A look back at events that you’ve either forgotten about or never heard of in the first place.
July 20, 1969
Ed O’Neill, known by millennials for his work as Jay on Modern Family and by Gen Xers as Al Bundy on Married with Children, was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to a story on NFL.com, O’Neill went to drown his sorrows in a local bar. That was the same day that American astronauts landed on the moon. O’Neill told the website that he remembers thinking, “Well, at least someone is having a good day.”
July 21, 1923
The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Boston Braves in a double header, 14-4 and 6-4. Pie Traynor had a great game with a home run and five hits. But the star of the game was Rabbit Maranville (pictured), not because he had three hits, scored three times and had two RBI. But because his name is Rabbit Maranville, quite possibly the greatest name in MLB history.
July 21, 1982
Pirates legend Willie Stargell hits the final home run of his great career, No. 475, against Cincinnati.
July 21, 2003
Pirate Matt Stairs hits a home run into the Allegheny River, becoming the first player to do it twice.
July 22, 1910
During a game at Brooklyn against the Dodgers, Pirates pitcher, yes pitcher, Deacon Phillipe hits an inside-the-park grand slam.
July 22, 2005
The Pittsburgh Penguins use their first overall draft pick to select Sidney Crosby. Crosby becomes awesome.
July 23, 1991
Carrick resident, former Pirates third baseman and current Pirates broadcaster John Wehner goes 5-5, becoming the first Buccos rookie to do it since Richie Zisk in 1973.
July 24, 1967
Pittsburgh Pirate Lloyd Waner is inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame, making he and his brother Paul, the first brothers to be enshrined.
July 24, 1992
The Pittsburgh Steelers hire athletic trainer Ariko Iso, making her the first female trainer in the NFL.
July 26, 1997
Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
