Years after the event, Babe Ruth recounted his “called shot” of October 1, 1932, as something planned almost from the start of the at-bat, the game, his life.

What certainly took place is this: with the New York Yankees tied with the Chicago Cubs 4-4 in Game 3 of the World Series, Ruth came to the plate in the fifth inning, and after two strikes, he held up his hand and pointed … somewhere.

At the pitcher? At the Cubs dugout? Towards center field?

In 1948, Ruth insisted it was that last item.

The Cubs players had been “razzing” him mercilessly, you see, and he claimed the Chicago fans had spit at his wife, Claire. He was going to show all of them.

And then Ruth hit the next pitch as far as a ball can be hit in Wrigley Field, well past the 440-foot outfield sign. Newsreel footage shows Ruth gesturing, pointing, hitting the home run, and then gesturing at the Cubs players as he rounded the bases. The Yankees won the game and swept the World Series the next game.

A famous painting by Robert Thom depicts the moment before the moment. Major League Baseball produced a video:

 
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The Honeymooners debuted on CBS on this date in 1955. A classic moment:

 
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Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show on NBC for the first time on this date in 1962. There is no video recording of the show, only audio. Network practices in those years had network staff wipe clean—erase—non-news video recordings for later re-use.

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“The Thrilla in Manila,” the third and last fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, took place on this date in 1975. Ali won in the 14th round.

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SS El Faro, a cargo ship, was lost near the Bahamas one year ago today, a victim of Hurricane Joaquin. Thirty-three crew members were killed.

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E. B. White died on this date in 1985. Tom Clancy died three years ago today.

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President Jimmy Carter is 92 today. Dame Julie Andrews is 81 today. Edward Villella is 80 today. Stella Stevens is 80 today. Rod Carew is 71 today. Tim O’Brien is 70 today. Randy Quaid is 66. Youssou N’Dour is 57. Zach Galifianakis is 47.

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