Defeats Bjorn Borg 7-6, 6-1, 6-7, 5-7, 6-4. Ali and Frazier had their trilogy which culminated with the "Thrilla in Manilla" in 1975. Five years later John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg staged their own epic battles. Granted, it was tennis not boxing; but arguably just exciting, and well, maybe more athletic as well. The first time they faced each other in a Grand Slam … [Read more...] about John McEnroe Wins 1980 U.S. Open – September 7, 1980
This Day in Sports History
Peyton Manning Debut – September 6, 1998
16 years and 64,964 passing yards ago, Peyton Manning was making his NFL debut, on September 6, 1998. (If you’re reading this after the start of the 2014 NFL season, add more yards, and whenever you read this you can also add at least 6,589 yards for post season play.) Manning played in his first game a little less than three years before 9/11. It was also before you … [Read more...] about Peyton Manning Debut – September 6, 1998
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) wins Olympic Gold – September 5, 1960
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0VelT6XGxY&feature=related The brilliant Shirley Povitch did not overlook the amusing coincidence of a man named Cassius, competing for a gold medal at the Rome Olympics. He wrote "Cassius has come back to Rome. He is an esteemed member of the U.S. compound in the Olympic Village. But 'yon Cassius is not out of Shakespeare. He is out of … [Read more...] about Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) wins Olympic Gold – September 5, 1960
Moneyball A’s Blow 11-Run Lead September 4, 2002
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8QorBRcNMU If you saw the movie "Moneyball" you probably remember how Billy Beane's (Brad Pitt) A's extended their winning streak to 20 games, on September 4, 2002. If you haven't seen the movie (What are you waiting for? finish reading this post, watch the Youtube video, and then go over to Netflix and get it!), or in case you saw it and … [Read more...] about Moneyball A’s Blow 11-Run Lead September 4, 2002
Mickey Mantle Hits 50th HR. Maris already has 53 – September 3, 1961
Mickey Mantle his 49th and 50th home runs of the season on September 3, 1961. He joined Roger Maris in “the 50 home run club”. Maris at that point already had 53 homers. Both Mantle and Maris were now ahead of Babe Ruth’s 1927 60 home run (in 154 games, per Commissioner Ford Frick’s edict) pace. Bob Holbrook, in the Boston Globe wrote. Luis Arroyo said it nicely “You … [Read more...] about Mickey Mantle Hits 50th HR. Maris already has 53 – September 3, 1961