Early agate
ON THIS DATE
July 20
1858 – Fans are charged for the first time to see a baseball game. Approximately 1,500 pay 50 cents to see the New York All-Stars beat Brooklyn 22-18 at Fashion Race Course on Long Island.
1969 – At Connie Mack Stadium during the top of the third inning of the nightcap between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs, play is halted with the two teams moving silently to their respective baselines to look skyward as the Phillies’ crowd is informed word has been sent from Neil Armstrong to Mission Control in Houston that the Eagle had landed on the moon. The game will resume after a recording of Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” is played, along with a prayer for the safety of the astronauts over the loudspeaker.
1976 – Hank Aaron hit the 755th and final home run of his career to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-2 win over California.
1976 – Detroit’s Mark Fidrych throws his 12th complete game in his 13th start of the season, a streak that includes three 11-inning contests. The 21 year-old Tigers rookie righthander from Massachusetts gives up 10 hits, defeating Minnesota at Metropolitan Stadium, 8-3.
1990 – The Pittsburgh Penguins sign free agent Bryan Trottier, the NHL’s seventh leading career scorer.
2009 – The Pittsburgh Pirates, with an 8-5 win over Milwaukee at PNC Park, snap their 17-game losing streak against the Milwaukee Brewers, the longest skid against a single opponent in 39 years.
BASEBALL
Sunday’s Results
Washington-Greene Adult League
25-and-over
Orioles 11-14, Prowlers 1-0