At a cost of $20,000, the original Astrodome ceiling is painted because the sun’s glare makes fielding fly balls hazardous. This will cause the grass to die and spur the introduction of artificial turf next season.

At a cost of $20,000, the original Astrodome ceiling is painted because the sun’s glare makes fielding fly balls hazardous. This will cause the grass to die and spur the introduction of artificial turf next season.

ByTom

1965 – At a cost of $20,000, the original Astrodome ceiling is painted because the sun’s glare makes fielding fly balls hazardous. This will cause the grass to die and spur the introduction of artificial turf next season.

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Houston gets their first regulation win as the Astros, an eleven-inning 7-6 triumph over the Mets

ByTom

1965 – Houston gets their first regulation win as the Astros, an eleven-inning 7-6 triumph over the Mets. Al Spangler stole home for the eventual winning run. Ron Brand has a two-run bunt single that refused to roll foul. 

Giants rookie Willie Mays blasts a 13th-inning solo homer

Willie Mays passes Mickey Mantle with his 455th career home run

ByThis Day in Baseball

Willie Mays hits his 455th career home run, a third-inning two-run shot to left field off future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, in the Giants’ 5-2 victory over the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. The round-tripper surpasses Yankees slugger Mickey Mantle’s current total, a lead the Say Hey Kid will not again relinquish to his rival center fielder.

When is scoring position not scoring position, Part 2. An older and wiser Willie Mays has clearly profited from his July 25, 1958 debacle vis-à-vis the rifle that hangs from the shoulder of Roberto Clemente. “They say that if you don’t get to Bob Veale early, you never will,” writes Giants beat writer Bob Stevens. “The Giants almost did in the 4th and some say third base coach Charlie Fox suffered from a flash of conservatism. Willie had singled into left and was wild-pitched to second. Jim Ray Hart struck out, looking. Willie McCovey popped to second base. Two out. Jesus Alou strung a line drive single into right field, a ball solidly hit. Fox stopped Mays after Willie had gone 15 feet down the third base line toward home. Willie went to his knees as he applied the brakes and had to scramble back on all fours to get back to the bag. Tom Haller struck out. If Fox had opened the gates and let Mays go, and if Willie had made it, the Giants would have won in nine innings. But I think Clemente’s throw would have eaten him up.” As does Mays himself: “The ball was hit too good and Clemente got it at his knees. I just couldn’t take a chance on Clemente’s arm.”

ByTom

When is scoring position not scoring position, Part 2. An older and wiser Willie Mays has clearly profited from his July 25, 1958 debacle vis-à-vis the rifle that hangs from the shoulder of Roberto Clemente. “They say that if you don’t get to Bob Veale early, you never will,” writes Giants beat writer Bob Stevens. “The Giants almost did in the 4th and some say third base coach Charlie Fox suffered from a flash of conservatism. Willie had singled into left and was wild-pitched to second. Jim Ray Hart struck out, looking. Willie McCovey popped to second base. Two out. Jesus Alou strung a line drive single into right field, a ball solidly hit. Fox stopped Mays after Willie had gone 15 feet down the third base line toward home. Willie went to his knees as he applied the brakes and had to scramble back on all fours to get back to the bag. Tom Haller struck out. If Fox had opened the gates and let Mays go, and if Willie had made it, the Giants would have won in nine innings. But I think Clemente’s throw would have eaten him up.” As does Mays himself: “The ball was hit too good and Clemente got it at his knees. I just couldn’t take a chance on Clemente’s arm.”

In Cincinnati, Joe Torre hits two home runs in Milwaukee’s 4-2 Opening Day victory at Crosley Field. Next season on the same date, the Braves catcher will do it again, joining teammate Eddie Mathews as the only major leaguers to have hit two round-trippers twice in games played on Opening Day.

ByTom

In Cincinnati, Joe Torre hits two home runs in Milwaukee’s 4-2 Opening Day victory at Crosley Field. Next season on the same date, the Braves catcher will do it again, joining teammate Eddie Mathews as the only major leaguers to have hit two round-trippers twice in games played on Opening Day.

The A’s mascot Charlie-O the Mule, chosen to highlight the role the Missouri mules played in Allies victory in World War I by lugging ammunition and supplies through the mud and snow of France, makes his debut on Opening Night at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium. In a pregame ceremony, Warren Hearnes, the governor of Missouri, presents the 1,400-pound animal to team owner Charlie O.Finley, who rides his namesake much to the delight of the 18,109 fans attending the game against the Tigers.

ByTom

The A’s mascot Charlie-O the Mule, chosen to highlight the role the Missouri mules played in Allies victory in World War I by lugging ammunition and supplies through the mud and snow of France, makes his debut on Opening Night at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium. In a pregame ceremony, Warren Hearnes, the governor of Missouri, presents the 1,400-pound animal to team owner Charlie O.Finley, who rides his namesake much to the delight of the 18,109 fans attending the game against the Tigers.

Philadelphia’s Chris Short and Dick Allen spoil the Astros’ regular season Dome debut in a 2-0 shutout.
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Philadelphia’s Chris Short and Dick Allen spoil the Astros’ regular season Dome debut in a 2-0 shutout.

ByTom

1965 – Philadelphia’s Chris Short and Dick Allen spoil the Astros’ regular season Dome debut in a 2-0 shutout. Allen belts the park’s first regulation homer while Short tosses a four-hitter. Twenty-two NASA astronauts threw out the ceremonial first pitch.