April 9, 1965: Mickey Mantle launched an orange baseball into the center-field stands (more) Today in History—April 9: The Day Baseball Moved Indoors Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 6, 2026 •History April 9, 1965: Mickey Mantle launched an orange baseball into the center-field stands© Bettmann/Getty Images; Photo Illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. On this day in 1965, Mickey Mantle was given a big—if slightly strange—honor: The Yankees manager moved him to the leadoff spot so he could bat first in the world’s first professional baseball game played indoors, a bit like being first to golf on the Moon. Today in History is a daily newsletter from...

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