Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
1917 Mata Hari was captured in France during World War I. She was sentenced to death as a German spy. During her execution she refused a blindfold and blew a kiss at her firing squad.
1920 The first successful African American baseball league is formed by a group of team owners at a Kansas City YMCA. It existed until 1931. The league was led by Rube Foster, owner, and manager of the Chicago American Giants.
1971 U.S. Vice-President Spiro Agnew hit three spectators with golf balls during the Bob Hope Desert Classic. On his first drive, he sliced hitting a man and his wife with the same ball. After apologizing, he hit his next shot into the gallery striking a woman in the ankle, sending her to the hospital for x-rays.
Music History:
In 1978, Dire Straits began recording their self-titled debut in London’s Basing Street Studios. All songs were written by Mark Knopfler, including the hit single, “Sultans of Swing,” which peaked at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.8 in the UK. Dire Straits, meanwhile, was certified double Platinum in both the US and UK.
Notable Birthdays:
Actor Tony Dalton 50
Singer Peter Gabriel 75
Actress Stockard Channing 82
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
