What happened today in team history?
1962 – Astros first shutout
For the first time in the franchise’s history, the Astros threw a shutout, with Hal Woodeshick and Dick Farrell going the distance in a 2-0 win over the Cubs. The only runs of the game came all the way back in the third from a two-RBI single off the bat of Hal Smith.
1982 – Don Sutton the Astro
After spending the first 15 years of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Don Sutton makes his debut with the Astros after signing a free-agent deal with Houston over the offseason. Although Sutton was a star with the Dodgers, his Astros debut didn’t go well, allowing six runs in a 7-4 loss.
1999 – Biggio’s 1000th run
During a 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, Astros infielder Craig Biggio came across to score his 1000th run of his career. By the end of his time in baseball, Biggio found himself within the top 20 all-time in runs scored.
What else happened on this day?
1881
The Eastern Association is formed, introducing another league to baseball, featuring three teams who all regularly competed in the National League; The New York Metropolitans, The Washington Nationals and Brooklyn Atlantics.
1961
The Los Angeles Angels play the first game in tehri franchises history and start off 1-0, beating the Baltimore Orioles 7-2 to start things off.
1962
The new team on the other side of New York, the Mets, play the first game in their franchises’ history, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals 11-4.
1994
Yet another new franchise in baseball. The Texas Rangers play their first game and start with a loss, losing 4-3 to the Brewers.
2008
For the third time in the past six years, the MLB tightens its steroid policy yet again. This includes increases in testing and more power is given to outside administrators.