Both a good day and bad day for Herb Pennock

Turns out today is a rather important date – both good and bad – in the life of the late Herb Pennock, the pride of Kennett Square, Pa. 

His pitching career takes off 101 years ago today as he is traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees for a trio of mostly unknowns – infielder Norm McMillan, pitcher George Murray and outfielder Camp Skinner – and $50,000.

Over the next 11 seasons, Pennock goes 162-90 for the Yankees en route to 241 career victories.

The first of those 241 wins for the left-hander came in 1912, when Pennock was an 18-year-old rookie with the Philadelphia Athletics.

Alas, the 30th of January ends up being Pennock’s last as he dies of a heart attack on this date in 1948.

At the time, he is the Philadelphia Phillies’ general manager, putting together the pieces for what turns into the 1950 National League pennant-winning Whiz Kids.

Pennock is only 53 when he dies, but his sudden passing leads to his quick induction into the Hall of Fame.