On January 5, 2004, former reliever Tug McGraw dies at the age of 59. One of the most popular players in Phillies' history, McGraw recorded the final out in Philadelphia'sonly World Series title in 1980. He also served as the cheerleader and reliever for the 1973 "You Gotta Believe" New York Mets.

On January 5, 1993, "Mr. October" is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. Reggie Jackson, who clubbed 563 career home runs, is the only player elected by the BBWAA.

On January 5, 1998, pitcher Don Sutton, winner of 324 games, is the only player elected to the Hall of Fame by the baseball writers. Sutton receives 386 votes on 473 ballots, earning 81.6% support.

On January 5, 1984, the New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Phil Niekro to a two-year contract. Niekro, who went 11-10 with a 3.97 ERA for the Atlanta Braves in 1983, will fill a void in the Yankee rotation and allow the team to move Dave Righetti to the bullpen. Niekro will win 16 games for the Yankees in 1984.

On January 5, 1975, 29-year-old Houston Astros pitcher Don Wilson is found dead in his garage from carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators will later determine the cause of Wilson’s death to be a suicide. Wilson won 104 games during a nine-year career and notched two no-hitters.

On January 5, 1963, Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby dies at the age of 66 from a heart attack. A hard-hitting second baseman, Hornsby batted .358 over a 23-year major league career. Hornsby had most recently served as a coach and scout for the New York Mets.

On January 5, 1957, Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers officially announces his retirement, voiding a recent trade to the rival New York Giants. In December, the Dodgers had dealt Robinson to the Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. Giants vice-president Charles Feeney had offered Robinson a $60,000 contract. Citing problems with his legs, Robinson decides to call it quits.

On January 5, 1946, the St. Louis Cardinals sell star catcher Walker Cooper to the New York Giants for a record $175,000. Cooper batted .317 in 1944 but missed most of the 1945 season because of his enlistment in World War II.

On January 5, 1931, Lucille Thomas becomes the first woman to purchase a professional baseball team when she buys the Topeka team of the Western League.

On January 5, 1925, the French Baseball Federation presents medals to Giants' manager John McGraw, Giants' coach Hughie Jennings, and White Sox' owner Charles Comiskey during a tour of Europe by the Giants and White Sox.

On January 5, 1920, in perhaps the most famous transaction in baseball history, the New York Yankees formally announce the purchase of outfielder-pitcher Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox for $100,000. The trade had actually been made on December 26, 1919, but the announcement was delayed until Ruth could come to contract terms with the Yankees. Red Sox owner and theatrical entrepreneur Harry Frazee decides to sell Ruth because he needs money to support one of his theatrical productions, while paying off debts on Fenway Park. The Yankees will make Ruth a full-time outfielder in 1920

On January 5, 1915, the Philadelphia Athletics purchase future Hall of Famer Nap Lajoie from the Cleveland Indians. Lajoie slumped to a .258 average in 1914.