x
Breaking News
More () »

Strange but true: Astros ‘rained in’ at the Astrodome

But, doesn't the Dome have a roof?

HOUSTON — The Astrodome. Where games postponed due to bad weather were a thing of the past. Until this one day: June 15, 1976.

The Astros had a night game against Pittsburgh. But it rained and rained and rained in the Houston area for hours. More than 7 1/2 inches flooded the streets and highways. Only 10 or 20 fans managed to get to the ballpark. To Astros general manager Tal Smith, it was obvious the game should be called off, but some disagreed.

“When I first mentioned this, there were some people (within the front office) thought it could be a negative (publicity),” Smith said. “I said, ‘To the contrary, I think it’s the practical thing to do.’”

The game was eventually postponed.

“It’s not exactly a rainout,” explained a team spokesman to The Associated Press. “It’s a rain-in. We’re bone dry inside.”

And the players? They couldn’t leave the Astrodome due to the high water so Astros team officials decided to host a picnic. The Astros and Pirates enjoyed dinner together on folding tables near second base.

“We had steaks and stuff on the field with the other team,” mentioned Enos Cabell, the team’s third baseman. “We were sitting there laughing.”

Both clubs, however, broke an official major league rule: no fraternizing while in uniform.

Then again, who would enforce it? The umps couldn’t get to the game, either.

The first postponement of an indoor baseball game due to weather? The ‘rain-in’ is a strange but true Houston sports story.

RELATED: Strange but True: Gordie Howe's first and only suspension led to referee's resignation

RELATED: Strange but true: Houston selects two No. 1 overall picks in one day

RELATED: Strange but true: Claude Raymond caught by Topps with his zipper undone

Send us a news tip | Download our app#HTownRush Newsletter

Great news if you watch TV with an antenna

KHOU has just upgraded its technology.  If you were unable to receive KHOU with your antenna in the past, try again on channel 11.11.  You may have to rescan your channels for it to work – if that’s the case, we’ve got some instructions at KHOU.com/antenna.  If you already see KHOU on 11.1, you may now ALSO see it on 11.11 – it’s the exact same programming.  We’re really excited to be able to bring our KHOU 11 News, CBS shows and sports, Wheel of Fortune, Ellen and Great Day Houston to more homes around the area.  If you’re still having trouble, please contact us here and we’ll try to get you set up.

Before You Leave, Check This Out