Back in Time: December 2

SI Staff | Dec 2, 2009

Back in Time: December 2

Fernando Valenzuela

Manny Millan/SI

After finishing 13-7 with a 3.35 ERA, Fernando Valenzuela is named the National League Rookie of the Year.

Bobby Bonilla

AP

After finishing third in the MVP race, Bobby Bonilla signs a record five-year, $29 million contract with the New York Mets.

Hakeem Olajuwon

John W. McDonough/SI

The Houston Rockets, paced by Hakeem Olajuwon's 37 points and 13 rebounds, register a 94-85 victory at New York for the team's 15th straight win to start the season. The victory ties the NBA record set by the Washington Capitols at the start of the 1948-49 season. The Rockets' streak ended with a 133-111 loss at Atlanta the next night.

Eddie Murray

AP

After two seasons in New York, Eddie Murray leaves the Mets to sign a free agent contract with the Indians.

Clyde Drexler

John W. McDonough/SI

Houston's Clyde Drexler became the fifth player in NBA history to reach 2,000 career steals, after picking up four against Toronto.

Born on this Day

Gregory Heisler/SI

Gerry Cheevers (1940) <br>Willie Brown (1940)<br>Ron Sutter (1963) <br>Darryl Kile (1968) <br>O.J. McDuffie (1969) <br>Alan Henderson (1972)<br>Zack Crockett (1972) <br>Jan Ullrich (1973) <br>Monica Seles (1973)<br>Mark Kotsay (1975) <br>Jason Collins (1978) <br>Jarron Collins (1978) <br>Aaron Rodgers (1983) <br>Dorell Wright (1985) <br>