81 years ago today Reds GM Larry MacPhail receives the ceremonial signal from the White House and turns on 632 floodlights for the Major Leagues first night game in history. The Reds hosted the Philadelphia Philles for the historic night that McPhail pushed for claiming games under the lights would generate more revenue – which it did.
The Reds beat the Phillies 2-1 in what seem otherwise dull game with just ten hits between both teams and only one extra basehit – a double by the Reds Billy Myers. But being it was the first time baseball fans watched a night game it was probably a very memorable experience for the 20,422 that came out that chilly Cincinnati night.
-Ron Bolton
Photo Credit: The featured photo was taken by Earl D. Payne, one of the three electrical engineers who designed the lighting layout for Crosley Field. He worked for CG&E – the Cincinnati Gas and Electric CO. For more information, see the comment below from his son, Robert B. Payne.