Christa McAuliffe According to "The New York Times", she "emphasized the impact of ordinary people on history, saying they were as important to the historical record as kings, politicians or generals." In 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced the Teacher in Space Project, and Christa learned about NASA's efforts to find their first civilian, an educator, to fly into space. NASA wanted to find an "ordinary person," a gifted teacher who could communicate with students while in orbit. McAuliffe became one of more than 11,000 applicants. NASA hoped that sending a teacher into space would increase public interest in the Space Shuttle program,
Dick McAuliffe his playing career as a utility infielder. However, McAuliffe was released after playing only seven more games. His career ended on September 1, 1975, in a Yankees-Red Sox game. McAuliffe dropped an easy popup for an error. Later in the inning, McAuliffe's throw pulled Carl Yastrzemski off the bag. Though it was scored a single, the Boston fans booed McAuliffe. McAuliffe was left off Boston's post-season roster, and his major league career was over. McAuliffe was among the American League leaders in triples eight times, and his ability to draw walks also increased his offensive output, ending his career with