OTD in 1982: 75 years old Luke Appling hit a homer at RFK Stadium

On July 19, 1982, 75 year old Luke Appling hitting a home run off Warren Spahn in the 1982 Cracker Jack Old Timer’s Baseball game.

Appling, a Hall of Fame shortstop with the Chicago White Sox, was never a power hitter and the left field stands were in football configuration, but the homer was one of the great moments in RFK Stadium history. It was certainly the baseball highlight of the 34 year gap between the Seantors leaving and the Nationals arriving.

2017 UPDATE

The entire game is now available

I never noticed that the infield was in sliding pit configuration and that there were two first and third baselines.

FURTHER READING

Old Dog With New Tricks – Sports Illustrated

Luke Appling and the 1982 Cracker Jack Game – Misc. Baseball