![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: May 7, 1925
Glenn Wright completes only the fifth unassisted triple play in MLB history when he throws out future hall of famers Jim Bottomley and Rogers Hornsby of St. Louis in the 9th inning at Forbes Field. [Wikipedia]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/e7fdb775fe3838dd8c9598813a5854ef/tumblr_mm4k0gdb0q1qakblyo1_500.png)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: May 7, 1925
Glenn Wright completes only the fifth unassisted triple play in MLB history when he throws out future hall of famers Jim Bottomley and Rogers Hornsby of St. Louis in the 9th inning at Forbes Field. [Wikipedia]
![Pittsburgh Crawfords, 1932 (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: April 29, 1932
The first Negro League ballpark in the world is constructed by Gus Greenlee. The Pittsburgh Crawfords will call Greenlee Field home until they disband in 1938. Today’s Josh Gibson Field carries on the field’s legacy. [Wikipedia]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/3698274e58d1afd6a7239fa45e1f6b3e/tumblr_mltkwcCElY1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
Pittsburgh Crawfords, 1932 (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: April 29, 1932
The first Negro League ballpark in the world is constructed by Gus Greenlee. The Pittsburgh Crawfords will call Greenlee Field home until they disband in 1938. Today’s Josh Gibson Field carries on the field’s legacy. [Wikipedia]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 10, 1967
After accepting the city for the first NHL expansion franchise, the ownership group formally begins the naming contest, citing the “Penguins” as the preferred choice. [Wikipedia]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/980b426748eddce0fbcfbb34cbbdf953/tumblr_mi0gw6AHa11qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 10, 1967
After accepting the city for the first NHL expansion franchise, the ownership group formally begins the naming contest, citing the “Penguins” as the preferred choice. [Wikipedia]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 31, 1972
Roberto Clemente, Pirates outfielder, died in the crash of a cargo plane on mercy mission to Managua, Nicaragua. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/dd2c158ea0efa2e37381b45249804354/tumblr_mfpc3wPeYE1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 31, 1972
Roberto Clemente, Pirates outfielder, died in the crash of a cargo plane on mercy mission to Managua, Nicaragua. [Historic Pittsburgh]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 27, 1975
The Steelers wave Terrible Towels for the first time as they take the Three Rivers field for a divisional playoff against Baltimore. Andy Russell wins the game on a 93-yard return for a touchdown. [Wikipedia]
From Pittsburgh Magazine (2010):
In 1975, Cope’s bosses at WTAE Radio asked him to come up with a clever promotional gimmick for the station that would be embraced by Steelers fans. After considering black masks emblazoned with then-head coach Chuck Noll’s motto, “Whatever It Takes,” Cope came up with a less expensive idea: a gold rally towel. Cope spent several weeks promoting the idea on the radio, with little apparent success. He even took a sample towel into the Steelers’ locker room for a straw poll.“I think your idea stinks,” said linebacker Jack Ham. One can imagine Cope reacting to Ham’s assessment with his trademark, “Feh!” (more)](http://25.media.tumblr.com/c03a284f2f1c4f0af2761fe2aca136e1/tumblr_mfp8zht6YC1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 27, 1975
The Steelers wave Terrible Towels for the first time as they take the Three Rivers field for a divisional playoff against Baltimore. Andy Russell wins the game on a 93-yard return for a touchdown. [Wikipedia]
From Pittsburgh Magazine (2010):
In 1975, Cope’s bosses at WTAE Radio asked him to come up with a clever promotional gimmick for the station that would be embraced by Steelers fans. After considering black masks emblazoned with then-head coach Chuck Noll’s motto, “Whatever It Takes,” Cope came up with a less expensive idea: a gold rally towel. Cope spent several weeks promoting the idea on the radio, with little apparent success. He even took a sample towel into the Steelers’ locker room for a straw poll.
“I think your idea stinks,” said linebacker Jack Ham. One can imagine Cope reacting to Ham’s assessment with his trademark, “Feh!” (more)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 23, 1972
In the first Steelers playoff in 25 years (and their first postseason win), Franco Harris salvages a Terry Bradshaw pass in the greatest NFL play in history—to beat the Raiders 13-7 at Three Rivers. Art Rooney and Bob Prince miss the play while in the elevator to the locker room. [Wikipedia; Pro Football Hall of Fame]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 21, 1947
Forbes Field hosts the city’s first NFL Playoff game as the Steelers lose to Philadelphia.
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 17, 1896
The city’s first hockey arena — the site of the world’s first artificial-ice surface — the Schenley Casino is destroyed by a chemical fire during the night from a leaky pipe. [Wikipedia]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/700eb1fdc2fe2cce9fa16e813e31e2a2/tumblr_mf6rww2VH51qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 17, 1896
The city’s first hockey arena — the site of the world’s first artificial-ice surface — the Schenley Casino is destroyed by a chemical fire during the night from a leaky pipe. [Wikipedia]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 28, 1958
Sale of Forbes Field to University of Pittsburgh is approved; the Pirates will stay on for five years, until new Northside stadium is built. In reality, the Pirates stayed on not for five but for twelve years, until Three Rivers Stadium opened in 1970. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdge03RrHm1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 28, 1958
Sale of Forbes Field to University of Pittsburgh is approved; the Pirates will stay on for five years, until new Northside stadium is built. In reality, the Pirates stayed on not for five but for twelve years, until Three Rivers Stadium opened in 1970. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Roberto Clemente was a member of the Montreal Royals, the minor-league (AAA) affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers. 1954.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 22, 1954
Roberto Clemente is drafted #1 by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 19, 1990
Pittsburgh Pirates star Barry Bonds wins the MVP. [Wikipedia]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdg2n8meUD1qakblyo1_500.png)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 19, 1990
Pittsburgh Pirates star Barry Bonds wins the MVP. [Wikipedia]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 16, 1966
Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente wins the National League MVP. [Wikipedia]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdfzgas0Ic1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 16, 1966
Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente wins the National League MVP. [Wikipedia]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: October 25, 1955
Joe Brown replaces Branch Rickey as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. [Wikipedia; Black and Gold World]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcgbvaRZIc1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: October 25, 1955
Joe Brown replaces Branch Rickey as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. [Wikipedia; Black and Gold World]
Nov. 10, 1956: When Pittsburgh was a smoky steelmaking powerhouse, Pitt Stadium was its football mecca. On this day, 58,679 fans showed up to watch the Panthers whip Notre Dame 26-13.
Pitt once played its football games at nearby Forbes Field, but under coach Pop Warner the team became so popular the concrete baseball stadium could no longer accomodate the large number of fans seeking admission. So the University of Pittsburgh purchased nine acres of land and hired Pitt graduate W.S. Hindman to design a new venue.
Pitt Stadium was completed in 1925, and on Sept. 26 of that year, Pitt christened the concrete bowl with a 26-0 victory over Washington and Lee. Record attendance for the stadium was reached on Oct. 29, 1938, when 68,918 fans watched Pitt beat Fordham 24-13. Seating changes and new safety rules set by Pittsburgh’s fire marshall reduced the capacity in the 1940s.
Pitt played its final game at the stadium on Nov. 13, 1999. The Panthers defeated Notre Dame 37-27 that day. The old facility went out in rowdy style. With nine seconds remaining in the game, fans rushed onto the field, tore down both goal posts and tore out chunks of artificial turf.
(Photo credit: Unknown)
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: May 7, 1925
Glenn Wright completes only the fifth unassisted triple play in MLB history when he throws out future hall of famers Jim Bottomley and Rogers Hornsby of St. Louis in the 9th inning at Forbes Field. [Wikipedia]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m39c17X9FM1qakblyo1_500.png)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: May 7, 1925
Glenn Wright completes only the fifth unassisted triple play in MLB history when he throws out future hall of famers Jim Bottomley and Rogers Hornsby of St. Louis in the 9th inning at Forbes Field. [Wikipedia]
![Pittsburgh Crawfords, 1932 (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: April 29, 1932
The first Negro League ballpark in the world is constructed by Gus Greenlee. The Pittsburgh Crawfords will call Greenlee Field home until they disband in 1938. Today’s Josh Gibson Field carries on the field’s legacy. [Wikipedia]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m32ih7rUnn1qakblyo1_1280.jpg)
Pittsburgh Crawfords, 1932 (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: April 29, 1932
The first Negro League ballpark in the world is constructed by Gus Greenlee. The Pittsburgh Crawfords will call Greenlee Field home until they disband in 1938. Today’s Josh Gibson Field carries on the field’s legacy. [Wikipedia]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 10, 1967
After accepting the city for the first NHL expansion franchise, the ownership group formally begins the naming contest, citing the “Penguins” as the preferred choice. [Wikipedia]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 31, 1972
Roberto Clemente, Pirates outfielder, died in the crash of a cargo plane on mercy mission to Managua, Nicaragua. [Historic Pittsburgh]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 27, 1975
The Steelers wave Terrible Towels for the first time as they take the Three Rivers field for a divisional playoff against Baltimore. Andy Russell wins the game on a 93-yard return for a touchdown. [Wikipedia]
From Pittsburgh Magazine (2010):
In 1975, Cope’s bosses at WTAE Radio asked him to come up with a clever promotional gimmick for the station that would be embraced by Steelers fans. After considering black masks emblazoned with then-head coach Chuck Noll’s motto, “Whatever It Takes,” Cope came up with a less expensive idea: a gold rally towel. Cope spent several weeks promoting the idea on the radio, with little apparent success. He even took a sample towel into the Steelers’ locker room for a straw poll.
“I think your idea stinks,” said linebacker Jack Ham. One can imagine Cope reacting to Ham’s assessment with his trademark, “Feh!” (more)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 23, 1972
In the first Steelers playoff in 25 years (and their first postseason win), Franco Harris salvages a Terry Bradshaw pass in the greatest NFL play in history—to beat the Raiders 13-7 at Three Rivers. Art Rooney and Bob Prince miss the play while in the elevator to the locker room. [Wikipedia; Pro Football Hall of Fame]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 21, 1947
Forbes Field hosts the city’s first NFL Playoff game as the Steelers lose to Philadelphia.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 17, 1896
The city’s first hockey arena — the site of the world’s first artificial-ice surface — the Schenley Casino is destroyed by a chemical fire during the night from a leaky pipe. [Wikipedia]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 28, 1958
Sale of Forbes Field to University of Pittsburgh is approved; the Pirates will stay on for five years, until new Northside stadium is built. In reality, the Pirates stayed on not for five but for twelve years, until Three Rivers Stadium opened in 1970. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Roberto Clemente was a member of the Montreal Royals, the minor-league (AAA) affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers. 1954.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 22, 1954
Roberto Clemente is drafted #1 by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 19, 1990
Pittsburgh Pirates star Barry Bonds wins the MVP. [Wikipedia]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: November 16, 1966
Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente wins the National League MVP. [Wikipedia]
![Pittsburgh Steelers, 1934. [Steelers Depot]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcm6doKD571qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: October 25, 1955
Joe Brown replaces Branch Rickey as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. [Wikipedia; Black and Gold World]
Nov. 10, 1956: When Pittsburgh was a smoky steelmaking powerhouse, Pitt Stadium was its football mecca. On this day, 58,679 fans showed up to watch the Panthers whip Notre Dame 26-13.
Pitt once played its football games at nearby Forbes Field, but under coach Pop Warner the team became so popular the concrete baseball stadium could no longer accomodate the large number of fans seeking admission. So the University of Pittsburgh purchased nine acres of land and hired Pitt graduate W.S. Hindman to design a new venue.
Pitt Stadium was completed in 1925, and on Sept. 26 of that year, Pitt christened the concrete bowl with a 26-0 victory over Washington and Lee. Record attendance for the stadium was reached on Oct. 29, 1938, when 68,918 fans watched Pitt beat Fordham 24-13. Seating changes and new safety rules set by Pittsburgh’s fire marshall reduced the capacity in the 1940s.
Pitt played its final game at the stadium on Nov. 13, 1999. The Panthers defeated Notre Dame 37-27 that day. The old facility went out in rowdy style. With nine seconds remaining in the game, fans rushed onto the field, tore down both goal posts and tore out chunks of artificial turf.
(Photo credit: Unknown)
