https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUKNj_tpi14 Babe Didrikson won a silver medal in the Women's High Jump at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. She actually cleared the same height as the gold medalist, her American teammate and rival, Jean Shiley (5' 5.25"), however in a bizarre ruling, the judge said that Didrikson's leap was illegal. Apparently the judge didn't think that any of … [Read more...] about Babe Didrikson Robbed of Olympic Gold August 7, 1932
this day in sports
Black Sox Banned from Baseball August 3, 1921
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xuKU66YDFE Eight members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox, also known as The Black Sox, were banned from Major League Baseball, for life; on August 3, 1921. Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. (He was known as Judge Landis. Prior to becoming Baseball Commissioner, he served 17 years as a Federal judge.) issued this … [Read more...] about Black Sox Banned from Baseball August 3, 1921
Willie McCovey Hits First Home August 2, 1959
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