Tough Sports Trivia: Baseball Firsts | 10 Questions

Answer: Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners

On April 6, 1977, the Mariners were defeated 7-0 by the California Angels in Seattle. On April 7, 1977, the Blue Jays took the field for the first time, beating the Chicago White Sox 9-5 in Toronto.

Answer: Cap Anson

Anson played from 1876 to 1897 for the National League's Chicago franchise, which started out as the White Stockings and changed their name to the Colts in 1890 (they would later become the Cubs). During the 1887 season, base on balls were counted as hits. Years later, a committee changed the rules of that season and no longer counted Anson's 60 walks to his hit total, leaving him with 2,996.

In 2001, the rules for the 1887 season were restored to their original format and Anson was once again a member of the 3,000 hit club.

Answer: Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants

On June 12, 1997, the American League's Rangers and National League's Giants, took the field in Texas at The Ballpark in Arlington. The Giants won the game 4-3. Before the 1997 season, teams from the two leagues would only meet in spring training games and the World Series.

Answer: Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies

Even though he was 600 miles away in Washington D.C., President Franklin Roosevelt threw the switch to turn on the historic lights at Cincinnati's Crosley Field on May 24, 1935. The Reds won the game, 2-1 over the Phillies. The first night game was scheduled for May 23, but was cancelled due to rain.

Answer: 1988

On August 8, 1988, Wrigley Field was brightened by lights for the first time in it's 74 year history. The first game, against the Philadelphia Phillies, was rained out after 3 1/2 innings. The first official, completed night game at Wrigley came the next night as the Cubs defeated the New York Mets 6-4.

Answer: The Astrodome

The Houston Astrodome (also known as Harris County Domed Stadium), opened on April 9, 1965, with an exhibition game between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees. The Yankees Mickey Mantle hit the first homerun at the Astrodome, but the Astros still won the game 2-1. Prior to the 1965 season, the Astros were known as the Houston Colt .45's, and played at Colt Stadium.

Answer: Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals

The Montreal Expos played their first game ever on April 14, 1969, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 8-7 at Jarry Park in Montreal.

Answer: 1941

The 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers were the first to use a plastic batting helmet in major league baseball. Wearing a helmet would not become a rule in both the American and National League until the late 1950's.

Answer: Walter Johnson

"The Big Train" Walter Johnson pitched from 1907 to 1927 for the Washington Nationals (Senators), ending his career with a total of 3,509 strikeouts. An indication of his dominance on the mound, Johnson would remain the only pitcher with 3,000 career strikeouts, until Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals passed the mark in 1974.

Answer: Frank Robinson

Robinson was named player/manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975. In 1976, he led the Indians to their first winning season in 8 years, finishing with an 81-78 record. In later years, Frank would also manage the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals.