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Most Significant Sports History on August 16th
Learn something new about August 16th's most significant sports history including a speedy MLB record break, a league expansion, and more!
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Another summer day in August means another eventful day in the history of sports, especially MLB. Only one year ago today, the MLB world witnessed its fastest player to ever hit double-digit career home runs. Stretching back over two decades, the MLB decided to take a trip to international soil in a game that will always hold a spot in sports history.
The Punisher's reign continues.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 17, 2019
Aristides Aquino reached 10 career HR in just 16 games, becoming the fastest player ever to reach the milestone.
The previous record was 17 games by Rhys Hoskins in 2017. pic.twitter.com/YupXZYNHwM
YEAR: 2019
SIGNIFICANCE: Aristides Aquino became the fastest player ever hit 10 career HR
One year ago today, Cincinatti Reds’ Outfielder, Aristides Aquino, became the fastest player in Major League history to reach 10 career Home Runs (16 games). Aquino took Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright deep to the left field seats to break Rhys Hoskins‘ record of 10 HR in 17 games. Aquino’s arrival to the big leagues was extraordinary, launching 15 HR in his first 32 games. The 26-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic hit 19 HR and slugged .573 in his 56 games in 2019.
On this date in 1996, the Padres and Mets played in Monterrey, Mexico. It was the 1st MLB game outside of the United States or Canada.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 16, 2013
YEAR: 1996
SIGNIFICANCE: Padres, Mets play the 1st regular season game ever outside of the U.S. & Canada
The game of baseball has been driven to expand the game internationally. That mission really began in 1996 when the San Diego Padres faced off against the New York Mets in Monterrey, Mexico. The Estadio de Beisbol was packed to witness Mexican legend Fernando Valenzuela throw the ceremonial first pitch and start for the Padres. Valenzuela walked away with the win in a 15-10 slugfest. This game was the first of many international events MLB has hosted around the world. Japan, Puerto Rico, Australia, and the UK have all been first-hand witnesses to regular season action since then. The Dominican Republic and Cuba have been hosts to exhibition matchups as well.
On August 16, 1965 the Miami Dolphins were awarded an AFL franchise. Happy Anniversary Dolphins. http://t.co/o1Hr6gm6
— Mitchell & Ness (@mitchell_ness) August 16, 2012
YEAR: 1965
SIGNIFICANCE: The AFL awarded its very 1st expansion franchise to Miami
There are certain ways to measure performance and success in regards to anything. For professional sports leagues, the ability to expand is a massive indicator of success and growth. Over a century ago today, the American Football League achieved the expansion phase in a business’ life and added the league’s ninth franchise. This team was and is still known as the Miami Dolphins.
Unfortunately in their first season, the Dolphins only managed a 3-13 record. However, it did not take long for them to become one of the most dominant teams in football. Above all, this event paved the way for further expansion for the AFL in years to come. Only a few years later (1968) the AFL made its next addition with the Cincinnati Bengals.
https://twitter.com/thazlett/status/899108664451248128?s=20
YEAR: 1890
SIGNIFICANCE: Pittsburgh’s Bill Phillips gives up two grand slams in the same inning
One hundred and thirty-three years ago, a man by the name of Bill Phillips was victim to a 13-run inning against the Chicago Colts. Eight of those 13 runs scored thanks to two Grand Slams by Tom Burns and Malachi Kittridge, making Phillips the first pitcher ever to give up two Grand Slams in the same inning. A little more than a century later, Chan Ho Park became the second victim to such a rarity when Fernando Tatis Sr. hit two Grand Slams in the same inning.
https://twitter.com/MLBRosterMoves/status/1162459716926214144?s=20
YEAR: 2019
SIGNIFICANCE: Fernando Tatis Jr. was ruled out for the season with a back injury
One year ago today, San Diego Padres’ SS Fernando Tatis Jr.’s great rookie season came to an end after suffering a lower back injury. “El Niño” was set to battle it out down the stretch with Pete Alonso and Mike Soroka for the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year award. The 20-year-old hit .317/.379/.969 in his rookie season, establishing that he will be a force in the majors for years to come. This season, “El Niño” has picked up where he left off in 2019, by hitting a league-leading nine Home Runs and making the case to win some hardware at the end of the 2020 season.
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