In 2004: Texas Rangers relief pitcher Frank Francisco was arrested and charged with aggravated battery for throwing a chair in the stands. The incident started when Oakland fans behind the bullpen were reportedly heckling Rangers pitcher Doug Brocail about his stillborn son. Francisco hit a woman in the face with the chair and was suspended for the remainder of the season. He plead guilty to misdemeanor assault and was ordered to take anger management classes. He missed the 2005 season because of elbow surgery and was just recently recalled to the Rangers.
In 1981: The Atlanta Falcons tied an NFL record by scoring 31 points in a nine-minute span during the fourth quarter in a 31-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field. The early-season loss would ultimately cost the Packers a chance to win the NFC Central Division, as they finished a game behind Tampa Bay.
In 1973 Congress and President Nixon passed a bill to lift the NFL’s blackout policy. Before this, local games were not available in the home team’s city. This means that the Pittsburgh Steelers “Immaculate Reception” victory over the Oakland Raiders in the 1972 playoffs was not seen in Pittsburgh.
