Back in Time: December 15

SI Staff | Dec 15, 2010

Back in Time: December 15

Dave Winfield

Heinz Kluetmeier/SI

Dave Winfield signs a 10-year, $16 million contract with the Yankees, making him the highest-paid player in the history of sports.

Paul "Bear" Bryant

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Paul "Bear" Bryant announces his retirement as head football coach at Alabama. In 25 years in Tuscaloosa, Bryant recorded a 232-46-9 record with six national championships.

Alvin Robertson

AP

Toronto's Alvin Robertson picks up three steals in the Raptors' 122-103 loss at Boston, becoming the third NBA player to move past 2,000 career steals.

Joe Montana

Todd Warshaw/ALLSPORT

The San Francisco 49ers retire Joe Montana's No. 16 during halftime of a game against the Denver Broncos.

Marvin Harrison

Bob Rosato/SI

Indianapolis WR Marvin Harrison catches nine passes for 172 yards and two TDs to break Herman Moore's single-season reception record (123). Harrison finishes the year with 143 catches.

Pedro Martinez

AP

The Mets announce officially the club has come to terms with Pedro Martinez (16-9, 3.90 ERA) on a four-year, $53 million contract. The former Red Sox ace, who had a 117-37 record in seven seasons with Boston, criticized his former team for not being more aggressive in retaining his services.

Born on this Day

AP

Nick Buoniconti (1940) Jim Leyland (1944) Art Howe (1946) Jerry Ball (1964) Keith Askins (1967) Mo Vaughn (1967, pictured) Wayne Simmons (1969) Lawrence Funderburke (1970) Eric Bjornson (1971) Rodney Harrison (1972)