The Deseret News archives preserve a glimpse into the local, national, and international events that have shaped our history. On May 24, 1935, a historic moment took place in baseball when the first Major League game was played under the lights at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field. The Reds emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Today, watching a summer evening baseball game under the lights is an engrained tradition, whether it’s at a neighborhood park, a local stadium before a fireworks show or during the intensity of Game 7 of the World Series.
The front page of the Deseret News on May 25, 1935, featured three sports stories including coverage of this historic night game. Manager Chuck Dressen made an audacious move by appointing rookie Billy Myers as the regular shortstop and team captain. Myers displayed his talent by doubling and stealing a base while pitcher Paul Derringer pitched a six-hitter. President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially inaugurated the night game by throwing a ceremonial switch at the White House, surrounded by dignitaries from baseball and government.
Major League Baseball reports that today approximately two-thirds of games are played under the lights, reflecting how far the sport has come since its inception. While night baseball has become commonplace, other sports have also embraced evening games with televised broadcasts allowing fans to enjoy their favorite teams in prime time. Despite this progression, there remains something special about watching a day baseball game for many fans; perhaps it’s because it feels like stepping back in time or maybe it’s just because nothing beats spending an entire day immersed in hours of baseball with family and friends during a doubleheader – truly perfect for avid baseball enthusiasts.
