Each day in sports history is highlighted by team milestones, individual achievements, and groundbreaking off-season transactions. August 31st is no different as the Minnesota Twins broke the all-time single-season HR record and the Houston Texans completed multiple massive blockbuster trades resulting in star players shifting teams exactly a year ago. The events that occurred on this day continue to influence many teams and players today.

Twins Break HR Record

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Twins reached 268 HRs on the year, breaking the MLB record

One year ago, the 2019 Minnesota Twins became the all-time Home Run kings when they hit the season’s 268th HR, breaking the 2018 New York Yankees record of 267. The Twins played the Detroit Tigers, and despite falling 10-7, they mashed six Home Runs which gave them the all-time record. The six round-trippers came from Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, CJ Cron, Nelson Cruz, and two from Mitch Garver, who’s ninth inning bomb off Joe Jimenez broke the record. The Bomba Squad went on to finish the 2019 season with 307 HR, setting the all-time single season HR record and becoming the greatest power hitting squad in the history of baseball.

Texan's Blockbuster Deals

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: The Texans traded Jadeveon Clowney to the Seahawks and acquired Laremy Tunsil from the Dolphins

One thing that is nowhere near foreign to the Houston Texans is transactions involving star players in the NFL. This year, the fans witnessed star WR DeAndre Hopkins depart to Arizona for RB David Johnson in return. Last year today, Houston completed a trade that ended up being the blockbuster deal of the summer. While acquiring OT Laremy Tunsil, the Texans traded away EDGE Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks. Clowney has proven to the world that his athleticism solidifies him as a freak of nature. The young star defender is set to have a long career harassing any of the best offenses in the NFL.

Father-Son Duo

YEAR: 1990

SIGNIFICANCE: OFs Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. became the 1st father-son duo to play together

Exactly 30 years ago, the Seattle Mariners officially became the first Major League team to feature a father-son duo. Ken Griffey Jr. and his father, Ken Griffey Sr., played on the field together in a game against the Kansas City Royals. Griffey Sr. was a 40-year-old vet, who was hitting .206 in the ’90 MLB season, and Griffey Jr. was a 20-year-old phenom who was just starting what would become one of the greatest careers in Major League history.

In their first game together, Griffey Sr. hit second and Jr. would hit right behind him at the No. 3 spot. In the bottom of the first inning, Griffey Sr. roped a line drive for a single, followed by a Griffey Jr. single to right field. Both of them would end up scoring that inning. Griffey Sr. ended up being a great addition for the M’s in 1990, as he hit .377/.443/.963 in 21 games, giving his prodigy son a glimpse of what he would one day be capable of.

Single-Game SB Record

https://twitter.com/AlexanderMooch/status/615709889210511360?s=20

YEAR: 1894

SIGNIFICANCE: Billy Hamilton set an MLB record with 7 stolen bases in a single game

When baseball fans see ‘Billy Hamilton’ and ‘stolen bases’ in the same sentence, they instantly think about former Reds CF Billy Hamilton. However, it was Philadelphia Phillies OF Billy Hamilton who set a Major League record by stealing seven bases in a single game back in 1894. Hamilton played 14 seasons and currently sits third on the all-time SB list with 914. Sliding Billy stole over 100 bases in four seasons, and led the league five times. The Hall of Famer stands with George Gore as the only players ever to steal seven bases in a game. The closest to touch Hamilton’s record recently was Carl Crawford in 2009, who stole six bags.

1st Ever Football Game

YEAR: 1895

SIGNIFICANCE: The very 1st professional football game was played in Latrobe, PA

Over a century ago today, the first ever professional football game took place in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Latrobe Athletic Association was the professional football team located in Latrobe, taking part in this original match up. As a result of this game, LAA QB John Brallier became the first ever professional football player by accepting $10 and expenses to play this game against the Jeannette Athletic Club. It’s safe to say that the game of American football has evolved SIGNIFICANTLY in the 125 years that have followed.