What Happened on August 23, 1953

Historical Events

  • Cyclist Arie Van Vliet becomes world champion sprinter
  • Dutch DC-6 crashes near Ymuiden in North Sea, 21 die
  • Former Boston Braves pitcher Phil Paine becomes first major leaguer to play in Japan; on military service with U.S. Air Force plays first of 9 games for Nishitetsu Lions

F1 World Champion

Italian Ferrari driver Alberto Ascari clinches his second Formula 1 World Drivers Championship by winning Swiss Grand Prix at Bremgarten

  • KBAK TV channel 29 in Bakersfield, CA (ABC) begins broadcasting
  • Phil Grate sets record for throwing a baseball (443'3")
  • USSR performs nuclear test

Famous Birthdays

  • Bobby Gubby, English rocker (Bucks Fizz-My Camera Never Lies), born in Epsom, Surrey, England
  • Ezra Idlet, American folk, rock, and family music guitarist, and singer-songwriter (Trout Fishing In America - "My Hair Had A Party Last Night"), born in San Antonio, Texas
  • Klaus-Dietrich Flade, German cosmonaut (Soyuz TM-14), born in Büdesheim, Germany

About August 23, 1953

Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 70 years, 8 months and 5 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Virgo

Music Charts

  • UK #1 Song: I Believe - Frankie Laine