Brandon Backe becomes the third pitcher in Astro history to strike out the side on nine pitches

Brandon Backe becomes the third pitcher in Astro history to strike out the side on nine pitches

ByThis Day in Baseball

2004 – Despite a 6-2 loss to Milwaukee, reliever Brandon Backe becomes the third pitcher in franchise history to strike out the side on nine pitches. He whiffs Bill Hall, Scott Podsednik and Craig Counsell in order after having fanned Chad Moeller to end the previous frame. Craig Biggio swats the 35th leadoff homer of his career, an NL record. 

Fifty-seven years after the historic event, major league baseball begins the tradition of Jackie Robinson Day

ByBaseball

Fifty-seven years after the historic event, major league baseball begins the tradition of Jackie Robinson Day, an annual celebration marking the day the color line was broken. At big league parks across the country there are ceremonies honoring the ground-breaking Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman, including Commissioner Bud Selig joining his widow, Rachel Robinson, for a Shea Stadium tribute.