August 11th
1909
Arapahoe became the first American ship to use the S.O.S. distress signal.
1929
Babe Ruth hit his 500th career home run.
1934
The first inmates arrived at the federal prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay.
1951
The first major league baseball game to be televised in color was broadcast. The Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the Boston Braves 8-1.
1956
Abstract artist Jackson Pollock died in an automobile accident in East Hampton, N.Y., at age 44.
1971
Harmon Killebrew of the Minnesota Twins got his 500th and 501st home runs of his major league baseball career.
Birthdays
66 Jim Kale Rock musician (Guess Who)
56 Hulk Hogan Wrestler, actor
52 Richie Ramone Rock musician (Ramones)
42 Joe Rogan Actor, host ("Fear Factor")
41 Ashley Jensen Actress ("Ugly Betty," "Extras")
33 Will Friedle Actor
25 Melky Cabrera Baseball player (New York Yankees)
70 Alex Haley 8/11/1921 - 2/10/1992 American author