What Happened on August 31, 1981

• Dirk Wellham scores 103 on Test Cricket debut, v England at Lord's
• MLB Kansas City Royals fire manager Jim Frey, replace him with Dick Howser

• Dwayne Peel, Welsh rugby union halfback (76 Tests, British & Irish Lions 3, Barbarians 1; Llanelli Scarlets RFC, Sale Sharks RFC), born in Carmarthen, Wales
• Joe Swanberg, American filmmaker (mumblecore film movement), born in Detroit, Michigan

• Joseph H. Hirschhorn, American financier and art collector (Joseph H. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden), dies at 82

Holidays: Late Summer Bank Holiday (United Kingdom)

• #1 Song: Endless Love - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
• #1 Song: Tainted Love - Soft Cell