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.
1962 – The Federal Trade Commission accuses Topps Chewing Gum of illegally monopolizing the baseball card industry. In 1980, a court decision will open the door to competition.
On February 8, 1956, one of baseball’s most prominent figures, Connie Mack, dies at the age of 93 from old age and hip surgery. He was known as “The Tall Tactician” and was baseball’s grand old gentleman for more than a generation. Statuesque, stately, and slim, he clutched a rolled-up scorecard as he sat or…
The Washington Senators send pitcher Mickey McDermott and shortstop Bob Kline to the New York Yankees in exchange for catcher Lou Berberet, outfielder Whitey Herzog, and three more players.
1942 – At California’s Folsom prison, the annual game between major leaguers and the prison team is stopped when it is discovered that two prisoners have escaped. With the pros leading 24 – 5 at the end of seven innings, the game ends and guards go after the two lifers, who are found three hours later. The major leaguers include Ernie Lombardi, Tiny Bonham, Gus Suhr, Joe Marty, and Johnny Babich.
Detroit Tigers release future Hall of Famer Earl Averill
1940 – The St. Louis Browns make one of their best acquisitions ever when they purchase pitcher Elden Auker from the Boston Red Sox. Auker will become the ace of the Browns staff winning 44 games over the next three seasons.
1932 – Waite Hoyt is released by the Philadelphia Athletics and will sign with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1927 – Pitcher Sad Sam Jones is traded by the New York Yankees to the St. Louis Browns in exchange for pitcher Joe Giard and outfielder Cedric Durst. Jones will be 8-14 in his only season in St. Louis.
1916 – The National League turns down a request from Brooklyn Robins owner Charles Ebbets, who had wanted to impose a limit of 2,000 seats that clubs can sell for 25 cents. The Boston Braves have 10,000 such seats, the St. Louis Cardinals 9,000, the Philadelphia Phillies 6,500, and the Cincinnati Reds 4,000.
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