August 16

Events - Sports

1920day.year

Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians is hit on the head by a fastball thrown by Carl Mays of the New York Yankees. Next day, Chapman will become the second player to die from injuries sustained in a Major League Baseball game.

Cleveland Indians player Ray Chapman was fatally struck in the head by a pitch, marking a tragic chapter in MLB history.
On August 16, 1920, Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians was hit in the head by a fastball from Carl Mays of the New York Yankees. Chapman collapsed at home plate and was rushed to a New York City hospital in critical condition. He became the second player in Major League Baseball history to die due to injuries sustained during a game. The tragedy led to changes in baseball safety standards, including rules on replacing dirty or scuffed balls. Major League Baseball later instituted mandatory wearing of batting helmets to protect players. Chapman’s death remains a sobering reminder of the sport’s inherent risks and has left a lasting impact on baseball’s evolution.
1920 Ray Chapman Cleveland Indians fastball Carl Mays New York Yankees Major League Baseball
1927day.year

The Dole Air Race begins from Oakland, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, during which six out of the eight participating planes crash or disappear.

In 1927, the Dole Air Race from Oakland to Honolulu began, but six of the eight participating planes crashed or disappeared over the Pacific.
The Dole Air Race, organized by pineapple magnate James Dole, commenced on August 16, 1927, departing from Oakland, California, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii. Pilots faced a daunting 2,400-mile transpacific flight with rudimentary navigation tools and limited radio communication. Of the eight entrants, only two aircraft, Miss Doran and Woolaroc, completed the journey successfully. Six planes tragically crashed or vanished at sea, resulting in multiple fatalities among the crews. The disasters underscored the perils of long-distance flight in the 1920s. Despite the losses, the race spurred improvements in aviation navigation techniques, safety equipment, and aircraft design.
1927 Dole Air Race Oakland, California Honolulu, Hawaii
1930day.year

The first British Empire Games are opened in Hamilton, Ontario, by the Governor General of Canada, the Viscount Willingdon.

The first British Empire Games opened in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1930, uniting athletes from across the British Empire in a multi-sport competition.
On August 16, 1930, the inaugural British Empire Games were officially opened at Gage Park in Hamilton, Ontario, by the Governor General of Canada, Viscount Willingdon. Eleven territories of the British Empire sent 400 athletes to compete in six sports, including athletics, swimming, and boxing. The event aimed to strengthen bonds and promote friendly competition among Empire nations during the interwar period. Canada topped the medal table, showcasing its athletic prowess and organizational capacity. The success of these Games laid the groundwork for the modern Commonwealth Games held every four years. The Hamilton 1930 edition established a lasting tradition of unity and sportsmanship within the Commonwealth.
British Empire Games Hamilton, Ontario Governor General of Canada Viscount Willingdon