What happened today in team history?
1978 – Astros end in style
In a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Houston Astros ended the game in style, turning a triple play. A liner to Bob Watson got the first out before he stepped on second and spun around and fired to first for the second and third out of the inning, giving the Astros the 8-6 win.
1999 – Bagwell enters history
On the back of a huge performance from Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell, the Astros get a 10-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Bagwell’s three home runs in the game helped put him over Jimmy Winn for the most homers in franchise history, making him the new all-time leader.
2015 – Altuve helps lead to a win
Playing against the Seattle Mariners, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve blasted a two-run double in the eighth to cap off a five-run inning and lead the Astros to a 6-3 win. This marks the fourth straight win for the Astros and starts off their season at 8-6.
What else happened on this day?
1888
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Bill Duggleby is the first player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in his first career at-bat. This feat would not be matched until over 100 years later when Florida Marlins hitter Jeremy Hermida did it in 2005.
1900
The Chicago White Sox play the first game in their franchise’s history, starting out as a Triple-A, losing to the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4.
1957
Cincinnati Reds infielder Don Hoak sparks a rule-change after sliding into second and intentionally interfering with a double-play. Hoak was called out while the runner at first was safe which sparked a rule change about interfering with a play, leading to both runners being called out.
1972
After the Washington Senators moved to Dallas, the newly-named Texas Rangers played their first game at Arlington Stadium. They started off on the right foot with a 7-6 win over the Angles.
2011
Thanks to an agreement made between the MLB and MLBPA, players who played between 1947 and 1979 who failed to qualify for benefits at the time would start to receive payments. Over 900 players qualified and started getting payments thanks to this agreement.