What happened today in team history?
2001 – Rivalry becomes official
After many years of the in-state battles between the Astros and the Texas Rangers, the two teams get together to officially brand the series between them the “Lone Star Series”. At first, the series was mostly dominated by the Astros, until 2009 when the Rangers won the Silver Boot that year and the next few years. This all changed in 2017 when the Astros won the series and ended up going on a 7-year run, winning the Boot every year over the Rangers.
2024 – Jimmy Williams passes
After coaching in the bigs for 12 years, three of those being with the Astros, former big league manager Jimmy Williams passed away at the age of 80 in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
What else happened on this day?
1952
Due to ongoing problems in Korea and war obligations from different players, the Canadian-American league suspends operations for a year. This ended up as one of seven leagues to suspend play.
1963
The MLB, with hopes of decreasing runs scored, increased the size of the strike zone. It now stretched from the top of a batter’s shoulders to the bottom of their knees.
2022
Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C. begins its demolition. After being shut down in 1965, the Senators moved around to different stadiums before, after being changed to the Nationals, they landed in Nationals Park in 2008.
2006
For the first time, Cuba will play in the WBC, as confirmed by their leader Fidel Castro.