(April 8 marks the 50th anniversary of the first major league game in Padres history. To commemorate the occasion, the Union-Tribune is producing a nine-part series on memorable debuts through the years. Today: Chapter Nine ... In the beginning) San Diego became a major league city 50 years ago today when the Padres took the field against the Houston Astros. While joining the National League after 33 seasons as a minor league team competing in the Pacific Coast League created some excitement, the fans also were realistic abut the expansion team’s prospects in its first season. Hanging from a San Diego Stadium balcony before the team’s debut that night was a sign that read: “Wait Till Next Year.” The fans didn’t have to wait long for a win. Right-hander Dick Selma pitched a five-hitter with 12 strikeouts in a 2-1 victory over the Astros. A crowd of 30,000 was expected for the game, although only 23,370 showed up to the half-filled stadium. … [Read more...] about Padres 50th anniversary: Franchise debuted a half-century ago today
9 years ago today
Detroit Pistons-Rasheed Wallace era began 15 years ago today
Kirkland Crawford Detroit Free Press Published 7:38 AM EST Feb 20, 2019 On this day, 15 years ago, the "Bad Boys" swagger returned to the Detroit Pistons. That's because the final piece of the championship-level contender made his debut at the Palace. Just before the NBA trade deadline that season, the Pistons pulled off a three-team trade that acquired Rasheed Wallace. The then-two-time All-Star with a mercurial game and temperament proved to be the missing link as the team went on to win the 2004 championship. Travel with us down memory lane, as you highlight the good, the fun and the ugly that came with 'Sheed's six seasons with the Pistons. Well, technically If old William Shakespeare was right and all we have in this world is our reputation, then Joe Dumars, Larry Brown and Pistons fans were right to be worried when Wallace was acquired. Fresh off of the first of six straight trips to the Eastern Conference finals, the Pistons had a nice team, but seemed to lack some … [Read more...] about Detroit Pistons-Rasheed Wallace era began 15 years ago today
Colorado town overturns ban on snowball fights thanks to 9-year-old boy
SEVERANCE, Colo. — A 9-year-old boy has convinced the leaders of a small northern Colorado town to overturn a nearly century-old ban on snowball fights, and he already knows who his first target will be — his little brother. Dane Best, who lives in the often snow-swept town of Severance, presented his arguments at a town board meeting Monday night, and members voted unanimously to lift the ban. "The children of Severance want the opportunity to have a snowball fight like the rest of the world," Best said during his presentation, according to local newspaper The Greeley Tribune. "The law was created many years ago. Today's kids need a reason to play outside." Best's presentation lasted three minutes. The paper said the presentation included an audience of children and their parents, who cheered upon the ban's reversal. Dane's mother, Brooke Best, told the The Greeley Tribune her son had been talking about snowballs since he found out about a month and a half ago that … [Read more...] about Colorado town overturns ban on snowball fights thanks to 9-year-old boy
Hudson’s flagship store in Detroit came down 20 years ago today
Free Press staff Published 9:59 AM EDT Oct 24, 2018 It's been 20 years since the Hudson's department store implosion, when Detroit's most iconic retailer's flagship store crumbled into a 660-million pound pile of brick, concrete and steel in less than 10 seconds. Today, businessman Dan Gilbert is building a $909-million skyscraper on the site. While it's still only a hole in the ground, the building will rise to be the tallest in Michigan upon completion in 2022. The store has fascinated historians and Detroit aficiandos for generations. On Nov. 10, the Detroit Historical Museum is hosting a film about Hudson's flagship store. This story, by former Detroit Free Press staffer Dan Austin, ran in the Detroit Free Press on March 5, 2015 and looks at the rich history of the Hudson's store: Rise and fall of Hudson's Big Store For generations, it was as synonymous with Christmas and fashion as it was Detroit. The Hudson's department store at Woodward and … [Read more...] about Hudson’s flagship store in Detroit came down 20 years ago today
How Tupac’s final hours unfolded on the night the legendary rapper was gunned down in Las Vegas 22 years ago today
TUPAC Shakur was fatally shot in Las Vegas 22 years ago today. The 25-year-old had just watched Mike Tyson easily dispatch Bruce Seldon in the ring at the MGM Grand before he headed to his car. But a bust up in the lobby of the plush Sin City hotel and casino would shortly after Iron Mike laid his opponent out on the canvas would prove to be a fatal mistake for the hip-hop star. That fateful Nevada night, Saturday, September 7, 1996, would see one of the greatest rapper’s ever slain. Here’s how the California Love singer’s last night out of hospital, before he died a week later, unfolded. 8-830pm - The Big Fight The rapper went to watch what would prove to be Mike Tyson’s final heavyweight victory at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The star studded event attracted the glitterati from the worlds of sport and entertainment to the desert town to watch the biting boxer battle Bruce Seldon for the WBA heavyweight championship belt. Iron Mike put his opponent down less … [Read more...] about How Tupac’s final hours unfolded on the night the legendary rapper was gunned down in Las Vegas 22 years ago today