This Day in Sports History

In 1896, the first automobile race on a closed-circuit race was run at the Rhode Island State Fair in Cranston, RI.

In 1993, St. Louis Cardinal Mark Whitten hit an MLB record tying 4 HRs and 13 RBI.

In 1975, Spain's Manuel Orentes beat Jimmy Connors in the US Open final to win his only Grand Slam title.

In 2024, Northern Illinois upset #5 Notre Dame.

In 1980, Chester Marcol's game-winning FG was blocked but the ball landed in his hands and he ran 25-yards for the game-winning TD instead.

In 1995, Cal Ripken played in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking the record set by Lou Gehrig.

In 1976, LA Dodger catcher Steve Yaeger nearly died after a bat shard impaled his neck.

In 1975, Martina Navratilova defected to the US after playing at the US Open.

In 1978, Adolf Dassler, the maker of Adidas shoes, died at the age of 77.

In 1972, 8 members of Black September, an offshoot of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, invaded the Israeli Olympic living quarters. Eleven Israeli athletes, coaches, and support staff along with one police officer were killed before it ended.

In 1906, the first legal forward pass was thrown in a football game.

In 1994, Jerry Rice scored 3 times and became the all-time leader in TDs scored.

In 1971, British F1 driver Peter Gethin won the Italian Gran Prix at Monza by the narrowest margin of .01 of a second.

In 1991, the 'asterisk' (that never really existed) was removed from Roger Maris' record for home runs in a single season. There was a notation but never an asterisk.

In 1983, Greg LeMond became the first American to win the World Championships.

In 1993, New York Yankee pitcher Jim Abbott pitched a no-hitter. Abbott was born with only one hand.

In 1950, NASCAR raced 500 miles for the first time. It was a debacle with pit crews resorting to stealing tires off cars in the parking lot.

In 1991, the 'asterisk' (that never really existed) was removed from Roger Maris' record for home runs in a single season. There was a notation but never an asterisk.

In 1983, Greg LeMond became the first American to win the World Championships.

In 1993, New York Yankee pitcher Jim Abbott pitched a no-hitter. Abbott was born with only one hand.

In 1950, NASCAR raced 500 miles for the first time. It was a debacle with pit crews resorting to stealing tires off cars in the parking lot.

In 1977, Sadaharu Oh hit career home run #756.

In 1975, LA Dodger Steve Garvey started his National League record streak of playing in 1,207 consecutive games.

In 1970, Chicago Cub Billy Williams ended his then National League record of consecutive games played at 1,117.

In 1906, Battling Nelson fought Joe Gans in the desert of Nevada. Nelson was disqualified for low blows.

In 1970, NFL legendary coach Vince Lombardi died at the age of 57 from colon cancer.

In 1972, Chicago Cub pitcher Milt Pappas came up one pitch shy of a perfect game, walking the 27th man he faced.

In 1995, Northwestern upset Notre Dame 17-15.

In 1972, Dave 'the Throttle' Wottle came from worst to first to win the Gold Medal in the 800m.

In 1977, Reneé Richards became the first Transgender Woman to play in a Major Tennis Tournament

In 2007, Appalachian State beat Michigan 34-32.

In 1984, Mississippi Valley State's Jerry Rice caught 17 passes for 294 yards and 5 TDs in an 86-0 win over Kentucky State.

In 1964, Masanori Murakami became the first Japanese player to play Major League Baseball.

In 1985, Bill Elliott won the Southern 500, winning the Winston Million in the process.

In 1905, Ty Cobb made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers. He doubled in his first at-bat.

In 2003, Katie Knida kicked two PATs for the New Mexico Lobos in a 72-8 win over the Texas State Bobcats.

In 1904, the Olympic marathon turned from ridiculous to farce quickly. Nobody died, but a few came close.

In 1905, Ty Cobb made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers. He doubled in his first at-bat.

In 2003, Katie Knida kicked two PATs for the New Mexico Lobos in a 72-8 win over the Texas State Bobcats.

In 1904, the Olympic marathon turned from ridiculous to farce quickly. Nobody died, but a few came close.

In 1974, Lou Brock stole his 893rd base to pass Ty Cobb's record of 892 ... but there's some ambiguity.

In 1974, Moses Malone signed with the Utah Stars of the ABA to become the first player to jump directly from high school to the Pros.

In 1925, Babe Ruth was suspended by Yankees manager Miller Huggins for missing curfew.

In 1994, 18-year old Tiger Woods beat Trip Kuehne to win his first of three US Amateur titles.

In 1955, the LA Rams and New York Giants played the first overtime game. It would be 19 years before the NFL would adopt sudden death OT.

In 1988, LA Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda attacked the Phillie Phanatic.

In 1972, Baltimore Colts Defensive End Bubba Smith blew out his knee in the fourth quarter of a pre-season game. He missed the 1972 season and was never the same player.

In 1997, Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp scored what many believe to be the greatest Hat Trick in EPL history.

In 1977, Texas Rangers hitters Toby Harrah and Bump Wills hit back-to-back inside the park home runs. It's the only time in MLB history that's happened.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1960, Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen died during the Team Time Trial event.

In 1951, Toronto Maple Leaf Bill Barilko died in a plane crash. The wreckage was not found until 11 years later.

In 1939, a baseball game was broadcast on television for the first time.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1988, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney, Sr. died at the age of 87.

In 1889, players for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms and the Cincinnati Reds were arrested during the fourth inning of their game.

In 1875, 27-year old Matthew Webb became the first person to swim the English Channel.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1919, Cleveland pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning during a game.

In 1989, Pete Rose was banned from baseball for life by MLB Commissioner Bart Giamatti.

In 1983, Baltimore pitcher Tippy Martinez picked off all three batters in an inning.

In 1986, golfer David Feherty won the Scottish Open trophy and quickly lost it.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1988, Mike Tyson and Mitch Green got into a street fight outside the Harlem clothing store Dapper Dans.

In 1936, 17-year old Bob Feller used a blazing fastball to strike out 15 and win his first major league game with a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Browns.

In 1982, Gaylord Perry was ejected from a game for the first and only time for throwing a doctored baseball.

in 1989, Montreal...

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1965, San Francisco pitcher Juan Marichal and LA Dodger catcher John Roseboro got into a bat-swinging, bench-clearing brawl.

In 1973, the US Men's basketball team and the Cuban National team got into a brawl in the World University Games.

In 2007, the Texas Rangers scored 30 runs against Baltimore, setting the record for most in an MLB game.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1967, Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson was 'fired' by Kansas City Athletics owner Charlie Finley, allowing Harrelson to sign with teams bidding for his services.

In 1990, the Philadelphia Phillies scored 9 runs in the ninth inning to beat Los Angeles 12-11.

Ray Nietzsche and Joe KappChampionship.

In 1975, the Rick and Paul Reuschel became the first and still only brothers to combine for a shutout in MLB history.

In 1974...

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1920, four Ohio professional football teams gathered in Akron to form the APFA.

In 1962, New York Yankee Phil Linz picked a poor time to work on his harmonica playing.

In 2000, Tiger Woods beat Bob May in a three hole playoff to win the PGA Championship.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1951, 3'9" Eddie Gaedel stepped into the batter's box in an MLB game.

In 1995, Mike Tyson returned to the ring after spending three years in prison for the rape of an 18-year old.

In 1941, Pittsburgh manager Frankie Frisch was ejected for arguing for a rain delay.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

In 1957, Alice Roth was hit by two foul balls and injured by both.

In 1980, George Brett went 4-for-4 to boost his batting average over .400.

In 2002, Wayne Rooney made his English Premier League debut with Everton.

In 1997, Davis Love III won his first and only golf major.

In 2003, Shaun Micheel came out of nowhere to win the PGA Championship.

And in 1998, a PGA golf tournament finished 6-months after it started.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stirling Roastery - This DiSH

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1920, Cleveland Indians infielder Ray Chapman was killed after he was stuck in the head with a pitch.

In 2024, dirt track racing legend Scott Bloomquist died in a plane crash.

In 1976, the NFL played its first International game when the San Diego Chargers played the St. Louis Cardinals in Tokyo, Japan.

In 2009, South Korea's Y.E. Yang won the PGA Championship, handing Tiger Woods his only loss...

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 2012, Seattle's Felix Hernandez pitched a perfect game, the first in Mariners history.

in 1989, San Francisco's Dave Dravecky broke his arm throwing a pitch.

In 1983, Greg Norman gave up another final round lead in the PGA Championship.

In 1970, Pat Palinkas became the first woman to play professional football, it was more of a semi-pro team but she signed a contract, suited up and played.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1959, Texas oil man Lamar Hunt announced the formation of the American Football League.

In 1936, the US Men's 8 Rowing team won Gold in the Berlin Olympics. The story of the team was largely forgotten until Daniel James Brown’s book, ‘The Boys in the Boat’ was published in 2013.

In 1971, St. Louis pitcher Bob Gibson pitched his only no-hitter in his 17-year MLB career.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1936, Olympian Jesse Owens, who'd just won 4 medals in the Berlin Olympics, was declared a professional and banned from competition for life.

In 1919, a horse name Upset beat Man o' War. It was the only race Man o' War lost in his career.

In 1989, Payne Stewart won the first of his three major golf tournaments.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1911, Washington National Germany Schaefer gained notoriety for stealing first base.

In 1978, New England Patriot Wide Receiver Daryl Stingley was paralyzed during a pre-season game against Oakland.

In 1957, boxer Chalky Wright died, the timing of which led some to believe he'd been murdered.

In 1936, Marjorie Gestring won a gold medal in the 3m springboard diving competition. She's the youngest to ever win gold in the Olympics at 13...

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

In 1991, John Daly won the PGA Championship after being the 9th alternate to play.

In 1968, the Atlanta Braves signed 62-year old Satchel Paige to a contract to give Paige enough time in the majors to receive his pension.

In 2020, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning set an NHL record, combining for 151 shots on goal.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

In 1944, Boston Braves' pitcher Red Barrett pitched a complete game in just 58-pitches.

In 1984, Zola Budd and Mary Decker got entangled during the Women's Olympic 3000m Final, ending Decker's bid to win gold.

In 1974, the NFL players ended their strike after scab players were used in an exhibition game. They went on strike to oppose the Rozelle Rule.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky was traded to Los Angeles.

In 1989, former NHL first round draft pick Duncan McPherson went missing in Austria and would not be found again until in 2003.

In 2012, Usain Bolt won the 200m for the second straight Olympics, becoming the first Olympian to win the 100m and 200m in back-to-back Olympics.

In 1976, Cal Hubbard was inducted into the Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. He'd been inducted into the Pro...

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

In 2024, Steph Curry scored 36 to lead a 17 point comeback against Serbia in the Olympic Semifinal.

In 1984, Cheryl Miller 16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals as the US Women's Olympic Basketball team won gold for the first time.

In 1988, the lights were finally turned on at Wrigley Field.

In 1905, Ty Cobb's mother shot his father accidentally, thinking it was an intruder.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

In 2007, San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds hit home run number 756, passing Hank Aaron on the all-time list.

In 2016, Ichiro Suzuki picked up his 3,000th hit in Major League Baseball.

In 1999, Wade Boggs became the first MLB player to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit.

In 2016, golfer Jim Furyk shot a 58 to set the record for the lowest PGA Tour event record.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

In 1930, minor league baseball player Gene Rye hit three home runs in the same inning.

In 1992, Texas Ranger pitcher Nolan Ryan plunked KC's Willie Wilson and tossed out of the game for the first and only time in his career.

In 1978, John Mahaffey won the PGA Championship, his first and only major. It denied Tom Watson the chance to win the PGA Championship, the only major he missed out on.

In 1926...

In 2001, the Cleveland Indians scored 12 runs in the final three innings to erase a huge deficit to force extra innings and win it in the 11th.

In 1921, KDKA provided live updates on the baseball game between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, becoming the first game to be broadcast on the radio.

In 1963, Craig Breedlove got his 'Spirit of America' rocket propelled car up to 407 miles per hour to set a new land speed record.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stirling Soap - Shave Soaps - This DiSH Testimonial

This episode is brought...

In 1986, the USFL cancelled its upcoming season which led to its disbanding. A big reason for the failure of the league has been attributed to our current President.

In 1945, Byron Nelson won his 11th straight professional golf event he'd entered.

In 1983, New York Yankee Dave Winfield was arrested for killing a seagull in Toronto.

In 1982, Joel Youngblood became the only player in MLB history to play for two teams, in two different cities on the same day.

In 1852, Yale and Harvard rowed against each other on Lake Winnipesaukee in the first recognized intercollegiate competition.

In 1949, the BAA and NBL merged to form the NBA.

In 1975, former NBA player Jack Molinas was gunned down in his Los Angeles home. Molinas was a key figure in both the 1951 and 1961 college basketball points shaving scandals and had ties with organized crime figures, including Vincent Gigante.

In 1921, Kennesaw Mountain Landis handed down lifetime bans for 8 Chicago White Sox.

In 1984, Mary Lou Retton posted two perfect 10s in the Olympic All-Around, including one...

In 1960, the Continental Baseball League disbanded without playing a game and yet it had huge influence on Major League Baseball.

In 1928, women raced the 800 meter final in the Olympics for the first time...and the last time until 1960.

In 1979, New York Yankee Thurman Munson died in a plane crash in Canton, Ohio.

In 1976, Formula One driver Niki Lauda nearly died due to a fiery crash on the second lap of the German Grand Prix.

In 1978, Pete Rose's 44-game hitting streak ended in Atlanta.

In 1972, San Diego's Nate Colbert hit five home runs, had 13 RBI and 22 total bases in a doubleheader against Atlanta

In 1938, New York Yankee Jake Powell was suspended for 10 days after making a bigoted statement to a Chicago radio station.

In 1928, American Betty Robinson won the first gold medal in a women's track event.

In 1972, Minnesota's Dick Allen hit two inside-the-park home runs in a game. It was the first time in 22 years it had been done.

In 1978, Pete Rose hit safely in his 44th straight game.