Historical Events
911 – During a siege in Constantinople, the Theotokos (Mary, the mother of Jesus) appears at the church in Blachernae, holding her veil over the praying faithful, among them St. Andrew of Constantinople
1791 – First session of the new French legislative assembly
1939 – Winston Churchill calls Russia a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”
1995 – The NY Yankees (AL) and Colorado Rockies (NL) become the first wild-card teams in the new MLB playoff system; the Rockies are the first team to reach the postseason before their 7th year and post the best-ever record for a 3rd-year team, 10 games over .500 (77-67)
1998 – LA’s Mauricio Cienfuegos and Martin Machon equal the MLS playoff record of three assists each as the Galaxy roll to a 6-1 win over the Dallas Burn at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
Famous Birthdays
1847 – Annie Besant, English social reformer and supporter of Indian independence, born in London (d. 1933)
1878 – Othmar Spann, Austrian economist and sociologist (Geschichtsfilosofie), born in Vienna (d. 1950)
1910 – Bonnie Parker, American outlaw of Bonnie and Clyde fame, born in Rowena, Texas (d. 1934)
1960 – Elizabeth Dennehy, American actress (Guiding Light, Start Trek: The Next Generation), born in Jacksonville, North Carolina
1963 – Mark McGwire, American MLB first baseman, coach (12-time All Star, Oakland A’s, St. Louis Cardinals), born in Pomona, California
Famous Deaths
540 – Vedastus St Vaast, 1st bishop of Atrecht/saint, dies
1500 – John Alcock, English bishop and chancellor (founded Jesus College, Cambridge), dies at about 70
1943 – Johan Kalshoven, resistance fighter, executed at 20
2002 – Walter Annenberg, American publisher (Triangle-TV Guide) and philanthropist, dies at 94
2007 – Ned Sherrin, English broadcaster, author and stage director (b. 1931)