traded Jimmy Ripple to the Brooklyn Dodgers for a player to be named later. The Brooklyn Dodgers sent Ray Hayworth (September 9, 1939) to the New York Giants to complete the trade.
September 8, 1939

The Chicago Cubs purchased Clyde McCullough from the New York Yankees.

The New York Yankees traded Al Piechota to the Boston Bees for players to be named later. The Boston Bees sent Joe Callahan (June 17, 1940) and Hiker Moran (November 21, 1939) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.
September 10, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics purchased Ed Heusser from Memphis (Southern).

The New York Giants released Dick Coffman. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
September 12, 1939

The Detroit Tigers selected Cotton Pippen off waivers from the Philadelphia Athletics.
September 14, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Jim Shilling from the Cleveland Indians. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
September 15, 1939
September 25, 1939

The St. Louis Browns purchased Nate Andrews from the St. Louis Cardinals.
October, 1939

The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Del Wilber from Findlay (Ohio State) in the 1939 minor league draft. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
October 3, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics drafted Johnny Babich from the New York Yankees in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The New York Giants drafted Paul Dean from the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Washington Nationals drafted Paul Gehrman from the Cincinnati Reds in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Philadelphia Athletics drafted Elon Hogsett from Minneapolis (American Association) in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Si Johnson from the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Dick Lanahan from the Washington Nationals in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Chicago Cubs drafted Jake Mooty from Syracuse (International) in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Detroit Tigers drafted Tom Seats from the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Clyde Smoll from Atlanta (Southern Association) in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The St. Louis Browns drafted Alan Strange from Seattle (PCL) in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Boston Bees drafted Nick Strincevich from the New York Yankees in the 1939 rule 5 draft.

The Chicago White Sox drafted Tom Turner from the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1939 rule 5 draft.
October 9, 1939

Toronto (International) drafted Milt Gray from the Boston Bees in the 1939 minor league draft.
October 14, 1939

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Bob Prichard from the Washington Nationals in the 1939 minor league draft.

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Hank Sauer from the New York Yankees in the 1939 minor league draft.
October 15, 1939

The Washington Nationals drafted Ox Miller from the St. Louis Browns in the 1939 minor league draft.
October 18, 1939

The Chicago Cubs released Jack Russell.

The Chicago Cubs released Earl Whitehill.
October 19, 1939

The Cincinnati Reds released Al Simmons.
October 21, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Harry Shuman from Richmond (Piedmont) in the 1939 rule 5 draft.
October 25, 1939

The Philadelphia Athletics released Jim Reninger.
October 27, 1939

The Pittsburgh Pirates purchased Virgil Davis from the Philadelphia Phillies.
October 31, 1939

Atlanta (Southern Association) purchased Bill Kerksieck from the Philadelphia Phillies.
November 12, 1939

The Boston Red Sox purchased Dom DiMaggio from San Francisco (PCL).
November 28, 1939

The Boston Bees purchased Bob Loane from the Washington Nationals.
December 4, 1939

St. Paul (American Association) purchased Gibby Brack from the Philadelphia Phillies.
December 5, 1939

The Boston Bees selected Hubert Bates off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.
December 6, 1939

Syracuse (International) purchased Merv Connors from the Chicago White Sox.

Indianapolis (American Association) purchased Art Doll from the Boston Bees.

Atlanta (Southern Association) purchased Tom Hafey from the New York Giants.

The St. Louis Cardinals purchased Red Jones from the New York Giants.

The Chicago Cubs traded Dick Bartell to the Detroit Tigers for Billy Rogell.

The Boston Bees traded Johnny Lanning to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jim Tobin and cash.

The Boston Bees traded Jim Turner to the Cincinnati Reds for Les Scarsella and cash.
December 7, 1939

The New York Giants purchased Wayne Ambler from the Philadelphia Athletics.

Portland (PCL) purchased Lindsay Brown from the Cincinnati Reds.
December 8, 1939

The Boston Bees signed Dick Coffman as a free agent.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Al Simmons as a free agent.

The Boston Red Sox purchased Marv Owen from the Chicago White Sox.

The Philadelphia Athletics purchased Roger Wolff from the Cleveland Indians. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Boston Bees traded Danny MacFayden to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Bill Swift and cash.

The Chicago White Sox traded Rip Radcliff to the St. Louis Browns for Moose Solters.

The Brooklyn Dodgers traded Al Todd to the Chicago Cubs for Newt Kimball and Gus Mancuso.

The Chicago White Sox traded Gee Walker to the Washington Nationals for Pete Appleton and Taffy Wright.
December 9, 1939

Memphis (Southern Association) purchased Dave Coble from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Baltimore (International) purchased Skeeter Newsome from the Philadelphia Athletics.

The Detroit Tigers traded Benny McCoy to the Philadelphia Athletics for Wally Moses. Trade was voided and players returned on January 14, 1940.
December 15, 1939

The St. Louis Browns purchased Johnny Marcum from the Chicago White Sox.
December 17, 1939

The Philadelphia Phillies released Pinky Whitney.
December 23, 1939

The Chicago Cubs released Carl Reynolds.
December 26, 1939

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Boze Berger from the Boston Red Sox.
December 27, 1939

The Chicago Cubs traded Gene Lillard, Steve Mesner and cash to the St. Louis Cardinals for Ken Raffensberger and Bobby Sturgeon.
December 29, 1939

The St. Louis Browns purchased Norm Schlueter from the Chicago White Sox.

The St. Louis Browns purchased Hank Steinbacher from the Chicago White Sox.
Before 1940 Season

The St. Louis Browns signed Hank Arft as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Bud Byerly as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Tommy Byrne as an amateur free agent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Pete Castiglione as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Mike Clark as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Browns signed Ray Coleman as an amateur free agent.

The Detroit Tigers signed Dick Conger as an amateur free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Chuck Connors as an amateur free agent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Billy Cox as an amateur free agent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Cot Deal as an amateur free agent.

The Detroit Tigers signed Joe Erautt as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed George Genovese as an amateur free agent.

The Detroit Tigers signed Bob Gillespie as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Tex Hoyle as an amateur free agent.

The Boston Red Sox signed Larry Jansen as an amateur free agent.

The Boston Red Sox signed Earl Johnson as an amateur free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed George Kell as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Lou Klein as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Austin Knickerbocker as an amateur free agent.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Chuck Kress as an amateur free agent.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Johnny Kucab as an amateur free agent.

The Cleveland Indians signed Cliff Mapes as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Browns signed Babe Martin as an amateur free agent.

The Boston Bees signed Frank McElyea as an amateur free agent.

The Washington Nationals signed Jack Merson as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Joe Murray as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Joe Page as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Al Papai as an amateur free agent.

The Boston Red Sox signed Johnny Pesky as an amateur free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Bob Ramazzotti as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Earl Rapp as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Don Richmond as an amateur free agent.

The Washington Nationals signed Ray Scarborough as an amateur free agent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Andy Seminick as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Spec Shea as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Elmer Singleton as an amateur free agent.

The New York Yankees signed Snuffy Stirnweiss as an amateur free agent.

The St. Louis Browns signed Marlin Stuart as an amateur free agent.

The Boston Red Sox signed Jocko Thompson as an amateur free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Ben Wade as an amateur free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Wally Westlake as an amateur free agent.

The Cleveland Indians signed Gene Woodling as an amateur free agent.

The Chicago Cubs signed Hank Wyse as an amateur free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Danny Litwhiler as a free agent.

??? obtained Garton Del Savio from Birmingham (Southern Association) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Philadelphia Phillies obtained Nick Etten from Baltimore (International) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Philadelphia Athletics obtained Dick Fowler from Toronto (International) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Philadelphia Phillies obtained Tommy Hughes from Baltimore (International) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The St. Louis Cardinals obtained Al Jurisich from New Orleans (Southern Association) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Philadelphia Athletics obtained Phil Marchildon from Toronto (International) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Philadelphia Phillies obtained Skeeter Newsome from Baltimore (International) as part of a minor league working agreement.

The Washington Nationals returned Mickey Livingston to Springfield (Eastern) after expiration of minor league working agreement.

The Cleveland Indians returned Hal White to Buffalo (International) after expiration of minor league working agreement.

The Washington Nationals purchased Mike Dejan from the New York Yankees for $750.

The Washington Nationals released Ben Geraghty. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

Hal Erickson sent from Lewiston (Pioneer) to the Cincinnati Reds in an unknown transaction.

Ed Klieman sent from the Cincinnati Reds to the Cleveland Indians in an unknown transaction.

The Cleveland Indians returned Sal Maglie to Buffalo (International) after expiration of minor league working agreement.

The Detroit Tigers obtained Sal Maglie from Buffalo (International) as part of a minor league working agreement.
January 4, 1940

The Cincinnati Reds traded Lee Grissom to the New York Yankees for Joe Beggs.

The St. Louis Browns selected Johnny Niggeling off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
January 10, 1940

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Wes Ferrell as a free agent.

The Chicago White Sox traded Ollie Bejma and Johnny Gerlach to the Cleveland Indians for Skeeter Webb.
January 14, 1940

Ed Albosta of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Guy Curtright of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Lloyd Dietz of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Cal Dorsett of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Al Gardella of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Danny Gardella of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Paul Gillespie of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Buddy Hancken of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Jim Hickey of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Johnny Johnson of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Dale Jones of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Pat McLaughlin of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

George Metkovich of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Bill Mueller of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Dee Phillips of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Steve Rachunok of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Johnny Sain of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Bryan Stephens of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Tommy Tatum of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Ed Weiland of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

Benny McCoy of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
January 18, 1940

The Chicago Cubs purchased Dick Bass from the Washington Nationals.
January 20, 1940

The Cleveland Indians traded Bruce Campbell to the Detroit Tigers for Beau Bell.
January 22, 1940

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Ray Harrell off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.
January 23, 1940

The Boston Bees released Fred Frankhouse.
January 26, 1940

The St. Louis Cardinals purchased Skeeter Scalzi from the New York Giants.
January 27, 1940

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Harry Walker as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Cleveland Indians signed Paul Calvert as a free agent.
January 29, 1940

The Cincinnati Reds signed Lloyd Dietz as a free agent.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Benny McCoy as a free agent.

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Pat McLaughlin as a free agent.

The Chicago White Sox signed Ed Weiland as a free agent.
January 30, 1940

The St. Louis Browns purchased Wally Judnich from the New York Yankees.

The Detroit Tigers traded George Coffman to the St. Louis Browns for Billy Sullivan.
January 31, 1940

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Tex Carleton from Milwaukee (American Association).

The Boston Red Sox released Moe Berg.
February 1, 1940

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Ed Albosta as a free agent.

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Steve Rachunok as a free agent.
February 2, 1940

The Boston Bees signed Jim Hickey as a free agent.

The Philadelphia Phillies obtained Paul Masterson from Ottawa-Ogdensburg (Canadian-American) as part of a minor league working agreement. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
February 5, 1940

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Roy Cullenbine as a free agent.
February 6, 1940

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Herman Franks from the St. Louis Cardinals.
February 8, 1940

The St. Louis Browns purchased Elden Auker from the Boston Red Sox.
February 12, 1940

The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased Joe Vosmik from the Boston Red Sox for $25,000.
February 13, 1940

The Boston Bees signed George Metkovich as a free agent.
February 15, 1940

The Philadelphia Athletics signed Buddy Hancken as a free agent.
February 23, 1940

The Detroit Tigers selected Lynn Nelson off waivers from the Philadelphia Athletics.
February 24, 1940

The Cincinnati Reds purchased LeGrant Scott from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The New York Yankees traded Ed Levy to the Philadelphia Phillies for Jim Shilling and $15,000. Ed Levy returned to original team on April 27, 1940.
February 29, 1940

Montreal (International) purchased Wayne LaMaster from the Brooklyn Dodgers.
March, 1940

The Cleveland Indians signed Cal Dorsett as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Paul Gillespie as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The New York Yankees signed Johnny Johnson as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Dale Jones as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Chicago White Sox signed Dee Phillips as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

Nashville (Southern Association) signed Johnny Sain as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Cleveland Indians signed Bryan Stephens as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Tommy Tatum as a free agent. (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)

The Pittsburgh Pirates released Chuck Klein.

The New York Yankees traded Ham Schulte to the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named later and plus additional compensation. The Philadelphia Phillies sent George Scharein (May 3, 1940) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.
March 3, 1940

The Pittsburgh Pirates purchased Debs Garms from the Boston Bees.
March 20, 1940

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased Lloyd Brown from the Chicago White Sox.

The Pittsburgh Pirates released George Susce.
March 21, 1940

The St. Louis Browns signed George Susce as a free agent.
March 23, 1940

The Detroit Tigers purchased Jimmy Outlaw from the Boston Bees.
March 26, 1940

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Chuck Klein as a free agent.

Toronto (International) purchased Hubert Bates from the Boston Bees.

The Boston Bees released Red Barkley.
March 27, 1940

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Lloyd Dietz off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
March 28, 1940

San Francisco (PCL) purchased Al Epperly from the Chicago Cubs.

Seattle (PCL) purchased Bill Schuster from the Boston Bees.

The Boston Red Sox purchased Red Evans from Louisville (American Association).
March 30, 1940

Minneapolis (American Association) purchased Al Williams from the Washington Nationals.

The transaction information used here was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. We attempt to update transactions throughout the season.