This Day in Sports History
Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports History is a 365-day journey remembering those significant events that made a lasting impact.
The Yankees and the 'Copa Incident,' Larry Bird's Bar Fight, and Rick Barry brawling 'on an island' - This DiSH for May 16
In 1957, New York Yankee players, Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Hank Bauer, Gil McDougald, and Johnny Kucks were involved in an altercation at The Copacabana. It led to Martin getting traded soon after.
In 1985, Boston's Larry Bird got into a fight with a bar patron at Chelsea's.
In 1976, Golden States' Rick Barry got into a fight with Phoenix's Ricky Sobers. None of Barry's teammates came to help out. Barry got upset and refused to shoot for a large portion of the second half.
Ty Cobb assaulted a fan in the stands, Len Barker threw a Perfect Game, and the longest Stanley Cup Final - This DiSH for May 15
In 1912, Detroit Tiger Ty Cobb went into the stands after a fan.
In 1941, Joe Dimaggio singled in the first game of what would become his 56 game hitting streak.
In 1981, Cleveland's Len Barker threw the 8th perfect game in modern Major League Baseball history.
In 1990, Edmonton and Boston played the longest Stanley Cup Final.
Sinden surprisingly retires from the Bruins, English football's 'darkest moment,' and Mickey Mantle blasted his 500th - This DiSH for May 14
In 1970, Boston Bruins Head Coach Harry Sinden retired a few days after winning Boston's first Stanley Cup in 29 years.
In 2010, the Philadelphia Flyers came back from a 3 goal deficit to beat Boston 4-3 in game seven of their Stanley Cup playoff series. The Flyers also came back from a 3 games to none deficit to win the series 4-3.
In 1938, the English starting 11 was photographed giving the Nazi salute to German leaders prior to their international friendly against Germany.
In 1967, Mickey Mantle hit career home run number 500.
In 1986, Reggie Jackson hit career...
Sergio Aguerro lifted Man City to EPL Title, Pete Rose's Lifetime Ban Lifted, and the first 'Battle of the Sexes' - This DiSH for May 13
In 2012, Man City scored two goals in stoppage time on the final day of the EPL season to beat QPR and win the league crown.
In 2025, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred lifted the lifetime ban on Pete Rose, opening up a path for him to be elected to Hall of Fame.
In 1845, an Alabama horse named Peytona beat a New Jersey horse named Fashion in a match race. It is considered to be the first significant sporting event in US history.
In 1973, Bobby Riggs beat Margaret Court in straight sets in the original 'Battle...
Alphonso de Portago killed during Mille Miglia, Adam Petty killed in a practice crash, and Kobe Bryant forgot how to shoot - This DiSH for May 12
In 1957, Alphonso de Portago was killed during the 24th running of the Mille Miglia road race.
In 2000, 19-year old Adam Petty died after crashing during practice at Loudon, New Hampshire.
In 1997, Kobe Bryant shot air ball after air ball in a decisive NBA playoff loss to Utah.
Ted Turner managed the Atlanta Braves, There's No Tying in Baseball, and Dr. J defied gravity - This DiSH for May 11
In 1977, Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner managed his team for a game before being told that was illegal.
In 1919, the New York Yankees and the Washington Senators played to a scoreless tie.
In 1980, Philadelphia's Julius Erving defied gravity in one of the most iconic moves in NBA history.
Bobby Cox and his Atlanta Braves rally for 7 in the 9th, Bobby Orr's 'Superman Goal,' and Putin scored either 8 or 10 goals - This DiSH for May 10
In 1994, the Atlanta Braves rallied for seven runs in the bottom of the ninth and then won it in the 15th. This is a This DiSH homage to longtime Braves manager Bobby Cox who died yesterday at the age of 84.
In 1970, the Boston Bruins won their first Stanley Cup in 29 years on Bobby Orr's 'flying goal.'
In 2015, Lebron James hit the game winner to beat the Chicago Bulls in a little payback for decades of misery.
In 2019, authoritarian dictator Vladimir Putin scored either 8 or 10 goals in an exhibition hockey game in Sochi...
Richard Petty Horrific Darlington Crash, Longest Game in the MLB History, and one bird helped another Bird - This DiSH for May 9
In 1970, Richard Petty had a horrible wreck at Darlington that resulted in NASCAR mandating window nets as a safety feature.
In 1984, the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers played a 25 inning marathon game that is still the longest game in terms of innings in American League history and is the longest game in Major League Baseball history in terms of time.
In 1991, a pigeon landed on the court a couple of times during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons. Larry Bird started to play better after, leading Boston...
'Here comes Willis Reed,' Bryce Harper's Statistical Oddity, and Sergio Garcia's collapse - This DiSH for May 8
In 1970, the New York Knicks beat the LA Lakers to win their first NBA title.
In 2016, Washington National Bryce Harper came to the plate 7 times but was not credited with an official at-bat.
In 2005, Sergio Garcia gave up a six-shot lead in the final round of the Wachovia Championship and lost in a playoff.
In 2001, Randy Johnson struck out 20 in 9 innings … but it is not recognized along with Roger Clemens, Kerry Wood, or Max Scherzer’s 20 strikeout performances by Major League Baseball.
Michael Jordan hit 'the Shot,' Denver Nuggets first 8 seed to beat a 1, and Allen Iverson's 'Practice' rant, and
In 1989, Michael Jordan hit the game-winning shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers to propel the Chicago Bulls onto the second round.
In 1994, the Denver Nuggets became the first 8-seed to beat a 1-seed in the NBA playoffs.
In 2002, Allen Iverson spent two minutes talking about practice.
In 1957, Gil McDougald hit a sharp line drive that hit Herb Score in his right eye. He nearly lost his vision.
Roger Bannister ran a 4-minute mile, 'The Fighting Finish' at Churchill Downs, Kerry Wood K'd 20 - This DiSH for May 6
In 1954, England's Roger Bannister became the first human to run a four-minute mile.
In 1933, two jockeys started fighting during the Kentucky Derby. They finished 1-2 and then finished their fight in the locker room.
In 1991, Philadelphia Phillies' Lenny Dykstra and Darren Daulton were injured in a car accident.
In 1998, 20-year old Kerry Wood became just the second pitcher in MLB history to strike out 20 batters in a 9-inning game.
In 1925, New York Yankee Everett Scott was benched by Manager Miller Huggins after playing in 1,307 consecutive games.
In 1953, Bobo Holloman...
One Mile in 3:59.4 - May 6, 1954
A more in-depth story about Roger Bannister's historic four-minute mile, including two others who came close to eclipsing him prior to this day.
Cy Young's Perfect Game, Leon Day's Opening Day No Hitter, and Larry Bird played with a concussion - This DiSH for May 5
In 1904, Cy Young pitching the first perfect game in the 20th century.
In 1946, Newark Eagles' pitcher Leon Day threw a no-hitter on opening day.
In 1969, Bill Russell scored 6 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in his final NBA game as his Celtics beat the LA Lakers to win their 11th World Championship in 13 seasons.
In 1991, Larry Bird suffered a concussion in the first half of a playoff game against Indiana. He returned in the second half to lead the Celtics to the decisive game five win.
In 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby in...
Alexander Mogilny defected to the US, somebody stole the Pace Car, and Kingman's Moon Shot - This DiSH for May 4
In 1989, Alexander Mogilny defected from the Soviet Union after helping the Soviets win a tournament in Sweden.
In 1975, a pit crew member of Richard Petty's, who also happened to be his brother-in-law, was killed in the pit area after a highly pressurized water canister exploded.
In 1986, a fan stole the pace care and took it for a spin prior to the start of the Talladega 500.
In 1984, Oakland's Dave Kingman hit a fly ball that got stuck in the Minnesota Metrodome's roof.
Lou Gehrig ended his streak, first official night game, and Stanley and Stanley FA Cup match - This DiSH for May 2
In 1939, Lou Gehrig pulled himself out of the lineup for the first time in 15 years, ending his Iron Man streak at 2130 games.
In 1930, the Des Moines Demons beat the Wichita Aviators in the first night game featuring permanently installed artificial lighting.
In 1954, St. Louis' Stan Musial hit five home runs in a single day, hitting 3 in game one of a doubleheader and followed with 2 in game two.
In 1953, Blackpool beat Bolton 4-3 to win the FA Cup in the Stanley and Stanley match.
In 1970, jockey Diane Crump became the first woman...
Ayrton Senna killed at Imola, 3 spectators killed at Charlotte, and a pitcher won a game without throwing a pitch - This DiSH for May 1
In 1994, Formula One driver Ayrton Senna was killed during a race a Imola.
In 1999, three spectators were killed at Lowes Motor Speedway when debris from a crash flew into the stands.
In 1920, the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Robins played the longest MLB game in terms of innings. They played 26 innings and ended the game tied 1-1.
In 2003, Baltimore Orioles pitcher B.J. Ryan won a baseball game without throwing a single pitch.
Monica Seles attacked on the court, the Milwaukee Bucks quickest to the title, and Bill Russell traded to the Celtics - The DiSH for April 30
In 1993, Monica Seles was stabbed during a match in Germany.
in 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA Championship in only their third year as a franchise.
In 1956., the St. Louis Hawks traded Bill Russell to the Boston Celtics.
In 1922, Chicago White Sox rookie Charlie Robertson pitched a perfect game against the Detroit Tigers.
In 1976, Muhammad Ali retained his heavyweight title with a 15-round unanimous decision over Jimmy Young.
Clemens struck out 20 in 9, Blackhawks and Rangers played a 3OT thriller, and Jerry West buried a 60-footer - This DiSH for April 29
In 1986, Boston's Roger Clemens became the first MLB pitcher to strike out 20 in a 9-inning game.
In 2012, the LA Clippers erased a 27-point second half deficit to beat Memphis in their first round playoff series.
In 1971, the New York Rangers got a Pete Stemkowski goal in the third overtime to beat Chicago and extend their playoff series.
In 1970, LA Laker Jerry West sank a desperation 60-footer to tie the game and force overtime against New York in the NBA Finals. The Knicks won in OT.
Hurricanes scored 2 goals in final 90 seconds, 93-over at a PGA Event, and Ali refused induction - This DiSH for April 28
In 2009, the Carolina Hurricanes scored two goals in the final 90 seconds to beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 and advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In 1988, the Baltimore Orioles lost their 21st straight game to open the season, the MLB record for futility out of the gate.
In 1974, PGA touring pro Mike Reasor posted the worst four-round score in a PGA Event.
In 1967, Muhammad Ali refused induction into the armed forces, citing his religion.
Rocky Marciano retired undefeated, Lakers make the move West, and MLB paid tribute to Babe Ruth - This DiSH for April 27
In 1956, boxer Rocky Marciano retired as the only undefeated heavyweight champ.
In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers got the go ahead to move to Los Angeles after concessions were made.
In 1983, Nolan Ryan passed Walter Johnson on the all-time strikeouts list.
In 1947, MLB celebrated Babe Ruth day at every ballpark in the league.
And in today’s ‘nothing to do with sports’ fun fact … On April 27, 1792, Captain George Vancouver sailed past what is now Ocean Shores, Washington and did not stop. The non-event is still celebrated in Ocean Shores. At midnight, folks gather on the s...
Baltimore Colts Draft John Elway, Kobe switches from 8 to 24, and a player traded for Budweiser - This DiSH for April 26
In 1983, the Baltimore Colts drafted John Elway with the top pick of the NFL draft, despite his warning to not select him.
In 1931, New York Yankee Lou Gehrig hit a home run but passed a baserunner on his trip around the bases. That erased the HR which would eventually leave him tied for the Major League lead at the end of the season.
In 2006, Kobe Bryant decided to change his number from 8 to 24.
In 2006, minor league baseball player Nigel Thatch was traded to the Fullerton Flyers in exchange for 60 cases of Budweiser. Thatch...
Boston Celtics Drafted Chuck Cooper, the Phillie Phanatic debuted, and a Player traded for Himself - This DiSH for April 25
In 1950, the Boston Celtics drafted Chuck Cooper with the 13th overall pick, making him the first black player drafted to play in the NBA.
In 1978, the Phillie Phanatic made its debut.
In 1974, the NFL decided to move the goalposts to the back of the endzone and adopted an sudden death overtime format.
In 2016, Tom Brady's 4-game suspension for deflategate was reinstated by the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals.
In 2003, Portland Trailblazers head coach Mo Cheeks stepped in to assist the National Anthem singer when she started to falter.
...
Celtics win another title in Cousy's Last Game, Chargers select Eli Manning, and MLB's American League debuted - This DiSH for April 24
In 1963, the Boston Celtics beat the LA Lakers to win their fifth straight NBA Championship. It was Bob Cousy's final game as a Celtic.
In 2004, the San Diego Chargers picked Eli Manning with the top overall pick despite Eli pleading with them to not select him.
In 1927, golfer Bobby Jones holed his first ace on a 173 yard par 3 at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta.
In 1945, Happy Chandler was named the new commissioner of Major League Baseball.
In 1901, the American League debuted with the Chicago White Stockings beating the Cleveland Blues 8...
Jerry West's 53 soon inspired the NBA logo, Fernando Tatis tattooed two Grand Slams, and Ken Johnson threw a no-hitter and lost - This DiSH for April 23
In 1969, LA Laker Jerry West scored 53 and dished 11 assists to lift the Lakers to the win in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. A picture taken that night soon became the inspiration for the NBA logo.
In 1999, Fernando Tatis, Sr hit a pair of grand slams in the same inning, the first and only to do it.
In 1976, Harry Caray entertained a Chicago crowd with the singing of 'Take me out to the ballgame,' though he never intended to do so.
In 1964, Houston pitcher Ken Johnson became the first and only MLB pitcher...
First Major League Baseball Game, Atlanta Braves' streak ended, and only one Sailor finished a Yacht race - This DiSH for April 22
In 1876 the first major league baseball game was played between the Boston Red Caps in Philadelphia Athletics.
In 1947, the first championship series of the new Basketball Association of America with the Philadelphia Warriors beating the Chicago Stags.
In 1982, the Atlanta Braves lost for the first time after setting the MLB record with 13 straight wins to start the season.
In 1969, Robin Knox-Johnston became the only sailor of 9 who started to finish the first Golden Globe Yacht race, a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.
Carolina Hurricanes win with .02 left, Bill Barilko's 'Flying Slap Shot' won the Cup, and Rosie Ruiz's Ruse - This DiSH for April 21
In 2009, Carolina's Jussi Jokinen redirected the game winner past New Jersey's Marty Brodeur with .02 left in the game.
In 1951, Toronto's Bill Barilko scored an OT goal to win the Stanley Cup for the Maple Leafs.
In 2025, the LA Kings rebounded from giving up two quick goals to score the game winner with 41 seconds left to beat the Edmonton Oilers.
In 1980, Rosie Ruiz crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon and was crowned the winner of the women's race. Eight days later she was stripped of her title after it was discovered she...
MJ poured in 63, Fenway Park opened, and Greg LeMond shot by his brother-in-law - This DiSH for April 20
In 1986, Chicago Bull Michael Jordan set a new NBA playoff record, scoring 63 against the Boston Celtics in a loss.
In 1912, Boston's Fenway Park opened for business with a game between the Red Sox and the team that would soon become known as the Yankees.
In 1957, American John J. Kelley broke a 12-year drought of an American winning the Boston Marathon, running the newly redesigned and re-measured race course in 2 hours 20 minutes 5 seconds.
In 1987, cyclist Greg LeMond was nearly killed after his brother-in-law accidentally shot him while turkey hunting.
In 1966, boxing promoter...
Sixers and Pistons Brawl in the Palace, the Exploding Scoreboard debuted at Comiskey, and Katherine Switzer first woman to run the Boston Marathon - This DiSH for April 19
In 1990, the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers got into an epic fight at the end of a 10-point Philly win.
In 1960, the exploding scoreboard debuted at Chicago's Comiskey Park after Minnie Minoso's Grand Slam homer in the fourth inning.
In 1967, Katherine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon even though women were not permitted to enter.
Bill Russell's 30/40 game 7 heroics, Maple Leafs overcame 0-3 deficit to win the Cup, and Moses Malone Led the way to the Promised Land - This DiSH for April 18
In 1962, Bill Russell scored 30 points and grabbed an NBA Finals Game 7 record 40 rebounds as Boston beat LA to win the championship.
In 1966, Bill Russell was named coach of the Celtics, becoming the first black head coach in the NBA.
In 1996, Orlando's Dennis Scott hit an NBA record 11 three point shots in a win against Atlanta. Klay Thompson now has the record with 14. Scott's 11 isn't even in the top ten now.
In 1942, Toronto beat Detroit to win the Stanley Cup. The Leafs became the first NHL team to battle back from an 0-3 deficit...
Mickey Mantle's Tape Measure shot, F1 Driver became a Super Spy, and Ban Johnson relented - This DiSH for April 17
In 1953, New York Yankee Mickey Mantle belted a 535-foot home run. It was measured and from that point on, any long homer is called a tape measure shot because of it.
In 1976, Philadelphia Phillie Mike Schmidt hit 4 consecutive home runs against the Chicago Cubs in an 18-16 win.
In 1943, F1 Driver St. John Horsfall drove two British intelligence officers and a corpse to be used in 'Operation Mincemeat' to a port in Scotland. It was a key part in a delicate secret mission.
In 1911, American League president Ban Johnson relented and allowed Cleveland...
Arrest Warrants issued for 3 Philadelphia Flyers, Bob Feller's Opening Day No-No, and Happy Chandler threw down the gauntlet - This DiSH for April 16
In 1976, arrest warrants were issued for three Philadelphia Flyers for assault in fights that occurred during an NHL playoff game against Toronto the previous night.
In 1961, the Chicago Blackhawks broke a 23 year drought to win their third Stanley Cup.
In 1940, Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller pitched the only opening day no-hitter.
In 1929, the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians wore numbers on the back of their uniforms. It was the first time both teams wore numbers on their jerseys in the same game. After this, it became commonplace.
In 1946, MLB commissioner...
Jackie Robinson integrated MLB, Havlicek 'Stole the Ball', and 94 died in the Hillsborough disaster - This DiSH for April 15
In 1947, Jackie Robinson integrated major league baseball, making his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 5-3 win over the Boston Braves.
In 1965, John Havlicek stole the inbounds pass to secure a Boston Celtic victory to advance to the NBA Finals.
In 1989, 94 Liverpool fans died and 766 were injured in a crowd crush during the FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.
In 2015, former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez was found guilty for the first degree murder of Odin Lloyd.
In 2019, the LA Clippers pulled off the greatest...
Roberto De Vincenzo's 'Big, Stupid' mistake, Montreal Canadiens won fifth straight Cup, and Boban gifted free chicken to LA - This DiSH for April 14
In 1968, golfer Roberto De Vincenzo signed a card for a round of 66 instead of what he shot, a 65, costing him a shot an 18-hole playoff for the Masters.
In 1910, President William Howard Taft threw out the first pitch at a Washington Senators game.
In 1960, the Maurice Richard led Montreal Canadiens won their fifth straight Stanley Cup with a 4-0 win in a sweep of Toronto.
In 2024, Houston Rocket Boban Marjanović intentionally missed two free throws in the fourth quarter, gifting LA Clippers fans free chicken.
Kobe Bryant scored 60 on his final night, Celtics won their first NBA Championship, and Pete Rose plateaued - This DiSH for April 13
In 2016, Kobe Bryant scored 60 in his final game to beat the Utah Jazz.
In 1957, Tommy Heinsohn scored 37 and Bill Russell grabbed 32 rebounds as the Boston Celtics beat the St. Louis Hawks in game 7 of the NBA Finals to win their first title.
In 1984, Pete Rose became only the second major leaguer to reach the 4000 hit plateau in MLB history.
In 2009, former MLB pitcher Mark ‘the Bird’ Fidrych died in a farming accident. He was 54.
Mize's Miracle Nailed Norman, Snead Snuffed Hogan's Hopes, and Stepien's Silly Steps Crippled the Cavaliers - This DiSH for April 12th - This DiSH for April 12
In 1987, Augusta's native son Larry Mize sank a miracle birdie chip to beat Greg Norman and win the Masters.
In 1954, Sam Snead beat Ben Hogan in an 18-hole playoff to win his third and final Masters Green Jacket.
In 1980, Ted Stepien bought the Cleveland Cavaliers. It turned into such a disaster that the NBA would institute the Stepien Rule after he sold the team.
In 1877, Harvard's James Tyng became the first catcher to wear a mask.
Fantastic Frozen Four Finish, Hextall scored in the playoffs, and the Heat retired MJ's #23 - This DiSH for April 11
In 2009, Boston University scored two goals in the final minute of regulation to force overtime and then scored the game winner in OT to win the National Championship.
In 1989, Philadelphia Flyers' goalie Ron Hextall scored an empty net goal, becoming the first goalie to score in a Stanley Cup playoff game.
In 2003, the Miami Heat retired Michael Jordan's #23.
In 1966, Emmett Ashford became the first black umpire in Major League Baseball.
First Masters Green Jacket Awarded, Lee Elder broke the Masters color barrier, and France beat Germany on the race track - This DiSH for April 10
In 1949, Sam Snead won his first Masters and became the first to receive a green jacket. Past winners were given a green jacket retroactively.
In 1975, Lee Elder became the first black man to play in The Masters.
In 1999, the Chicago Bulls only managed 49 points in a loss to the Miami Heat. It's the lowest point output in an NBA game in the shot clock era.
In 1938, French race car driver René Dreyfus, who was also Jewish, drove to a win in the Pau Gran Prix in his French built Dalahaye race car. Finishing s...
Eighth Wonder of the World Opened, Celtics/Bucks combine for 2 FTs, and Scott Hoch's Nightmare - This DiSH for April 9
In 1965, the Houston Astrodome opened for business featuring an exhibition game between the New York Yankees and the Astros.
In 2024, Boston and Milwaukee set an NBA record when the two teams combined for just 2 free throws. Boston became the first and only team (so far) to not attempt a free throw in an NBA game.
In 1989, golfer Scott Hoch missed a 2-foot par putt on the first playoff hole that would have won the Masters. Nick Faldo won on the following playoff hole.
In 1981, LA Dodger rookie Fernando Valenzuela pitched on opening day...
Hank Aaron hit #715, Frank Robinson became MLB's First Black Manager, and Dave Cowans fired - This DiSH for April 8
In 1974, Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run to pass Babe Ruth.
In 1975, Frank Robinson became the first black manager in Major League Baseball.
In 1975, the Boston Celtics ended a dismal season. Head Coach Dave Cowans was fired soon after. Cowans is the last player/coach in the NBA.
Gene Sarazen's Miracle Albatross, Herschel Walker Crashed the Flutie/Kelly party, and Lester Patrick's 'Don't Let the Old Man down' - This DiSH for April 7
In 1935, golfer Gene Sarazen holed out from the fairway on Augusta National's 15th hole for a double eagle 2. He went on to force a playoff and then win in a 36-hole playoff.
In 1963, golfer Jack Nicklaus won the first of his six Masters Green Jackets
In 1985, Herschel Walker scored the on the longest TD run in USFL history while compiling a USFL record 233 rushing yards.
In 1928, New York Rangers Head Coach Lester Patrick inserted himself as the replacement goalie after Lorne Chabot was injured. Patrick is still the oldest to ever play in...
