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1965 – Joe Morgan singles home Bob Aspromonte in the 11th inning for a 5-4 triumph over Pittsburgh. It’s the first day game at the Astrodome after the ceiling tiles had been painted to reduce the glare. Pirate outfielder Bill Virdon couldn’t use it as an excuse when Jim Wynn scores on his three-base error. Umpire Vinnie Smith couldn’t use it as an excuse when he overturns his own home-run call on Walt Bond’s drive off the fence.

ByTom

1965 – Joe Morgan singles home Bob Aspromonte in the 11th inning for a 5-4 triumph over Pittsburgh. It’s the first day game at the Astrodome after the ceiling tiles had been painted to reduce the glare. Pirate outfielder Bill Virdon couldn’t use it as an excuse when Jim Wynn scores on his three-base error. Umpire Vinnie Smith couldn’t use it as an excuse when he overturns his own home-run call on Walt Bond’s drive off the fence.

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Bob Aspromonte is the first to set off the Astrodome scoreboard’s home run display

ByTom

1965 – Bob Aspromonte is the first to set off the Astrodome scoreboard’s home run display for its intended purpose  during a 5-0 shutout of the Pirates. Vern Law is the victim. Jim Wynn adds another blast two innings later to delight the crowd. Dick Farrellscatters seven hits. 

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.

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. 

Mickey Mantle hits the first home run in the history of the Astrodome
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Mickey Mantle hits the first home run in the history of the Astrodome

ByThis Day in Baseball

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…

Autographed Rusty Staub Photo - Houston Astros 8x10 W coa
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Astros take the field for the first practice inside the new Astrodome

ByTom

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.

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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.

ByTom

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.

JOSE ALTUVE Houston Astros Autographed "2017 WS Champs" Batting Helmet FANATICS - Fanatics Authentic Certified
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The Houston Colt .45s officially change their nickname to “Astros.”

ByTom

The Houston Colt .45s officially change their nickname to “Astros.” The change coincides with the team’s impending move from Colt Stadium to the Harris County Domed Stadium, also known as the Astrodome. The change in name for the three-year old franchise is prompted by a dispute with the Colt firearm company and the team’s proximity to NASA headquarters.