This Day in Sports History

In 1959, Harvey Haddix pitched a perfect game for 12 innings but still lost. 

In 1956, three Cincinnati pitchers combined for a no-hitter through 9 2/3 innings but lost. 

In 1991, Rick Mears became the…

In 1965, Muhammad Ali put Sonny Liston on the mat with his 'Phantom Punch.'

In 1993, John Starks posterized Horace Grant and Michael Jordan with a spectacular dunk. 

In 2002, the Boston Celtics pulled …

In 1935, it was the first night game in Major League Baseball

In 1920, a crackdown on gambling at Wrigley Field was carried out as 47 people were arrested in the bleacher seats. 

In 1981, Bobby Unser w…

In 1958, Wilt Chamberlain gave up his final year at Kansas to turn pro but he couldn't go to the NBA yet.

In 1977, jockey Steve Cauthen was thrown from his horse and injured badly. 

Also in 1977, Jack …

In 1988, Dominque Wilkins and Larry Bird went to head-to-head in a classic Game 7. 

In 2009, LeBron James hit the game winner in a 96-95 win in the Eastern Conference. 

In 1977, Janet Guthrie became th…

In 1986, Ralph Sampson's flip shot sank the LA Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

In 1989, it was the 'Tide Slide' that led a to a melee in the pits of The Winston All-Star race.

In 1977, Seattle…

In 2002, Kobe Bryant woke up at 1 a.m. on this day with stomach issues after ordering hotel room service. He was apparently the only one who got sick at the hotel that night. 

In 1972, the Indiana Pac…

In 1974, the Houston Aeros, featuring Gordie Howe beat the Chicago Cougars to win the 2nd Avco Cup in the World Hockey Association.

Also in 1974, the Philadelphia Flyers won their first ever Stanley C…

In 1963, running back Ernie Davis died of Leukemia.

In 2023, 60 years later, Jim Brown died.

In 1912, Allan Travers gave up 26 hits and 24 runs in a game. The reason he had to endure a beat down goes b…

In 1987, Dale Earnhardt pulled off an incredible maneuver, even though no actual pass took place.

In 1975, six men ran a sub four mile in a race as the record was lowered.

And in 1979, it was a Major L…

In 1980, Magic Johnson played Center, Forward, and Guard in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. 

In 1999, Allan Houston hit the game winner for the New York Knicks toppling the Miami Heat in the first round of …

In 1981, Cleveland pitcher Len Barker pitched a perfect game against Toronto

In 1912, Ty Cobb went into the stands and beat up a heckling fan. 

In 1990, the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins played the…

In 1967, Dwight Smith was killed in a car accident in Kentucky just a few weeks after being selected by the LA Lakers in the NBA draft. 

In 1992, former NFL star Lyle Alzado died from brain cancer. 

In…

In 1973, Bobby Riggs beat Margaret Court in straight sets in the first 'Battle of the  Sexes.'

In 1962 and again on this day in 1973, golfer Bruce Crampton came to the 18th hole needing only par to wi…

In 2000, 19-year old Adam Petty died during a practice session at Loudon. 

In 1970, Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, hit career homerun #500.

In 1979, Chris Evert lost on clay for the first time in six years. 

In …

In 1977, Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner stepped in as manager of his own team. 

In 1919, an extra innings pitcher's duel featuring Walter Johnson at the Polo Grounds was played. 

In 1980, Dr. J made h…

In 1970, the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup, sweeping St. Louis. The series was capped by Bobby Orr's 'Flying Goal.'

In 1973, the New York Knicks beat the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Champion…

In 1970, Richard Petty wrecked his racecar at Darlington and nearly died. But it did lead to a significant safety change. 

In 1984, the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers played a 25 inning marat…

In 1970, Willis Reed made his dramatic entrance prior to Game 7 of the New York Knicks NBA Finals against Los Angeles Lakers.

In 1968, Catfish Hunter pitched a perfect game for the Oakland A's against…

In 1989, Michael Jordan hit the game winner over Craig Ehlo to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

In 1995, Jordan had one of his worst moments on the bas…