Apr 28, 1965 Mets announcer Lindsay Nelson calls the game from the Dome's ceiling.
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New York broadcaster Lindsay Nelson calls the Mets’ 12-9 loss to Houston from the gondola at the top of the Astrodome

ByTom

1965 – New York broadcaster Lindsay Nelson calls the Mets’ 12-9 loss to Houston from the gondola at the top of the Astrodome, located 208 feet above second base . The umpires tell Met skipper Casey Stengel that any ball which might hit Nelson would still be considered in play. That doesn’t occur but a lot does as the two teams trade the lead. Bob Aspromonte’s bases-loaded single delivers the game-winner.

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.

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.

Don Larsen tosses a five-hitter in the Texas heat to best Warren Spahn It is Larsen’s first complete game in five years.
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Don Larsen tosses a five-hitter in the Texas heat to best Warren Spahn It is Larsen’s first complete game in five years.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1964 – Don Larsen, of World Series no-hit fame, tosses a five-hitter in the Texas heat to best Warren Spahn and the Milwaukee Braves, 7-1. It is Larsen’s first complete game in five years. Bob Aspromonte and Walt Bond launch solo bombs to pace the Colts. Rookie catcher Jerry Grote adds two hits, including a two-run double.

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Nellie Fox delivers his third hit, a single off Barney Schultz, scoring Al Spangler for an 8-7, ten-inning triumph over St. Louis. Bob Aspromonte drives in four, including a game-tying hit with two out in the ninth to push the game into overtime.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1964 – Nellie Fox delivers his third hit, a single off Barney Schultz, scoring Al Spangler for an 8-7, ten-inning triumph over St. Louis. Bob Aspromonte drives in four, including a game-tying hit with two out in the ninth to push the game into overtime.