Frederick Kenneth Blassman, better known by his stage name Freddie Blassie, was born in St. Louis on this date in 1918.
Sports History
The manager of the former St. Louis Browns, Chris von der Ahe, was essentially kidnapped and taken by train to Pittsburgh on this date in 1898, according to an archival report in the New York Times.
From the jacket worn by Mark Twain to Truman’s famous “The Buck Stops Here” sign, you can find these historical icons within the borders of the Show-Me State.
On this day Helen Stephens, “The Fulton Flash” dominated the competition and got the gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
The U.S. Open was played at St. Louis Country Club and televised on KSD-TV. It was the first televised golf match in the nation.
After a fan’s nose was broken by a Jim Bottomley home run, the fan sued. In court, “Sunny Jim” was forced to admit that he “intentionally hit the ball to create a situation known as a home run.” He had to pay $3,500.
Kenny Schrader was born in St. Louis. He began his racing career on a go-kart in his yard and then moved up to the dirt track at Pevely. He went on to become one of the top drivers in the nation.
The All American Red Heads, a women’s professional basketball team started in Cassville, sailed for the Philippine Islands.
Spring Training began for the St. Louis Browns. And yes, they did go south for the training—to Cape Girardeau.
St. Louisan, Leon Spinks, shocked the sports world when he beat Muhammad Ali in fifteen rounds for the World Heavyweight Crown. He and his brother, Michael, were the only brothers to ever hold world titles.
In Kansas City Rube Foster organized the Negro National League. Both St. Louis and Kansas City were among the original franchises.
Opening day of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Yankees.
The great right-handed relief pitcher, Dan Quisenberry was born on this date. He spent a year and a half with the Cardinals but most of his brilliant career was with the Kansas City Royals.
President Taft didn’t want to offend either set of fans so, on this day, he attended part of the Cardinals game at Robison Field then scooted over to Sportsman’s Park for the rest of the Browns game.
