The trading of Rod Carew

The Minnesota Twins trade their greatest hitter – first baseman Rod Carew – to the Angels 45 years ago today for serviceable outfielder Ken Landreaux and three other minor puzzle pieces in pitchers Paul Hartzell and Brad Havens, and catcher Dave Engle.

Not that the Twins have much choice in making the trade after the Panamanian-born Carew says he never again will play for Minnesota after owner Calvin Griffith made some less-than-forward-thinking comments about minority fans.

Carew, who spends 12 seasons with the Twins, plays another seven seasons with the Angels before becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1991.