Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Friday April 17, 2026
1929, Babe Ruth married Claire Hodgeson, a former member of the Ziegfeld Follies. When asked where they were going on their honeymoon, Ruth said, “To the ballpark.” He hit a home run for her that day.
1937, Daffy Duck made his debut.
1964, The iconic Ford Mustang made its debut at the New York World’s Fair… and changed American car culture forever. Ford sold over 22,000 Mustangs on day one!
1970, After that famous “Houston, we have a problem,” the crew of Apollo 13 safely splashed down in the Pacific. One of the greatest real-life rescue missions ever.
Music History:
1971 – Three Dog Night topped the charts with Joy to the World (“Jeremiah was a bullfrog…”)—one of the biggest sing-along hits of the ‘70s.
Notable Birthdays:
Actress Victoria Beckham 52
Actress Jennifer Garner 54
Singer Michael Sembello 72
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
