The NY State Senate approves $55 million in funding to build a new stadium in Flushing Meadows Park for the new National League’s expansion team. Until the Queens’ ballpark is completed, which will become known as Shea Stadium, the Mets will play in the Polo Grounds during the first two years of their existence.

ByTom

The NY State Senate approves $55 million in funding to build a new stadium in Flushing Meadows Park for the new National League’s expansion team. Until the Queens’ ballpark is completed, which will become known as Shea Stadium, the Mets will play in the Polo Grounds during the first two years of their existence.

In Mesa, Arizona, left fielder Orlando Cepeda gives the Cubs two runs with an error, then hits a three-run home run as the Giants defeat the Cubs, 13 – 12.

ByTom

In Mesa, Arizona, left fielder Orlando Cepeda gives the Cubs two runs with an error, then hits a three-run home run as the Giants defeat the Cubs, 13 – 12.

New York Yankees announce the team will oppose any plan that would enable the new National League expansion franchise in New York, NY to use Yankee Stadium

New York Yankees announce the team will oppose any plan that would enable the new National League expansion franchise in New York, NY to use Yankee Stadium

ByTom

1961 – The New York Yankees of the American League announce the team will oppose any plan that would enable the new National League expansion franchise in New York, NY to use Yankee Stadium. This decision leaves the old Polo Grounds as the only viable option for the NL’s new team, the New York Mets, who will begin play in a year’s time.

Yastrzemski and Williams

Boston Red Sox announce that rookie Carl Yastrzemski will start the season in left field, succeeding the legendary Ted Williams

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 19, 1961, the Boston Red Sox announce that rookie Carl Yastrzemski will start the season in left field, succeeding the legendary Ted Williams. Yastrzemski will remain a fixture in the Red Sox’ lineup for the next 23 years and will gain election to the Hall of Fame in 1989.  

The state of New York approves a bond issue for the construction of a 55,000-seat stadium on the site of the 1939-40 World’s Fair in the Queens Flushing Meadow area. The ballpark will be named Shea Stadium to honor William Shea, a lawyer who was instrumental in bringing the National League back to New York.

The state of New York approves a bond issue for the construction of a 55,000-seat stadium on the site of the 1939-40 World’s Fair in the Queens Flushing Meadow area. The ballpark will be named Shea Stadium to honor William Shea, a lawyer who was instrumental in bringing the National League back to New York.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The state of New York approves a bond issue for the construction of a 55,000-seat stadium on the site of the 1939-40 World’s Fair in the Queens Flushing Meadow area. The ballpark will be named Shea Stadium to honor William Shea, a lawyer who was instrumental in bringing the National League back to New York.

The Mets, who will play their inaugural season next year, lure former Yankee general manager George Weiss out of retirement to become the club’s first president. The expansion team is believed to have been offered the iron-fisted executive a five-year deal at $100,000 annually, more than he ever earned during his 14 seasons with the Bronx Bombers.

ByTom

The Mets, who will play their inaugural season next year, lure former Yankee general manager George Weiss out of retirement to become the club’s first president. The expansion team is believed to have been offered the iron-fisted executive a five-year deal at $100,000 annually, more than he ever earned during his 14 seasons with the Bronx Bombers.

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1961 – The Houston Sports Association announces “Colt .45s” as the winner of the “Name That Team” contest. Entries from as far away as Australia came in. Many had suggested “Colts” but the gun, rather than the horse, won out much to the later chagrin of Judge Roy Hofheinz. 

ByTom

1961 – The Houston Sports Association announces “Colt .45s” as the winner of the “Name That Team” contest. Entries from as far away as Australia came in. Many had suggested “Colts” but the gun, rather than the horse, won out much to the later chagrin of Judge Roy Hofheinz. 

County Board approved a sweeping ban barring fans from bringing beer, liquor or soda into County Stadium

County Board approved a sweeping ban barring fans from bringing beer, liquor or soda into County Stadium

ByTom

On March 6, 1961, the County Board approved a sweeping ban barring fans from bringing beer, liquor or soda into County Stadium. The penalty for violating the ordinance: a $5 to $500 fine or up to 90 days in jail. Some in Milwaukee refused to take the carry-in ban lying down. A group calling itself…

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1961 – The first tryout camp is held in Houston for the new National League expansion team. It is held at Busch Stadium, the same southeast Houston locale that had been called Buffs Stadium for decades.

ByTom

1961 – The first tryout camp is held in Houston for the new National League expansion team. It is held at Busch Stadium, the same southeast Houston locale that had been called Buffs Stadium for decades.