What happened today in team history?
1968 – The fun is outside
While inside the stadium the Houston Astros were getting beat by the Chicago Cubs in a pitching duel, losing 3-1, the real fun was happening just outside. On the other side of IH-610, Judge Hofheinz hosts the opening of Astroworld, the city’s newest amusement festival.
1990 – Astros just get by San Fran
Thanks to three home runs and five RBI from Astros slugger Glann Davis, the score was tied heading into the ninth in the Astros game against the San Francisco Giants. It wasn’t till Greg Litton drove home the winning run in the 12th that the Astros brought home the win.
2001 – Astros top the Dodgers
Richard Hidago’s fourth hit of the night against the Los Angeles Dodgers is a walk-off solo-shot in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Astros the 10-9 win. Hidalgo’s night was matched only by Vinny Castilla, who had three hits of his own, including a homer.
2010 – Berkman walks-off the Nats
For his fifth RBI of the night, Astros slugger Lance Berkman drove in the game-winning run to help the Astros top the Washington Nationals 8-7. It wasn’t Berkman alone though. Jeff Keppinger added three hits of his own while Michael Bourn scored three runs.
2000
In an effort to help with confusion among owners when it came to playoff time, the MLB decided to move the Astros from the NL Central to the AL West, creating two even 15-team leagues.
What else happened on this day?
1906
For the first time in history, women are allowed to attend games at the famous Polo Grounds.
1917
Boston Braves’ Hank Gowdy became the first MLB player to enlist in the army to fight in World War I, later fighting in WWII as well.
1943
Rip Sewell of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch that comes out of his hand slowly and with no movement on the ball. THis would come to be known as the eephus.