What happened today in team history?
1948 – Tom Griffin born
Today, former Astros pitcher Tom Griffin was born in Los Angeles, California. A 14-year veteran, Griffin spent eight of those years in Houston were he finished with a 4.20 ERA and 45-60 record over 199 games.
1998 – Tornados hit Spring Training
All along central Florida, including Kissimmee where the Astros Spring Training is held, tornadoes sweep by and destroy homes and areas, leading to the death of eight people. While the facilities were not too damaged, the homes and area around them was, with massive power outages and homes ruined. The Astros donated money to the relief efforts.
2020 – The harassment begins
Coming from all different sides, the Astros begin to be harassed by fans over the sign-stealing scandal, including signs and trash cans. Funny enough, some signs were taken by stadium personnel who were enforcing a “no signs or banners” policy. Others were yelling at players or banging on metal seats.
What else happened on this day?
1945
The MLB decides to cancel the 1945 All-Star Game, instead replacing it with eight simultaneous games. The game was canceled due to a lot of players traveling for the War.
2017
The MLB adopts a new rule to yet again speed up game time, this time not making pitchers throw four-consecutive balls for an intentional walk, and rather telling the team’s manager and having them tell the ump.