This Day in Giants History: February 19, 1946

Giant outfielder Danny Gardella becomes the first major league player to announce that he is jumping to the new, “outlaw” Mexican League operated by Mexican customs broker Jorge Pasquel. Gardella is to be paid $10,000 for the 1946 season, more than double the amount offered by the Giants.  Gardella’s futile attempt to return to the major leagues a few years later triggers his major court suit against organized baseball and its reserve clause contract provision.