Year 1989 in History

politics governmentwars conflicts

Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall falls as East Germany opens its borders, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of German reunification.

Year of the Young Reader begins

Batman Begins is a 2005 superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman. Directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with David S.

British comedy sketch series "A Bit of Fry and Laurie", starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, debuts on BBC1

A Bit of Fry & Laurie is a British sketch comedy television series written by and starring former Cambridge Footlights members Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, broadcast on both BBC1 and BBC2 between…

Poland's communist government begins "Round Table" talks with the Solidarity trade union and its leader Lech Wałęsa in a

Poland's communist government begins "Round Table" talks with the Solidarity trade union and its leader Lech Wałęsa in an attempt to ease growing social unrest

NBA power forward Charles Barkley (26) weds legal aide Maureen Blumhardt in Elkton, Maryland

WWF admits pro wrestling is an exhibition and not a sport in a New Jersey court to gain deregulation

Robin Givens is granted a divorce from Mike Tyson in the Dominican Republic

Soviet military occupation of Afghanistan ends as the last Soviet troops cross the Soviet-Afghan border

The Soviet–Afghan War took place in Afghanistan from December 1979 to February 1989.

Actress Jane Fonda and activist Tom Hayden separate after 16 years of marriage

Jane Seymour Fonda is an American actress and activist. Fonda's work spans several genres and over six decades of film and television.

"Baywatch" actor David Hasselhoff (37) divorces actress Catherine Hickland (33) after nearly 5 years of marriage

Hillsborough disaster: 96 people are crushed to death and 766 are injured at Hillsborough Football Stadium in Sheffield,

Hillsborough disaster: 96 people are crushed to death and 766 are injured at Hillsborough Football Stadium in Sheffield, England, during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest

Thousands of Chinese crowd into Beijing's Tiananmen Square, cheering for students demanding greater political freedom

Approximately 2,000 students begin a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square, China, to force a dialogue with the government a

Approximately 2,000 students begin a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square, China, to force a dialogue with the government ahead of a visit by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping meet in Beijing and formally end a 30-year rift

Lisa Strawberry files for divorce from husband and MLB player Darryl Strawberry, finalizing the process in 1993

"Do the Right Thing", directed by Spike Lee, starring Danny Aiello and Ossie Davis premieres at the Cannes Film Festival

Do the Right Thing is a 1989 American comedy-drama film produced, written and directed by Spike Lee.

Robin Givens and Mike Tyson granted final divorce in New Jersey

Michael Gerard Tyson is an American former professional boxer who competed between 1985 and 2024.

10,000 Chinese soldiers are blocked by 100,000 citizens in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, protecting students demonstrating

10,000 Chinese soldiers are blocked by 100,000 citizens in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, protecting students demonstrating for democracy

Beginning of the Tiananmen Square Massacre as Chinese troops open fire on pro-democracy supporters in Beijing

During the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre in Beijing, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) played a decisive role in enforcing martial law, using force to suppress the demonstrations in…

Eastern Europe's first partially free elections in 40 years are held in Poland, Solidarity Party comes to power

The history of Poland from 1945 to 1989 spans the period of Marxist–Leninist regime in Poland after the end of World War II.

Singer-songwriter Courtney Love (24) divorces vocalist James Moreland only 4 months after getting married

Courtney Michelle Love is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actress whose career has spanned four decades.

Movie "Batman" premieres, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson

Batman Returns is a 1992 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and written by Daniel Waters.

American jockey Steve Cauthen wins the Irish Derby on Old Vic to become the first rider in history to sweep the world's

American jockey Steve Cauthen wins the Irish Derby on Old Vic to become the first rider in history to sweep the world's four major Derbies (Kentucky, Epsom, French, Irish)

14th Toronto International Film Festival: "Roger & Me" directed by Michael Moore wins the People's Choice Award

Roger & Me is a 1989 American documentary film written, produced, directed by, and starring Michael Moore, in his directorial debut.

Wayne Gretzky surpasses Gordie Howe as the NHL's all-time top scorer

Gordon Howe (March 31, 1928 – June 10, 2016) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.

East Berlin opens its borders at the Bornholmer Strasse crossing when thousands arrive after East German government offi

East Berlin opens its borders at the Bornholmer Strasse crossing when thousands arrive after East German government official Günter Schabowski mistakenly announces that restrictions on travel to the West will be lifted "immediately, without delay"

German crowds begin demolishing the Berlin Wall, quickly followed by officials with bulldozers

Robert Wright, George Forrest, and Maury Yeston's musical "Grand Hotel: The Musical" opens at the Martin Beck Theatre in

Robert Wright, George Forrest, and Maury Yeston's musical "Grand Hotel: The Musical" opens at the Martin Beck Theatre in NYC, runs for 1,018 performances, and wins five Tony Awards

Sachin Tendulkar scores a Test cricket fifty at the record young age of 16 years and 214 days

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and US President George H. W. Bush declare the Cold War over

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was the 41st president of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993.

"Driving Miss Daisy" directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy is released (Best Picture

"Driving Miss Daisy" directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy is released (Best Picture 1990)

"The Simpsons," created by Matt Groening, premieres on Fox TV as a full animated series with the episode "Simpsons Roast

"The Simpsons," created by Matt Groening, premieres on Fox TV as a full animated series with the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"

After 23 years of dictatorial rule, Romania ousts communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu from power

Nicolae Ceaușescu was a Romanian communist politician who led Romania as general secretary of the Romanian Communist Party from 1965 and as president from 1974 until his execution in 1989. Born in...

Wayne Gretzky and Martina Navratilova are named Athletes of the Decade by the Associated Press

Jockey Kent Desormeaux sets a record with 598 wins in a single year

Kent Jason Desormeaux is an American thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey who holds the U.S. record for most races won in a single year with 598 wins in 1989.

"Superwoman" single released by Karyn White (Billboard Song of the Year 1989)

"Superwoman" is a song by R&B singer Karyn White, released as the second single from her self-titled debut album in January 1989. It was her second U.S.

Russian newspaper Izvestia gets its 1st commercial advertisement

Comet Tempel 1 at perihelion

Tempel 1 (official designation: 9P/Tempel) is a Jupiter-family comet discovered by Wilhelm Tempel in 1867. It completes an orbit of the Sun every 5.6 years.

2 French TV newsmen arrested for trying to plant fake bombs on 3 airlines at JFK airport in security test

Beginning of the Japanese Heisei era

The Japanese era name or nengō (年号, year name), is the first of the two elements that identify years in the Japanese era calendar scheme.

nations agree to ban chemical weapons (poison gas, etc)

6 claim to survive in rubble, 35 days after Armenian quake (hoax)

American soap opera "Ryan's Hope" ends 13½ year run on ABC-TV

Ryan's Hope is an American soap opera created by Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer, airing for 13 years on ABC from July 7, 1975, to January 13, 1989.

Cerebral Palsy telethon raises $22.6 million

A telethon (a portmanteau of "television" and "marathon") is a televised fundraising event that lasts many hours or days, the purpose of which is to raise money for a charitable, political or other...

USSR announces plan for 2-yr manned mission to Mars

Al Arbour wins his 600th NHL game as coach

George H. W. Bush inaugurated as 41st US President, Dan Quayle becomes 44th Vice President

George H. W. Bush's tenure as the 41st president of the United States began with his inauguration on January 20, 1989, and ended on January 20, 1993.

Pittsburgh center Mario Lemieux becomes just the second player in NHL history to score 50 goals in less than 50 games; #

Pittsburgh center Mario Lemieux becomes just the second player in NHL history to score 50 goals in less than 50 games; #50 in 44th game as the Penguins lose 7-3 to the Jets in Winnipeg

Wayne Gretzky passes Marcel Dionne to become NHL's second all time scorer

Wayne Douglas Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999.

s feared dead after a powerful earthquake strikes the Soviet Central Asian republic of Tajikistan

American Olympic diving silver medallist Bruce Kimball, is sentenced to 17 years in prison for killing 2 teenagers in a

American Olympic diving silver medallist Bruce Kimball, is sentenced to 17 years in prison for killing 2 teenagers in a drunk driving accident; serves 4 years

Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 at perihelion

A comet is an icy, small Solar System body or interstellar object that warms and begins to release gases when passing close to the Sun, a process called outgassing.

0°F (-18°C) or below in 15 US states

Baseball's National League announces New York Yankees broadcaster Bill White will become its 1st African American Presid

Baseball's National League announces New York Yankees broadcaster Bill White will become its 1st African American President

Australian cricketer Dean Jones scores 216 v WI at the Adelaide Oval

Kareem Abdul-Jabar becomes 1st NBA player to score 38,000 points

American jockey Chris Antley begins record 64-day consecutive winning streak; ends 1 May and includes 147 winners from 4

American jockey Chris Antley begins record 64-day consecutive winning streak; ends 1 May and includes 147 winners from 486 mounts

Kevin Johnson (Phoenix) ends NBA free throw streak of 57 games

US Episcopal Church Diocese of Massachusetts installs Barbara Harris (59) as 1st female bishop of a US Episcopal church

Five Pakistani Muslim rioters are killed while protesting Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses"

The Satanic Verses controversy, also known as the Rushdie Affair, was a controversy sparked by the 1988 publication of The Satanic Verses by the Indian author Salman Rushdie.

Kidnapped Belgian Premier Vanden Boeynants freed

African National Congress (ANC) opens office in Amsterdam

Israel attacks border strip Taba near Egypt

6-week study of Arctic atmosphere shows no ozone "hole"

Ozone depletion consists of two related events observed since the late 1970s: a lowered total amount of ozone in Earth's upper atmosphere, and a much larger springtime decrease in stratospheric ozone...

IRA bomb destroys a section of a British Army barracks in Ternhill, England

This is a chronology of activities by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) from 1980 to 1989.

million year old fossil egg found in Utah with a fossilized dinosaur embryo inside, the oldest dinosaur egg yet found in

million year old fossil egg found in Utah with a fossilized dinosaur embryo inside, the oldest dinosaur egg yet found in the Northern Hemisphere

First independent blue-collar labor union in Communist Hungary forms

German war criminals Aus der Funten and Fischer freed in Holland

Ferdinand Hugo aus der Fünten (17 December 1909 – 19 April 1989), widely known as Fünten, was an SS-Hauptsturmführer and head of the Central Office for Jewish Emigration in Amsterdam during the...

10-time MLB All-Star second baseman and manager Red Schoendienst and umpire Al Barlick are elected to the Baseball Hall

10-time MLB All-Star second baseman and manager Red Schoendienst and umpire Al Barlick are elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame

Charlie Francis, coach of disqualified sprinter Ben Johnson tells federal inquiry into Canada's greatest sports scandal

Charlie Francis, coach of disqualified sprinter Ben Johnson tells federal inquiry into Canada's greatest sports scandal Johnson knowingly used steroids since 1981; Johnson first across line Olympic 100m 1988

12 European nations agree to ban chlorofluorocarbon production by 2000

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are fully or partly halogenated hydrocarbons that contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), chlorine (Cl), and fluorine (F).

Eastern Airlines machinists union goes on strike; pilots respect picket lines

Eastern Airlines machinists strike

Eastern Air Lines (also colloquially known as Eastern) was a trunk carrier, a scheduled airline in the United States that operated from 1926 to 1991.

19th Easter Seal Telethon raises $37,002,000

Roger Kingdom runs indoor world record 60m hurdles (7.37 secs)

Eastern Airlines files for bankruptcy

Eastern Air Lines (also colloquially known as Eastern) was a trunk carrier, a scheduled airline in the United States that operated from 1926 to 1991.

2 cyanide-contaminated Chilean grapes found (Philadelphia)

In March 1989, terrorists claimed to have poisoned fruit shipments from Chile to the United States, a claim seemingly supported by the discovery of two cyanide-laced grapes from Chile in...

27th shuttle, Discovery 8, launched, 1st woman to do the countdown

NHL New York Rangers retire goalie Eddie Giacomin's #1 uniform

The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern...

Dorothy Cudahy is 1st female grand marshal of St. Patrick Day Parade

27th NASA Space Shuttle Mission: Discovery 8 (STS-29), returns to Earth

Boeing V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft makes maiden flight

An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or, in a few cases,...

1st sea test of Trident 2 missile self-destructs, Cape Canaveral, Florida

Clint Malarchuk of the Buffalo Sabres suffers a near-fatal injury when another player accidentally cuts his throat

2 Utah scientists claim they have produced fusion at room temperature

Exxon tanker Valdez spills 10.8 million gallons of crude oil in Prince William Sound, near Tatitlek, Alaska

1st African American soap opera, "Generations" premieres on NBC-TV

New Zealand wins America's Cup over Stars & Stripes, in a NY court

1st Soviet hockey players are permitted to play for the NHL

The National Hockey League (NHL; French: Ligue nationale de hockey [liɡ nɑsjɔnal də ɔkɛ], LNH) is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams, 25 in the United States and 7...

Calgary Flames right wing Joe Mullen sets new NHL record for most points in a season by a American-born player, with a g

Calgary Flames right wing Joe Mullen sets new NHL record for most points in a season by a American-born player, with a goal and 2 assists in a 4-2 win over Edmonton Oilers gives him 110 points

"Sunrise" a Gannett newspaper begins publishing for Bronx

NY Supreme Court takes America's Cup away from SD Yacht Club for using a catamaran against NZ. Appeals court eventually

NY Supreme Court takes America's Cup away from SD Yacht Club for using a catamaran against NZ. Appeals court eventually overrules

California Angels pitcher Jim Abbott, born without his right hand, makes MLB debut, lasting only 4 2/3 innings

1,100,000,000th Chinese born

Maximum NY State unemployment benefits raised to $245 per week

Central Park Five: Violent rape of jogger Trisha Meili in NYC's Central Park becomes one of the most widely publicized c

Central Park Five: Violent rape of jogger Trisha Meili in NYC's Central Park becomes one of the most widely publicized crimes of the 1980s. Five teenagers are wrongfully convicted and spend between 6-12 years in prison.

CBS' premiere of fact based "The Littlest Victims", based on Newark, N.J. physician James Oleske as the first doctor to

CBS' premiere of fact based "The Littlest Victims", based on Newark, N.J. physician James Oleske as the first doctor to discover AIDS in children

Massachusetts declares today "New Kids on the Block Day"

Penguin Mario Lemuix ties NHL playoff record of 4 goals in 1st period

AT&T announces New Jersey's 201 area code will split into 908 and 201

Beijing students take over Tiananmen Square in China

Protests led by students, known in China as the June Fourth Incident, were held in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, from 15 April to 4 June 1989.

Argentina, hit by rocketing inflation, runs out of money

Second Lubbers government falls in the Netherlands

Chicago newspaper movie critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert film their 500th movie review television show

Eugene Kal Siskel (January 26, 1946 – February 20, 1999) was an American film critic and journalist for the Chicago Tribune who co-hosted a movie review television series alongside colleague Roger...

acre Disney's MGM studio theme park officially opens to public in Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Junior Felix of Toronto Blue Jays becomes 53rd MLB player to hit HR on 1st at bat

Mark Merrony (Wales) cycles for 30 mins in Nepal at 21,030 feet

Journalist petition Chinese government for freedom of press

"Entertainment Tonight" makes its 2,000th TV performance

1st Tour de Trump bicycle race run (Atlanta)

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the county seat of Fulton County and extends into neighboring DeKalb County.

Maxwell House coffee runs ads during "Roe vs Wade" movie despite threat of boycott by right-to-lifers

Longest cab ride at 14,000 miles costs $16,000 (later surpassed)

Sue Ellen's (Linda Gray) last appearance on TV show "Dallas"

Sue Ellen Ewing is a fictional character and one of the female leads in the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas.

China declares martial law in Beijing

Martial law is the replacement of civilian government by military rule and the suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers.

Eastern Airlines graduates it 1st class of non-union pilots

American radio broadcasters go silent for 30 seconds at 7:42 am to honor the radio industry

"Rambling with Gambling" 20,000th radio program on WOR-AM (NYC)

62nd National Spelling Bee: Scott Isaacs wins spelling spoliator

The 62nd annual Scripps National Spelling Bee was held on May 31 – June 1, 1989. in Washington, D.C. It was won by Scott Isaacs, a 14-year-old eighth grader, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain News of...

2nd Children's Miracle Network Telethon raises $770,000

Mets turn their 1st triple play in 7 years but lose to Cubs 8-4

23-year-old olympic barefoot South African runner Zola Budd retires

Pirates score 10 in 1st (their best inning since 1942), prompts Pirate broadcaster Jim Rooker to say he would walk from

Pirates score 10 in 1st (their best inning since 1942), prompts Pirate broadcaster Jim Rooker to say he would walk from Pitts to Philadelphia if Pirates lost, Phillies beat them 15-11, Rooker walks at end of season

"Tales From The Crypt" TV Anthology debuts on HBO

Tales from the Crypt, sometimes titled HBO's Tales from the Crypt, is an American horror anthology television series created by William Gaines and Steven Dodd that ran for seven seasons on the...

"Doctor Doctor", TV Comedy starring Matt Frewer, debuts on CBS-TV

Doctor Doctor is an American television sitcom that aired on CBS. It began a short run in June 1989, and was picked up for a full season the following fall.

"Licence to Kill", 16th James Bond film, last directed by John Glen and starring Timothy Dalton premieres in London

Baltimore Orioles pull their 9th triple play (vs Yankees)

"Ghostbusters II", American supernatural comedy film sequel, directed by Ivan Reitman, starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykr

"Ghostbusters II", American supernatural comedy film sequel, directed by Ivan Reitman, starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd premieres

US beats Guatemala 2-1 in 3rd round of 1990 world soccer cup

Comet Churyunov-Gerasimenko at perihelion

Barry Switzer resigns as head coach of Oklahoma's football team

Barry Layne Switzer is an American former college and professional football coach.

Warner Bros Records releases the eleventh studio album by singer Prince, the soundtrack to the film "Batman", it feature

Warner Bros Records releases the eleventh studio album by singer Prince, the soundtrack to the film "Batman", it features the single “Batdance”

Carlton Fisk becomes AL catcher HR hitter, 307th at Yankee stadium

Business Day reports that SA is about to test an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warhea

Business Day reports that SA is about to test an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads

Cards Vince Coleman steals record 39th & 40th consecutive bases

"Day By Day" last airs on NBC-TV

South Africa's National Party adopts five year programme of its objectives, including a political "reform" plan to give

South Africa's National Party adopts five year programme of its objectives, including a political "reform" plan to give Black majority role in national and local government; ANC responds it would consider only a one-man, one-vote system

US Attorney General Thornburgh orders Joseph Doherty deported to UK

Movie "Batman" sets record for quickest $100 million (10 days)

Concert by the Grateful Dead with Bruce Hornsby & the Range becomes final event at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylv

Concert by the Grateful Dead with Bruce Hornsby & the Range becomes final event at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, six days before structure is condemned

Carlos Saul Menum becomes President of Argentina

Two bombs explode in Mecca, killing 1 pilgrim and wounding 16 others

Paula Ivan runs female world record 1 mile (4:15.61)

President Ronald Reagan sportscasts All-Star Game

South Africa's largest labour federation, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, holds its third annual congress an

South Africa's largest labour federation, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, holds its third annual congress and intensifies its campaign against apartheid

1st test flight of US stealth bomber

Stealth aircraft are designed to avoid detection using a variety of technologies that reduce reflection or avoiding being successfully targeted by radar guided weapons.

48 cm rainfall at Rockport, West Virginia (state record)

93°F, highest overnight low ever recorded in Phoenix, Arizona, until heat wave of 2023

Eastern Airlines submits a reorganization plan to creditors

Kristin Huxhold, 18, of Missouri, crowned America's Junior Miss

Fox-TV tops ABC, NBC, and CBS for the first time with America's Most Wanted

Paula Gwynn, 22, is crowned the 21st Miss Black America

Javier Sotomayor of Cuba sets a high jump record at 8.046 ft (2.45 m) in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Chile amends its constitution

MLB Minnesota Twins trade AL Cy Young Award winner Frank Viola to the New York Mets

Frank John Viola Jr. is an American former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins (1982–1989), New York Mets (1989–1991), Boston Red Sox (1992–1994), Cincinnati...

Cincinnati Reds set an MLB record for the most hits in the first inning of a game with 16, scoring 14 runs in an 18-1 ro

Cincinnati Reds set an MLB record for the most hits in the first inning of a game with 16, scoring 14 runs in an 18-1 rout of the Houston Astros

First-ever tie in harness racing's Hambletonian as Park Avenue Joe and Probe tie the third and final heat; Park Avenue J

First-ever tie in harness racing's Hambletonian as Park Avenue Joe and Probe tie the third and final heat; Park Avenue Joe wins the series on a countback

U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland (D-TX) and 15 others die in a plane crash in Ethiopia

A's bat out of order against White Sox in the third inning

"Nightmare on Elm Street 5: Dream Child" premieres

Two hot-air balloons crash at Alice Springs, Australia, killing 13 people

On 13 August 1989, two hot air balloons collided near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, causing one to crash to the ground, killing thirteen people.

A solar flare from the Sun creates a geomagnetic storm that affects microchips, leading to a halt in all trading on Toro

A solar flare from the Sun creates a geomagnetic storm that affects microchips, leading to a halt in all trading on Toronto's stock exchange

ArenaBowl III takes place at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit: Detroit Drive defeats Pittsburgh Gladiators 39-26, with George

ArenaBowl III takes place at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit: Detroit Drive defeats Pittsburgh Gladiators 39-26, with George LaFrance as MVP

First crack in the Iron Curtain as Hungary opens its borders to Austria for a Pan-European Picnic for a few hours

American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo

American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo, Japan

Lewis, Everett, Burrell, and Heard run a world record 4 x 200 m (1:19.38)

British brewery Bass buys Holiday Inn hotel chain

After a 12-year, 4-billion-mile journey, Voyager 2 flies over the cloud tops of Neptune and its moon Triton, sending bac

After a 12-year, 4-billion-mile journey, Voyager 2 flies over the cloud tops of Neptune and its moon Triton, sending back photographs of swamps

Trumbull, Connecticut, is the first US team since 1983 to win the Little League World Series

The Little League World Series is an annual baseball tournament by Little League Baseball for children (primarily boys) aged 10 to 12 years old, held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

people march through Bensonhurst protesting racial violence

First regular-season matchup of defending Cy Young Award winners

Frank Viola and the NY Mets outduel Orel Hershiser and the LA Dodgers, winning 1-0

Arbitrator T Roberts orders owners to pay $105 million for collusion

Princess Anne & Mark Phillips announce their separation

Ilyushin-62 crashes into a residential area of Havana, killing 170 people

Jerry Lewis's 24th Muscular Dystrophy telethon raises $42,737,219

Amateur Athletic Federation strips Ben Johnson of all track records

Browns allow Pittsburgh only 53 net yards, setting a team defensive record

Indianapolis running back Eric Dickerson rushes for 106 yards against San Francisco to become the fastest player to surp

Indianapolis running back Eric Dickerson rushes for 106 yards against San Francisco to become the fastest player to surpass the 10,000-yard plateau in his 91st career game

Drexel formally pleads guilty to securities fraud

"Life Goes On', first television series featuring a major character with Down syndrome, "Corky" Thatcher played by Chris

"Life Goes On', first television series featuring a major character with Down syndrome, "Corky" Thatcher played by Chris Burke, premieres on ABC [1]

Calgary Flames become 1st NHL team to play in USSR, win 4-2

The U.S. Congress recognizes American journalist Terry Anderson's continued captivity in Beirut, Lebanon

41st Emmy Awards: "LA Law," "Cheers," Dana Delany, and Candice Bergen win

Hurricane Hugo causes extensive damage in Puerto Rico

Hurricane Hugo was a powerful tropical cyclone that inflicted widespread destruction across the northeastern Caribbean and the Southeastern United States in September 1989.

Poland's Sejm (National Assembly) approves prime minister Mazowiecki

Tadeusz Mazowiecki was a Polish author, journalist, philanthropist and politician, formerly one of the leaders of the Solidarity movement, and the first non-communist Polish prime minister since...

IRA bomb kills 10 Royal Marines bandsmen in Kent

Blue Jays bat out of order against Brewers in the 6th inning

ABC premieres "The Preppie Murder", based on the 1986 murder in New York City of Jennifer Levin by ex-prep school studen

ABC premieres "The Preppie Murder", based on the 1986 murder in New York City of Jennifer Levin by ex-prep school student Robert Chambers

Archaeologists open the grave of Titus of Rhine in Amsterdam

Boston Red Sox's Wade Boggs is the first to achieve 200 hits and 100 walks in four consecutive seasons

The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division.

Last Vietnamese soldiers leave Cambodia

Oakland wins AL West, and SF wins NL West title

Glenn Frey joins Eagles bandmate Don Henley on stage for the first time since 1981

Zsa Zsa Gabor is convicted of slapping a police officer in Beverly Hills

Zsa Zsa Gabor was a Hungarian-American socialite and actress. Her sisters were socialite Magda Gabor and actress and businesswoman Eva Gabor. Gabor competed in the 1933 Miss Hungary pageant, where...

NASA closes down tracking stations in Hawaii and Ascension

Nolan Ryan's perfect game is broken in the 8th, but he gets his 300th strikeout

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones records his 1,000th NFL tackle in a 30-13 defeat to the New York Giants

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones records his 1,000th NFL tackle in a 30-13 defeat to the New York Giants at Texas Stadium

MLB batting titles are decided on the final day of the regular season: In the AL, Kirby Puckett goes 2-for-5 and edges C

MLB batting titles are decided on the final day of the regular season: In the AL, Kirby Puckett goes 2-for-5 and edges Carney Lansford .339 to .336; In the NL, Tony Gwynn's 3-for-4 beats Will Clark .336 to .333

TV true life drama "A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story" premieres on NBC in the US

Oakland Raiders promote 42-year-old Art Shell as the first African American to be an NFL head coach in modern times, tak

Oakland Raiders promote 42-year-old Art Shell as the first African American to be an NFL head coach in modern times, taking over from Mike Shanahan

MLB San Francisco Giants first baseman Will Clark hits first NLCS grand slam since 1977 in 11-3 win v Chicago Cubs; Clar

MLB San Francisco Giants first baseman Will Clark hits first NLCS grand slam since 1977 in 11-3 win v Chicago Cubs; Clark goes 4-for-4 with 2 HRs to tie NLCS RBI record (6) for an entire series in less than 4 innings

MLB Oakland A's outfielder Rickey Henderson steals a record 8 bases in a playoff series (5 games) against the Toronto Bl

MLB Oakland A's outfielder Rickey Henderson steals a record 8 bases in a playoff series (5 games) against the Toronto Blue Jays

First NFL game coached by an African American (Art Shell), as his LA Raiders beat the NY Jets 14-7 on Monday Night Footb

First NFL game coached by an African American (Art Shell), as his LA Raiders beat the NY Jets 14-7 on Monday Night Football

Dallas running back Herschel Walker is traded from Cowboys to Minnesota Vikings for 5 players and 6 future draft picks i

Dallas running back Herschel Walker is traded from Cowboys to Minnesota Vikings for 5 players and 6 future draft picks including future stars Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, Kevin Smith and Darren Woodson

Bob Quinn resigns as NY Yankee VP/GM & replaced by Harding Peterson

Texas A&I University running back Johnny Bailey sets NCAA season rush record at 6,085 yards

Bikenibeu Paeniu is installed as premier of Tuvalu

Astor Piazzolla and William Finn's musical "Dangerous Games" premieres at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City

Pakistan wins the Sharjah Trophy over India and West Indies in a round-robin format

The 1989 Champions Trophy was held in Sharjah, UAE, between October 13–20, 1989. Three national teams took part: India, Pakistan and West Indies. The 1989 Champions Trophy was a double round-robin...

Bertram Lee and Peter Bynoe purchase the Denver Nuggets for $65 million, becoming the first African American owners of a

Bertram Lee and Peter Bynoe purchase the Denver Nuggets for $65 million, becoming the first African American owners of a major sports team

Denver Nuggets beat Jugoplastika Split 135-129 in 3rd McDonald Open

Browns' Bernie Kosar sets club record with a 97-yard TD pass

Bernard Joseph Kosar Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL).

NYC MTA opens 63rd street extension to subway

The Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station (formerly Lexington Avenue) is a New York City Subway local station in Lenox Hill, Manhattan, shared by the IND and BMT 63rd Street Lines.

August A. Busch III becomes CEO of the St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in St. Louis.

France performs a nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll

France is one of the five nuclear-weapon states recognized by the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but is not known to possess or develop any chemical or biological weapons.

Despite 107 from Desmond Haynes, Saleem Malik with 71 leads Pakistan to 4 wicket win v West Indies in cricket's Nehru Cu

Despite 107 from Desmond Haynes, Saleem Malik with 71 leads Pakistan to 4 wicket win v West Indies in cricket's Nehru Cup Final in Kolkata, India

s of Bulgarian demonstrate in Sofia for democratic rights

Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the eastern portion of the Balkans directly south of the Danube river and west of the Black Sea.

Lou Piniella is named manager of the Cincinnati Reds, replacing Pete Rose who is banned for life for gambling on MLB gam

Lou Piniella is named manager of the Cincinnati Reds, replacing Pete Rose who is banned for life for gambling on MLB games

Browns' Bernie Kosar sets club record of 16 cons pass completions

Bernard Joseph Kosar Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL).

French McLaren driver Alain Prost withdraws early in wet Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide but wins his 3rd Formula 1 Wo

French McLaren driver Alain Prost withdraws early in wet Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide but wins his 3rd Formula 1 World Drivers Championship; wins by 16 points from teammate Ayrton Senna

US marshals & FCC seize pirate radio station WJPL in Brooklyn

Baltimore Orioles Gregg Olson is 1st relief pitcher to win AL Rookie of Year

The Baltimore Orioles are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division.

"Byker Grove" begins broadcasting on the BBC

Bulgarian Communist party president Todor Zhikov (78) resigns

Romanian students protest in Bucharest before the Communist Party congress, shouting "we want reforms", in a sign of the

Romanian students protest in Bucharest before the Communist Party congress, shouting "we want reforms", in a sign of the revolution to come

Brazil holds its 1st free presidential election in 29 years

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America.

Padres reliever Mark Davis wins NL Cy Young Award

The Cy Young Award, officially the Cy Young Memorial Award, is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (NL).

"Batman" film is released on video tape

Test Cricket debut of Waqar Younis & Sachin Tendulkar at Karachi

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is an Indian former international cricketer who captained the Indian national team.

Six Jesuit priests including Ignacio Ellacuría and two others are assassinated killed by Salvadoran army - one of the mo

Six Jesuit priests including Ignacio Ellacuría and two others are assassinated killed by Salvadoran army - one of the most notorious acts of the Salvadoran civil war

Pitcher Bret Saberhagen signs a record $2,966,667-a-year contract with the Kansas City Royals

Pennsylvania is first to restrict abortions after US Supreme Court gave states the right to do so

US beats Trinidad, 1-0 qualifing for 1990 world soccer cup finals it was US' 1st qualification since 1950

Conjunction of Venus, Mars, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and the Moon

Neptune is the eighth and farthest known planet orbiting the Sun. It is the fourth-largest planet in the Solar System by diameter, the third-most-massive planet, and the densest giant planet.

MLB center fielder Kirby Puckett signs record $3,000,000 per year contract with Minnesota Twins

Pilots Union give up sympathy strike against Eastern Airlines

Eastern Air Lines (also colloquially known as Eastern) was a trunk carrier, a scheduled airline in the United States that operated from 1926 to 1991.

Communist Party resigns in Czechoslovakia

Events from the year 1989 in Czechoslovakia. The year was marked by the Velvet Revolution, which started with student demonstrations on 17 November.

Comores coup under Bob Benard

Colombian jetliner bombed killing 107

Rickey Henderson signs record $3,000,000 contract per year with baseball's Oakland Athletics

Deutsche Bank board member Alfred Herrhausen is killed by a Red Army Faction terrorist bomb

The Red Army Faction, also known as the Baader–Meinhof Group or Baader–Meinhof Gang, was a West German far-left militant group founded in 1970, active until 1998, and formally designated a terrorist...

East Germany drops communist monopoly from its constitution

55th Heisman Trophy Award: Andre Ware, Houston (QB)

NBC's premiere of "Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder", based on December 1986 murders of black youths by white yo

NBC's premiere of "Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder", based on December 1986 murders of black youths by white youths in New York City

France's TGV train reaches a world record speed of 482.4 km/h (299.75 mph)

Mafia drug kingpin bombs security force at Bogota, kills 52

C Coleman & D Zippel's musical "City of Angels" premieres in NYC

Great Britain performs nuclear test

President Gustav Husak of Czechoslovakia, resigns

Mark Davis signs record $3.25 million per year KC Royals contract

Commencement of 1st Test Cricket play at Bellerive Oval, Hobart (v SL)

"I Love Lucy" Christmas episode, shown for 1st time in over 30 years

I Love Lucy is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, with 180 half-hour episodes across six seasons.

American Airlines purchases Eastern Airline's Latin American route

Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird begins an NBA free throw streak of 71 consecutive games

New Zealand is the first country to set a formal inflation target (0-2%) for how much prices should rise each year. Simi

New Zealand is the first country to set a formal inflation target (0-2%) for how much prices should rise each year. Similar targets are subsequently adopted by most developed countries.

Japanese scientists achieve −271.8°C, the coldest temperature ever recorded in a laboratory

ODI cricket debut for Australia's Mark Taylor and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya at the MCG

Oregon begins taking bids on NBA games

Jane Pauley says goodbye to NBC's "Today" show

10th United Negro College Fund raises $12,000,000

Famous Births

Labrinth [Timothy Lee McKenzie] is born

Labrinth [Timothy Lee McKenzie], British musician, known for british singer, was born on 1989-01-04.

Nick Foles is born

Nick Foles, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1989-01-20.

Rihanna is born

Rihanna, Barbadian musician, known for barbadian singer, was born on 1989-02-20. Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ree-AN-ə; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress.

Benny Blanco is born

Benny Blanco, American musician, known for american record producer, was born on 1989-03-08.

Stephen Curry is born

Stephen Curry, American athlete, known for american basketball player, was born on 1989-03-14.

Jessie J is born

Jessie J, English musician, known for english singer, was born on 1989-03-27. Jessica Ellen Cornish, known professionally as Jessie J, is an English singer and songwriter.

Richard Sherman is born

Richard Sherman, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1989-03-30.

Haley Joel Osment is born

Haley Joel Osment, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1989-04-10. Haley Joel Osment is an American actor.

Robbie Amell is born

Robbie Amell, American actor and producer, known for canadian actor and producer, was born on 1989-04-21. Robert Patrick Amell IV is a Canadian and American actor and producer.

Anna Stöhr is born

Anna Stöhr athlete, known for austrian rock climber, was born on 1989-04-25. Anna Stöhr is a professional climber. She is a champion in bouldering climbing competitions.

Lizzo is born

Lizzo, American musician, known for american singer and rapper, was born on 1989-04-27.

Adele is born

Adele, English musician, known for english singer-songwriter, was born on 1989-05-05. Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is an English singer-songwriter.

Michael Cera is born

Michael Cera, Canadian actor, known for canadian actor, was born on 1989-06-07. Michael Austin Cera is a Canadian actor and musician.

Inbee Park is born

Inbee Park, South Korean athlete, known for south korean professional golfer, was born on 1989-07-12.

Conor McGregor is born

Conor McGregor, Irish athlete, known for irish mixed martial artist, was born on 1989-07-14. Conor Anthony McGregor is an Irish professional mixed martial artist.

Tyson Fury is born

Tyson Fury, British athlete, known for british boxer, was born on 1989-08-12. Tyson Luke Fury is a British professional boxer.

Kacey Musgraves is born

Kacey Musgraves, American musician, known for american singer, was born on 1989-08-21. Kacey Lee Musgraves is an American singer-songwriter and musician.

Rupert Grint is born

Rupert Grint, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1989-08-24. Rupert Alexander Lloyd Grint is an English actor.

Juan Martín del Potro is born

Juan Martín del Potro, Argentine athlete, known for argentine tennis player, was born on 1989-09-23. Juan Martín del Potro is an Argentine former professional tennis player. He was ranked world No.

Kevin Durant is born

Kevin Durant, American athlete, known for american basketball player, was born on 1989-09-29.

Rose McIver is born

Calum Scott is born

Calum Scott, English musician, known for english singer and songwriter, was born on 1989-10-12. Calum Scott is an English singer and songwriter.

Candice Swanepoel is born

Candice Swanepoel, South African african model, known for south african model, was born on 1989-10-20. Candice Susan Swanepoel is a South African model.

Hope Hicks is born

Hope Hicks, American public relations executive, known for american public relations executive, was born on 1989-10-21.

Virat Kohli is born

Virat Kohli, Indian athlete, known for indian cricketer, was born on 1989-11-05. Virat Kohli is an Indian international cricketer and the former all-format captain of the Indian national cricket…

Emma Stone is born

Emma Stone, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1989-11-06. Emily Jean "Emma" Stone is an American actress and film producer.

Patrick Kane is born

Patrick Kane, American athlete, known for american ice hockey player, was born on 1989-11-19.

Russell Wilson is born

Russell Wilson, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1989-11-29.

Zoë Kravitz is born

Zoë Kravitz, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1989-12-01. Zoë Isabella Kravitz is an American actress, singer, and filmmaker.

Tyler Joseph is born

Tyler Joseph, American musician, known for american musician, was born on 1989-12-01. Tyler Robert Joseph is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, musician, and record producer.

Vanessa Hudgens is born

Vanessa Hudgens, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1989-12-14. Vanessa Anne Hudgens ( HUJ-ənz; born December 14, 1988) is an American actress and singer.

Alexis Sánchez is born

Alexis Sánchez, Chilean athlete, known for chilean footballer, was born on 1989-12-19.

Hayley Williams is born

Hayley Williams, American musician, known for american singer, was born on 1989-12-27. Hayley Nichole Williams is an American singer and songwriter.

Notable Deaths

Hirohito dies

Bill Terry dies

Bill Terry, American baseball player and manager, known for american baseball player and manager, died on 1989-01-09.

Salvador Dalí dies

Salvador Dalí, Spanish surrealist artist, known for spanish surrealist artist, died on 1989-01-23.

Ted Bundy dies

Ted Bundy, American serial killer, known for american serial killer, died on 1989-01-24.

Osamu Tezuka dies

Osamu Tezuka, Japanese cartoonist and animator, known for japanese cartoonist and animator, died on 1989-02-09.

Lefty Gomez dies

Lefty Gomez, American baseball player, known for american baseball player, died on 1989-02-17.

Sugar Ray Robinson dies

Sugar Ray Robinson boxer, known for american boxer, died on 1989-04-12. Walker Smith Jr.

Lucille Ball dies

Lucille Ball, American actress, known for american actress, died on 1989-04-26. Lucille Désirée Ball (August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989) was an American comedian, actress, producer, and studio…

Ayatollah Khomeini dies