APRIL 9

On this date in 1965, the Astrodome, in Houston, Texas, officially opened and the first indoor Major League baseball game was played.  It was an exhibition game, pre-season, between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees.  Mickey Mantle hit a home run.  The key to the indoor stadium was the playing surface.  It was an artificial grass that they developed which was called AstroTurf. 

The Houston major league team was started in 1962.  Through 1964, the name of the team was the Colt 45s.  That's right - a handgun.  The name was changed to the Astros beginning in 1965 in honor of the Astronauts - Houston had become the headquarters of the Space Program. 

Houston was the winner of the World Series last year.   It was their first Championship in their 56 year history.
⚾