On April 9, 1965, Houston begins playing in the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson joins 47,878 fans for the opening of Harris County Domed Stadium (the Astrodome). In the opening ceremonies, 24 astronauts throw 24 ceremonial first pitches as the Colt .45’s become the Astros. The Houston Astros win an…
1965 – A few Astros take the field for the first practice inside the new Astrodome. Rusty Staub is the only player to swat a ball over the fence as 250 members of the press look on. Pitchers are relieved to discover that breaking pitches still break indoors. Singer Anita Bryant is on hand to deliver a ceremonial first pitch.
1965 – Milwaukee Braves officials propose a $500,000 payment to county officials if the club’s lease to play in Milwaukee can be terminated a year early. The offer is refused.
Harris County Commissioners vote to restrict visitors from the construction site of the new domed stadium, fearing the constant traffic of onlookers would delay completion of the ballpark. While Judge Hofheinz calls the stadium “95-percent complete”, commissioners are concerned that the deadline for the April 9th opener will be approaching soon.
The smallest crowd ever to attend a game at Fenway Park watches the Red Sox, en route to their sixth consecutive losing season, beat the Indians, 4-2, to snap a six-game slide. The crowd of 306 paid patrons is less than half of the previous low at the Boston ballpark when only 674 fans showed up for a game against Kansas City last season.
Ground is broken for a new park for the St. Louis Cardinals. The stadium is expected to be ready in time for the 1966 season.
Shea Stadium,William A. Shea Stadium,New York,NY, Ball Park First Game Date – 04/17/1964 (1) Starting Pitchers – vs. Pirates: 04/17/1964 Final Score 4-3 (PIT) Attendance – 50,312 Starting Pitchers Jack Fisher (NYN); Bob Friend (PIT) First Batter – Dick Schofield (PIT) Result – Popped to 2B First Hits – Willie Stargell (PIT),Homered to…
This Day in Ballpark History: Final Sporting Event at Polo Grounds December 14, 1963 New York’s Polo Grounds hosted its final sporting event 56 years ago today, a 19-10 Buffalo Bills win over the Jets. The Jets move with MLB’s Mets to Shea Stadium in 1964. Hall of Famer Don Maynard’s 73-yard touchdown reception put…
In the Polo Grounds’ final game, played in front of a paltry 1,752 patrons, Jim Hickman of the Mets hits the last home run in the 52-year history of the Coogan’s Bluff ballpark. The iconic stadium, which served as the home of the Giants (1911-1957), Yankees (1913-1922), and Mets (1962-63), first opened its doors on June 28, 1911.
On June 9, 1963, the Houston Colt .45s host the first Sunday night game in major league history. Due to the extreme heat in Texas, the Colt .45s play the San Francisco Giants in the evening at Colt Stadium. Houston wins the game, 3-0, in front of a crowd of 17,437. The Colt .45s will…
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!