August 21 in Boston Red Sox History: Ken “Hawk” Harrelson of the Kansas City A’s becomes baseball’s first free agent (1967)

On August 21, 1967, Ken “Hawk” Harrelson of the Kansas City A’s becomes baseball’s first free agent when he is “fired” by team owner Charlie Finley. Harrelson had drawn the wrath of Finley by allegedly referring to him as a “menace” to baseball. Remaining unemployed for only a few days, Harrelson wi

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Source: Historical record

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