The Wizard of Oz August 25, 1939 The film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's 1900 book The Wizard of Oz is released, starring Judy Garland as Dorothy and Terry as Toto. It was the story of two women fighting over a pair of shoes. Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man, but had to quit because he had an allergic reac...

Hurricane Andrew August 24, 1992 Hurricane Andrew hits Miami. Andrew was a category 5 Atlantic hurricane that struck The Bahamas, Florida, and Louisiana. It was the most destructive hurricane to ever hit Florida in terms of structures damaged or destroyed, and remained the costliest in financial terms until Hurricane I...

Ruby Ridge August 21, 1992 While attempting to apprehend Randy Weaver for failing to appear in court on a weapons charge, U.S. marshals encounter Weaver, friend Kevin Harris, and Weaver's 14-year-old son Sammy and his dog. The marshals shot and killed the dog prompting a gun battle that ended in the death of Sammy who ...

First Commercial Radio Station August 20, 1920 WWJ of Detroit begins operating. Its initial broadcasting was mostly between 7 and 8 pm, and consisted of phonograph records interspersed with news announcements and sports results.

Shortest MLB Player August 19, 1951 3-foot 7-inch (109 cm) tall Eddie Gaedel pinch hits for the St. Louis Browns and is walked after being pitched four straight balls. It was his only time at bat in the major leagues. After his time at bat he said, "Man, I felt like Babe Root."