Ted Turner Made His Managerial Debut – This DiSH for May 11

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 his signature move against the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 1982, the USFL announced they would start playing in the spring of ’83.

And in 1893, Frenchman Henri DesGrange set cycling’s original hour record. 

Bobby Orr’s Flying Goal Wins the Cup! – This DiSH for May 10

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 Championship. 

In 1974, the New York Nets beat the Utah Stars to win the ABA Championship.

In 2015, Rickie Fowler birdied the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass 3 times in 90 minutes to win the Players Championship.

And in 2014, the St. Louis Rams selected Michael Sam in the 7th round. Sam was the first openly gay player picked in the NFL draft. 

Richard Petty’s Horrific Crash at Darlington Led to a Change – This DiSH for May 9

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 marathon. 

In 2010, golfer Tim Clarke ‘finally’ won on the PGA Tour.

And in 2002, football coach Dan Devine died at the age of 77.

Willis Reed’s Dramatic Entrance – This DiSH for May 8

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 the Minnesota Twins

In 2016, Bryce Harper reached base 7 times without an official plate appearance. 

In 2001, pitcher Randy Johnson struck out 20 in 9 innings but it’s not recognized by Major League Baseball. 

And in 1937, War Admiral won the Kentucky Derby.

Michael Jordan Hits ‘the Shot’ over Ehlo – This DiSH for May 7

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 basketball court with two turnovers in the final seconds. 

That same night in New York, Indiana’s Reggie Miller scored 8 points in the final 18.7 seconds to stun the Knicks in game one. 

In 1957, a scary play nearly ended the career of two MLB players. 

 

Roger Bannister’s 4-minute mile – This DiSH for May 6

In 1954, Roger Bannister became the first human to run a sub 4-minute mile.

In 1925, New York Yankee Everett Scott was benched by Miller Huggins after playing in 1,307 consecutive games.

In 1953, Bobo Holloman became the first major league pitcher to pitch a no-hitter in his debut. 

And in 1998, 20-year old Kerry Wood struck out 20 to become the second MLB player to do so in a 9-inning game. 

Secretariat Dazzles at the Derby – This DiSH for May 5

In 1973, Secretariat broke slow but got going down the backstretch to win the Kentucky Derby in a record time. 

In 1969, Boston won their 11th NBA title in 13 years with Bill Russell playing and coaching his final game as a Celtic

In 1981, Larry Bird hit one of his most memorable shots as the Celtics beat the Houston Rockets in game 1 of the NBA Finals. 

And in 1904, Cy Young pitched the 20th Century’s first perfect game. 

 

What happened to Dancer’s Image? – This DiSH for May 4

In 1968, Dancer’s Image won the Kentucky Derby but was relegated to last a few days later. 

Also in 1968, the Pittsburgh Pipers won the first ABA Championship.

In 1984, Dave Kingman hit a ball into the roof of the Metrodome. 

In 1979, Kirk Gibson was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL draft. 

And in 2003, David Toms had an quadruple bogey 8 on the final hole of the Wachovia Championship and still won by 2 shots. 

 

First Filly in 65 Years Wins the Derby! – This DiSH for May 3

In 1980, Genuine Risk became the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby since 1915. 

In 1986, Bill Shoemaker rode a 17-1 longshot named Ferdinand to the win at the Derby.

In 1964, Pete Brown became the first black golfer to ever win a PGA Tour Event.

In 1970, Jack Nicklaus beat Arnold Palmer in a one-hole playoff to win the Byron Nelson Classic.

In 1936, Joe DiMaggio made his major league debut. 

 

Lou Gehrig’s Iron Man Streak Comes to an End – This DiSH for May 2

In 1939, Lou Gehrig removed himself from the lineup, ending his streak of consecutive games at 2,130.

In 1954, St. Louis’ Stan Musial hit five home runs in a single day. 

In 1964, Bill Hartack rode Northern Dancer to the then fastest Kentucky Derby win. 

In 1970, Diane Crump became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby. 

And in 1984, the Dallas Cowboys used a 12-round pick to select Olympian Carl Lewis. 

‘This Day in Sports History’ is a one PERSON operation. I research, write, voice, and produce each show. So if you like the podcast, subscribe, rate and review and tell your friends about it! 

If you have an idea for a TDiSH story or if I got something wrong, email me at thrivesweet@gmail.com