The Phillies fire Danny Ozark, senior manager (since 1973) in the National League. Farm director Dallas Green takes over as interim manager. The Phils will remove the “interim” on [[October 18 and Green will lead the team to its first World Championship in 1980.

The Angels regain 1st place in the AL West by beating the Indians, 9 – 8. California scores five runs in the 8th on three homers, then watches as Cleveland scores four to tie.

Eddie Murray drives in all the Baltimore runs during a 7 – 4 win in the second game of a doubleheader with the Twins. Murray belts three consecutive home runs – two righthanded, one lefthanded. Scott McGregor gives the Birds a win in game 1, allowing eight hits in winning, 4 – 0.

1979 – The Dodgers release P Andy Messersmith, ending his 12-year career with a 130-99 record and 2.86 ERA.

1979 – At Shea Stadium, the Reds’ Tom Seaver shuts out the Mets, 8 – 0, for his 11th consecutive win.

In a Hollywood Stars vs. the Media game played at Dodger Stadium, Robin Williams, the star of the hit television show, Mork and Mindy, in which he plays an alien, runs the bases backwards. The comedian explains circling the bags clockwise is very common on the Planet Ork, his character’s home in the universe.

Willie Horton has two homers, including his 9th career grand slam, to pace Seattle to an 8 – 4 win over Detroit. Champ Summers has a pair of homers for the Tigers.

Angel Don Baylor ties a club record by knocking in eight runs during a 24 – 2 slaughter of the Blue Jays. The 24 runs the 26 hits are both Angel records. After the first three Jays pitchers are cuffed around, 1B Craig Kusicktakes the mound in his only major league pitching appearance. He does a creditable job, pitching 2 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and two runs. No walks or K’s.