What happened today in team history?
1969 – Rusty Staub sent to Montreal
Originally a deal that was supposed to involve guys like Donn Clendenon and Jesus Alou, the Houston Astros and Montreal Expos agree to a deal to send Astros young infielder up North in exchange for pitchers Skip Guinn and Jack Billingham, along with $100,000. Neither of them turned out to do much for Houston, while Staub played another 17 seasons between teams like the Expos and New York Mets.
1977 – Stands collapse
During an exhibition game between the Astros and Texas Rangers that was being played in a ballpark in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a part of the stands collapsed. The game was halted and 17 people were injured by it. Players from both sides stepped in to help carry people out on stretchers, including homemade ones made from wood.
2001 – Biggio’s return
After missing the back-half of the 2000 season with his first real injury of his career, Astros second baseman Craig Biggio made his return in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on opening day and picked up right where he left off. In his first game, he had his first five-hit game of his career, helping the Astros to an 11-3 win.
What else happened on this day?
1952
A 5-3 win for the Boston Red Sox marks the final game for Ted Williams before he leaves for his military service in Korea.
1974
Los Angeles Angels flamethrower Nolan Ryan tied a then-MLB record for strikeouts in a game, punching out 19 Red Sox en route to a 4-2 win.
1997
A ball hit by Oakland Athletics star Mark McGwire that dented the Jacobs Field scoreboard traveled an estimated 533 ft.
2002
At 26-years-old, Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez became the second youngest player in baseball history to reach 250 home runs during a 10-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
2005
Players ask commissioner Bud Selig to agree to a progression of punishments for steroid use, the first being a 50-game suspension, the second being 100-games and the third being a lifetime ban.