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THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 

Hiram Bingham III Locates Machu Picchu (1911)
Bingham was an American archaeologist who explored the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, which he incorrectly identified as the "lost city" of Vilcabamba, bringing them to the attention of the outside world for the first time. Ironically, he was also the first modern explorer to reach Espiritu Pampa, found 60 mi (110 km) east of Machu Picchu, a site now widely recognized as the actual remains of Vilcabamba.

On July 24 in Baseball History...

1882 - Chicago sets a National League record for runs by beating Cleveland 35-4 (BASTAGES). Seven Chicago players get four or more hits, and six score four or more runs. The record will last until June 29, 1897, when Chicago will pile up thirty-six runs against Louisville.

1968 - Hoyt Wilhelm's 907th game breaks Cy Young's record for Major League pitching appearances, but he loses a 2-1 decision to Oakland.

1973 - The National League wins the All-Star Game at Kansas City 7-1. A record fifty-four players are used, including Willie Mays, who strikes out in his final All-Star appearance, and Catfish Hunter, who sustains a fractured thumb that will sideline him for four weeks. The A's ace has a 15-3 record at the time.

1977 - Seattle's John Montague pitches 6 1/3 innings of perfect relief against California, giving him thirty-three consecutive batsmen retired over two games to tie the American League record.

1978 - Pete Rose singles twice during the Reds' 5-3 win over the Mets, extending his hitting streak to thirty-seven games to tie the modern Major League record held by Tommy Holmes. Mets pitcher Pat Zachry, after allowing Rose's first hit, kicks the dugout steps in anger, breaking his foot and ending his season.

1979 - Carl Yastrzemski hits his four-hundredth career home run in Boston's 7�3 win over Oakland, off Mike Morgan, in the seventh inning at Fenway Park.

1983 - In the memorable Pine Tar Game at Yankee Stadium, George Brett hits an apparent 2-run home run off Rich Gossage to give the Royals a 5-4 lead with two outs in the ninth inning. But Yankees manager Billy Martin points out that the pine tar on Brett's bat handle exceeds the seventeen inches allowed in the rules. As a result, Brett is called out for illegally batting the ball, giving New York a 4-3 victory. The Royals immediately protest, and American League President Lee MacPhail overrules his umpires for the first time saying that, while the rules should certainly be rewritten and clarified, the home run will stand and the game will be resumed from that point on August 18.

1993 - Mets outfielder Vince Coleman throws an explosive device - the equivalent of a quarter stick of dynamite - at fans after a game at Dodger Stadium. Amanda Santos, 2, suffers injuries to her cheek, finger and eye, and two others complain of injuries as well. Prosecutors decide to charge Coleman with a felony rather than a misdemeanor because of the explosive's strength and the amount of damage. The Mets later announce the high-priced Coleman will never again play for the team; he doesn't.

In the fascinating world of Hollywood casting decisions, the story of who almost played Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a tale of missed opportunities and unexpected turns. Harper Lee, the esteemed author, had a clear favorite in mind: Spencer Tracy. She ardently expressed her preference to the film's producers, Alan Pakula and director Richard Mulligan, insisting that only Tracy could embody the role.
But fate had other plans. Tracy, already immersed in filming alongside Frank Sinatra in "The Devil at Four O'Clock," declined Lee's offer due to his hectic schedule and the demands of his declining health exacerbated by years of alcoholism and smoking. Even if he had accepted, his age and diminished stamina posed significant challenges.
In the quest for the ideal Atticus, other notable names like Bing Crosby and Rock Hudson expressed interest, but it was Gregory Peck who ultimately seized the opportunity. After a late-night reading session that left him captivated by Lee's novel, Peck passionately convinced Pakula and Mulligan that he was destined for the role.
"I felt I could climb into Atticus's shoes without any play-acting, that I could be him," Peck declared, sealing his fate as the iconic Atticus Finch and earning himself an Academy Award.
In the end, Tracy's reluctance opened the door for Peck's unforgettable portrayal, reminding us how close Hollywood came to a different Atticus. It's a tale where destiny pivoted on a few pivotal decisions, shaping cinematic history as we know it.

I suppose I should watch that movie someday, I guess. I've read the book, twice I think, and then also read Go Set A Watchman just to see what all the hullaballoo was about.