Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers hits three home runs in Briggs Stadium, including a pair in the 6th inning, to drive in six runs. The Tigers rout the A’s, 16 – 0, behind Steve Gromek’s strong pitching.
Elston Howard, who will be named the American League’s MVP in 1963, becomes the first black to play for the Yankees. The former Monarchs’ catcher will appear in nine All-Star Games and 54 World Series games, compiling a .274 batting average during his 14-year playing career.
Southpaw Harry Truman throws out the first ball for the Athletics after their move from Philadelphia to Kansas City April 12,1955. Managers are Lou Boudreau and Bucky Harris for the Tigers and Connie Mack sitting a couple of rows back.
Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, MO Ball Park First Game Date – 04/12/1955 (1) Starting Pitchers – vs. Tigers: 04/12/1955 Final Score 6-2 (KCA) Attendance – 32,147 Starting Pitchers Alex Kellner (KCA); Ned Garver (DET) First Batter – Harvey Kuenn (DET) Result – Flied to RF First Hits – Fred Hatfield (DET),Doubled to RF (1st) First…
At Municipal Stadium, the recently arrived Athletics beat the Tigers, 6-2, in their first game in Kansas City. At first, the franchise’s shift from Philadelphia will be warmly received by the Missouri fans as the A’s draw 1,393,054 patrons to the ballpark in their first season, second only to the Yankees in American League attendance.
Pinch-hitting for Warren Spahn, Chuck Tanner, who becomes better known for his managerial skills, hits a home run for the Braves on the first pitch of his first major league at-bat. The 26 year-old outfielder’s eighth-inning round-tripper off Gerry Staley ties the score in Milwaukee’s eventual 4-2 victory over Cincinnati at County Stadium.
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