What happened today in team history?
1971 – Rare “tripleheader” in the dome
In an interesting 15 inning “tripleheader”, the Astros and New York Yankees started it off with the Astors getting a 2-1 victory over New York in five innings. This was followed by another five inning game, this time against the Minnesota Twins, where they lost 5-3. The day was then concluded with a final game between the Yankees and Twins, with the Twins coming away with a 4-1 win.
1993 – Ryan’s final game in the dome
As part of the Texas Rangers, Nolan Ryan pitched his for his final time in the Astrodome in an exhibition between the Astros and Rangers. With over 53,000 people watching, the 46-year-old pitched six innings for the Rangers, but still walked away with a 4-0 loss.
What else happened today in baseball history?
1874
In the fourth ever meeting of the National Association, a batters box is established. It is also decided that the punishment for a player betting on baseball will be expulsion from the league and a forfeit of pay.
1972
Two-time World Series winner Gil Hodges, after completing a round of golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, suddenly collapses and passes away due to a heart attack.
1996
The Oakland A’s start their season playing in Las Vegas due to ongoing renovations at the Coliseum. This becomes ironic when you realize that this was just shaping up for what would become of the A’s moving forward.
1998
With a homer in Bank One Ballpark, now Chase Field, Ellis Burks sets a new park for the MLB by hitting a home run in 33 different parks.
2001
Ichiro Suzuki becomes the first Japanese position player to make his MLB debut when he starts in the outfield for the Seattle Mariners.
2001
Yankees flamethrower Roger Clemens became the all-time American League strikeout leader, passing Walter Johnson, with his 3,509th strikeout.