What happened today in team history?
1972 – The shift works
With two-outs and two on in the bottom of the ninth for Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie Stargell, the Houston Astros shift their infield to the right, in hopes of securing the 7-6 win, and it works. Stargell rolls over the Astros shortstop, playing behind second, and throws him out at first for the Astros win.
2008 – Berkman’s tear continues
To add on to his already incredible month at the plate, Astros slugger Lance Berkman with a two-run blast in the Astros 6-3 win over the Montreal Expos. This puts him atop the NL in home runs (14), RBIs (40), runs (43) and OPS (1.264) to go along with a .388 average.
What else happened on this day?
1883
The Philadelphia Quakers, later to be known as the Philadelphia Phillies, won their first game in franchise history, beating the Chicago White Stockings, later to be known as the Cubs, 12-0.
1927
During a game between the Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals, the grandstands of the Baker Bowl collapse, killing one and injuring another 50 people.
1967
With a shot into right field off Baltimore Orioles Stu Miller, New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle became the sixth person in baseball history to join the 500-club.
2002
Assisted by Fidel Castro in his form, former President Jimmy Carter threw out the first pitch at the first ever Cuban League All-Star game.