Today in baseball history: December 23

In the major leagues' 100+ year history, just over 23,000 players have appeared in an official game. If every one of them were in the league’s smallest stadium, it would be barely two-thirds full.

69 of those players were born on December 23.

Just 12 topped the 10 WAR mark in their careers:

• Jerry Koosman, left-handed pitcher, 53.6

• Sam Leever, right-handed pitcher, 40.5

• Hanley Ramírez, shortstop, 38.0

• Victor Martinez, catcher, 32.0

• Tommy Thomas, right-handed pitcher, 25.3

• Mike Grady, catcher/infielder, 17.7

• Doc Gessler, right fielder/first baseman, 16.6

• Mitch Haniger, outfielder, 14.9

• Danny Taylor, outfielder, 13.8

• Cody Ross, outfielder, 13.5

• Dave May, outfielder, 13.5

• Tim Leary, right-handed pitcher, 12.0

December 23 is, of course, Festivus, for those of us who’ve seen “Seinfeld.”

Some highlights and events that took place on this day:

1958: Infielder Sparky Anderson is traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Philadelphia Phillies. Anderson would only get one season (1959) in the major leagues as a player but spent 26 years managing the Reds and Tigers, winning three World Series.

1975: Arbitrator Peter Seitz declares Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally free agents following a season-long dispute in which both pitchers sat out. The decision ultimately helps pave the way for free agency.

1999: Pitcher Mike Hampton is traded from the Houston Astros to the New York Mets for three players.

2004: Free agent outfielder J.D. Drew signs a five-year, $55M deal with the Dodgers.

2005: Free agent outfielder Johnny Damon signs a four-year, $52M deal with the Yankees.

2016: Free agent third baseman Justin Turner re-signs with the Dodgers for four years and $64M.

2024: NPB’s active career saves leader Yuki Matsui moves to MLB, signing a five-year, $28M deal with the Padres.