What happened today in team history?
1962 – First road win
On the back of a three-run bomb from Colt .45s shortstop Don Buddin, Houston secures the first road win in franchise history, beating the New York Mets 5-2 in the 11th inning in Polo Grounds.
1983 – Ryan’s 3,500th
Houston Astros starter Nolan Ryan surpasses 3,500 strikeouts, putting him ahead of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Steve Carlton in their race to break Walter Johnson’s all-time strikeout record. He did this thanks to a seven strikeout game against the Montreal Expos that ended in a 6-3 win for Houston.
What else happened on this day?
1820
Alexander Cartwright, the man who came up with the three-strike system, the three-out system and who some believe to be the ‘father’ of baseball, is born in New York.
1869
The first professional baseball game ever recorded is played between an amateur team and the Cincinnati Red Stockings, ending in a 24-15 win for the Stockings.
1947
A few days after making his pro debut, Brooklyn Dodgers infielder Jackie Robinson records his first hit, smacking a single off of Boston Braves pitcher Glenn Elliot.
1953
What is famous for being “supposedly” the farthest home run ever hit, New York Yankees’ outfielder Mickey Mantle hits a 565-foot bomb against the Washington Senators.