Willie McCovey hit his first Major League home run on August 2, 1959. Unlike like his teammate and San Francisco Giants slugging partner, Willie Mays, who was hitless in his first 12 major league at-bats; the other Willie (some other!), Willie McCovey, let the baseball world know from the gitgo that “The New Willie” was anything but, just another Willie. McCovey made his … [Read more...] about Willie McCovey Hits First Home August 2, 1959
1936 Olympics Open, Nazis Rule August 1, 1936
Nazi Germany hosted the 1936 Olympics. On August 1 of that year, Adolph Hitler welcomed the world to Berlin for two weeks of fun, and nothing but fun, with just a little bit of political propaganda thrown in. In 2011 on the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Olympics, Frank Deford wrote in Sports Illustrated: While, of course, nothing can approach the horror of the … [Read more...] about 1936 Olympics Open, Nazis Rule August 1, 1936
U.S. Olympic Boxing Team Wins 5 Gold Medals July 31,1976
The U.S. Olympic boxing team won seven medals on the night of July 31, 1976. The haul for the American fighters included five gold, one silver, and one bronze. Several members of the 1976 team went on to win professional championships, including Boxing of Fame member Michael Spinks and his brother Leon Spinks. After turning professional, Leon Spinks won the heavyweight … [Read more...] about U.S. Olympic Boxing Team Wins 5 Gold Medals July 31,1976
76ers Sign (Stiff) Shawn Bradley for $44 Million July 30, 1993
Shawn Bradley, the 7'6" former Brigham Young star, signed an eight year, $44 million deal with the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers. It happened on July 30, 1993. The Sixers were hoping to follow the pattern set by the Orlando Magic who the previous year signed Shaquille O'Neal to a slightly less generous pact. ($35 million, seven years). O'Neal won the rookie of the year award, … [Read more...] about 76ers Sign (Stiff) Shawn Bradley for $44 Million July 30, 1993
Carl Lewis Wins 9th and Last Gold July 29, 1996
Carl Lewis won the gold medal in the long jump at the Olympics in Atlanta, on July 29, 1996. Lewis had previously won the gold in the long jump at the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Olympics. Only three other athletes have won individual gold medals in four consecutive Olympics. Danish sailor Paul Elvstrom did it in 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960. American discuss thrower Al Oerter won his … [Read more...] about Carl Lewis Wins 9th and Last Gold July 29, 1996