Back when Houston was the Gateway to the Stars

The Houston Astrodome was just designated as an historical site. Funny, I remember it as an original comedy of errors; the roof didn't allow enough sunlight to grow grass, which necessitated the invention of Astroturf!

Do you believe me, or your lying eyes?

I had a friend who insisted that Bobby Thompson's fabled home run in the 1951 National League playoffs was sparsely attended. He cited as evidence the day's gate - 34,000 - and the stadium's official capacity - 55,000.
The truth: The Polo Grounds 'natural' capacity, 34,000, was extended to 55,000 when the horseshoe aspect was fully enclosed in 1923. Those extra seats, however, were in centerfield, 475 feet from home plate, and were rarely put up for sale for baseball.