This Day in Sports History

In 1993, Drazen Petrović was killed in a car accident in Germany. In 1986, Bo Jackson was drafted by the Kansas City Royals to play Major League Baseball and decided to play baseball instead of play for Tampa Bay in the NFL after they lied to him. In 1892, Jack Doyle of the Cleveland Spiders became the first successful pinch hitter in major league baseball history.In 1998, the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz by 42 points in an NBA Finals game. That margin of victory is an NBA Finals record. In 1997, a scoring mistake at the Indy Racing League event at Texas Motor Speedway awarded the trophy to the wrong driver. The actual winner, Arie Luyendyk, was awarded the trophy the following day. Mentioned in this episode:Stirling Roastery - This DiSH

In 1956, the NHL's six teams vote 5-1 to change the power play, releasing the penalized player after a goal was scored by team with the man advantage. In 1984, Boston's Kevin McHale clotheslined LA's Kurt Rambis, sending him flying. The foul set the tone for the remainder of the series. In 1993, Baltimore's Cal Ripken was involved in a bench-clearing brawl. He twisted his knee in the melee and came close to not playing in the next day's game which would have ended his pursuit of Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak prematurely. In 1969, New York Jets QB Joe Namath announced he was quitting football instead of relinquish ownership of his Manhattan bar. He changed his mind two months later.

In 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes won a wild game one, with Rod Brind'Amour scoring a late third period goal and Cam Ward repelling every shot in the final frantic seconds.In 1974, Dave Winfield was drafted by the San Diego Padres with the third overall pick. It was the fourth professional team that had drafted him to play in four different leagues.In 1977, the Portland Trailblazers won the NBA Championship, becoming the first team to come back from an 0-2 deficit.In 1937, War Admiral won the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.

In 1976, the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns played 3OTs in the 'Greatest NBA Game Ever Played.' In 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup with Chris Chelios becoming the oldest active player to win the cup. In 1974, 10 cent beer night in Cleveland led to debauchery and violence.

In 1992, Michael Jordan hit 6-10 from 3-point range as the Chicago Bulls beat the Portland Trailblazers in game one of the NBA Finals. In 1975, the New York Cosmos signed Pelé to play in the NASL. In 2012, Tiger Woods won the Memorial Tournament to equal Jack Nicklaus' for career wins. In 2013, former NFL great Deacon Jones died. Jones was the one who coined the term 'sack.'In 1888, the poem 'Casey at the Bat' was published for the first time in the San Francisco Examiner.

In 2010, Detroit Tiger pitcher Armando Galarraga pitched a perfect game for 26 batters. The 27th was called safe at first but replays showed he was out. In 1993, Charles Smith was denied on multiple occasions on a potential go-ahead bucket in an ECF game against Chicago.In 2000, Indiana's Reggie Miller scored 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter to sink the hopes of the New York Knicks in the ECF. In 1935, Babe Ruth retired from baseball.In 1941, New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig died from ALS.

In 1979, the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Washington Bullets in game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the first major professional sports title for Seattle since 1917.In 2014, LA King Justin Williams scored his seventh goal in career game playoff game sevens, earning him the nickname of 'Mr. Game Seven.'In 1957, Cal-Berkeley junior Don Bowden became the first American to run a sub 4-minute mile.In 1925, Lou Gehrig started his 2,130 game consecutive games played streak.In 1988, the original version of John Madden Football was released to be played on a Commodore 64 or an Apple 2.

In 2002, Senegal upset France 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup. In 1999, San Antonio's Sean Elliott hit his 6th 3-pointer to give the Spurs the win over Portland in game 2 of the WCF.In 1927, Detroit's first baseman Johnny Neun recorded an unassisted triple play against Cleveland. It was the second day that an unassisted triple play had been recorded in MLB. There wasn't another one for 40 years. In 2013, Australian golfer Andrew Dodt became the first player on the European golf tour to drop two aces during the same competitive round.

In 1946, Bama Rowell hit a monster home run at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field that shattered glass on a clock above the scoreboard, raining shards down on the field. It inspired the triumphant scene in the movie, "The Natural."In 1976, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to start a NASCAR race when she raced the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.In 1973, a crew member working the Indianapolis 500 was killed by an emergency vehicle going the wrong way on pit road. Driver Swede Savage was badly injured in a wreck and died in the hospital 33 days later. In 1975, middle distance star Steve Prefontaine died in a car accident in Eugene, Oregon. In 1976, golfer Roger Maltbie turned a fortunate bounce into a win at the inaugural Memorial Golf Tournament.

In 1995, Indiana beat Orlando in game four of the ECF as Rik Smits hit the game winner with no time left. The Magic and Pacers scored 11 points in the final 13.3 seconds. In 1976, Joe Niekro hit a homer off his brother Phil in a win for the Houston Astros. In 1982, the Minnesota Twins pulled off a strikeout triple play. In 1974, Texas' Lenny Randle laid down a bunt and then attacked the pitcher covering it as retaliation for a purpose pitch. In 2015, a rain soaked Texas golf course caused a par four to be shortened to a par 3. It also made par for the course 69. It's the only time a PGA event played a course with par less than 70. In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first humans to ever summit Mount Everest.

In 1985, prior to a European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus, a fight broke out in the stands. By the time the dust settled, 38 people died and 580 were injured. A 39th victim died later at the hospital.

In 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants given the go-ahead to move west. in 1956, Pittsburgh's Dale Long hit a home run in his 8th straight game. In 2006, Barry Bonds hit career homer #715, passing Babe Ruth for second on the all-time list. In 1985, Philadelphia goalie Pelle Lindbergh requested a water bottle to put on top of the net. Edmonton asked if he wanted a picnic basket or a charcuterie board to go with it. In 1983, American Kathy Horvath toppled top-seeded Martina Navratilova in the fourth round of the French Open, snapping her streak of 36-consecutive matches won.

In 1991, the Chicago Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons to advance to the NBA Finals. In 1937, New York Giant pitcher Carl Hubbell won his 24th straight game. In 1981, Seattle Mariner Lenny Randle blew a slow roller, foul. In 1943, the plane that former Olympian Louis Zamperini was flying in, suffered mechanical difficulties and crashed into the ocean 850 miles from Oahu.In 2001, Tony Stewart became the first and still only driver to drive all 1100 miles on Memorial Day, finishing sixth after driving 500 miles at Indy and finishing third at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte.

In 1959, Harvey Haddix pitched 12 innings of perfect baseball but lost it and the game in the 13th. In 1987, Larry Bird stole an Isaiah Thomas inbound pass, found a cutting Dennis Johnson to the basket in a Boston Celtics win in the playoffs. In 1969, the NFL and ABC agreed to put a professional football game on Monday night beginning in 1970.

In 1965, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch with what many thought was a 'phantom punch.'In 1935, Babe Ruth hit the final home runs of his career when he hit three in a loss at Pittsburgh. His final career homer was belted completely out of Forbes Field, the first time that had happened since it opened in 1909. In 1964, 328 people died in Lima, Peru in the world's worst soccer stadium disaster.

In 1981, the 65th running of the Indianapolis 500 featured horrific accidents and an illegal move under yellow that left the winner of the race unknown for five months. In 1935, the first night Major League Baseball game was played at Cincinnati's Crosley Field. In 1920, undercover officers cracked down on betting at Wrigley Field, arresting 47.

In 1923, Gene Tunney fought Harry Greb, aka the Pittsburgh Wildcat, for the Light Heavyweight title. Greb won a controversial split decision.In 1924, Tunney and Greb fought again with Tunney winning a unanimous decision.In 2021, Phil Mickelson won the PGA Championship at Kiawah, becoming the oldest to win a major tournament.In 1977, Jack Nicklaus won The Memorial at Muirfield on a course he designed.In 1958, Wilt Chamberlain signed a contract to play for the Harlem Globetrotters, giving his final year of college eligibility.In 1984, a coin flip gave Houston the first pick in the NBA draft. That resulted in Michael Jordan going to the Chicago Bulls.

In 2009, LeBron James hit his first playoff game-winner against Orlando.In 1975, the Kentucky Colonels beat the Indianapolis Pacers in game five of the ABA Championship to win the title. In 1976, boxer Oscar ‘Ringo’ Bonavena was shot and killed outside the Mustang Ranch brothel. In 1963, New York Yankee Mickey Mantle hit a monster shot at Yankee Stadium.

In 1986, Houston's Ralph Sampson scored the game winner as time expired to propel the Rockets into the NBA Final. In 2009, the Denver Nuggets beat the LA Lakers in a playoff game for the first time in 24 years. In 1989, Rusty Wallace sent Darrell Waltrip spinning through the infield grass in what became known as the 'Tide Slide.'In 1952, the Brooklyn Dodgers scored 15 runs in the first inning to set a major league record for runs scored in the opening frame.

In 2002, Kobe Bryant ate something that didn't agree with him leading some to wonder if somebody had put something in his food. In 2000, Rasheed Wallace was handed a technical foul and ejected for staring at a ref. In 2012, Jim Peruto was able to reach a top speed of 243.7 mph and over the 90 mile course, averaged 217.55 mph, both records for an open road event. In 1922, Kenesaw Mountain Landis reinstated Babe Ruth and two other players after suspending them following the 1921 season.

In 1974, the Philadelphia Flyers became the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup.In 1974, the Houston Aeros of the WHA won the AVCO Cup.In 1991, Willie T. Ribbs became the first black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.In 1995, boxer Jimmy Garcia died 13 days after losing his bout with Gabriel Ruelas.

In 1963, Syracuse great and Cleveland Browns running back Ernie Davis died after a 10-month fight against Leukemia. In 2023, Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown died. In 2004, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson threw a perfect game against Atlanta. In 1912, Detroit Tigers pitcher Alan Travers gave up 26 hits and 24 runs to Philadelphia. In 1996, the US Women's National Team beat China 1-0 in the US Women's Cup.

In 1983, the New York Islanders won their fourth straight Stanley Cup, becoming the only US based NHL team to win four in a row. In 1979, the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs combined for 45 runs in an extra inning game. In 1987, Dale Earnhardt pulled off 'The Pass in the Grass' in the Winston All-Star Race. It wasn't a pass though, he maintained control of his car and the lead of the race despite driving through the front-stretch grass.

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.

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.

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 home run number 537, passing Mantle on the all-time HR list.

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 of the Sexes' tennis match.

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.

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.

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, Russia.

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 to the win. In 2002, former Notre Dame football coach Dan Devine died.

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.

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.

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 became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in his major league debut.In 1906, it was the first recorded instance of a tarp being used to cover a field during a rain shower.

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.

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 a record time of 1:59.4. That is still the fastest winning time.

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.

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 to ride in the Kentucky Derby.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 shore, wave and shout 'Hey George.'

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 was not only a player but also an actor who played 'Leon' in a series of Budweiser commercials.

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. In 1962 Harry Chiti became the first major league player traded for himself.

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 8-2.

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 to throw a 9-inning no-hitter and lose.

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.

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 jumped into the race towards the end.

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 Don King killed a man.