Sports History On This Day: July 27

July 27, 1959 – The game of baseball in New York City had somewhat of an empty spot as just before the 1958 season both the Dodgers and the Giants left the area for greener pastures in California. Though the very popular Yankees organization remained there were still those that enjoyed the National League game.

To help fill the void, lawyer William Shea, announced his plans to have a baseball team in 1961. Shea was best known for his part in The Continental League, it’s part in breaking down the Major League Baseball expansion barrier, and the expansion era of baseball. For the 1962 season, the New York Mets were added to the NL and on April 17, 1964, they played their first game in Shea Stadium, named for their founder, William.

To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.

William Alfred "Bill" Shea ( June 21, 1907 – October 2, 1991).
The photo is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Public Domain Photo of William Alfred "Bill" Shea ( June 21, 1907 – October 2, 1991). Special thanks to the resources of Newspapers.com and OnThisDay.com for the information obtained.

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