April 06

Events - Sports

1896day.year

In Athens, the opening of the first modern Olympic Games is celebrated, 1,500 years after the original games are banned by Roman emperor Theodosius I.

The first modern Olympics open in Athens, reviving an ancient tradition 1,500 years after its ban.
On April 6, 1896 in Athens, the first modern Olympic Games commenced, marking a revival of the ancient Greek tradition banned by Theodosius I. Inspired by Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s vision, 241 athletes from 14 nations competed in 43 events across nine sports. The opening ceremony, declared by King George I of Greece, captured global attention. Historic feats such as Spiridon Louis’s marathon victory became legendary. This rebirth of the Olympics laid the groundwork for the international movement that endures today.
1896 Athens first modern Olympic Games Roman emperor Theodosius I
1973day.year

The American League of Major League Baseball begins using the designated hitter.

The American League adopts the designated hitter rule, allowing a batter to hit in place of the pitcher for the first time in MLB history.
On April 6, 1973, the American League officially introduced the designated hitter (DH) rule in Major League Baseball. Pitchers were no longer required to bat, creating new strategic opportunities for managers. The change aimed to boost offensive production and fan interest by placing a batting specialist in the lineup. It distinguished the American League from the National League, which continued traditional batting order. The rule sparked debate among players and purists about preserving baseball's original format. Over time, the DH became a defining feature of the AL and influenced other leagues and levels of play.
American League Major League Baseball designated hitter