There is a lot of meaning in the sports world behind the day September 25th. Particularly, the old men in the MLB hold the most significance. Just six years ago, the fans and members of the MLB said goodbye to one of its most beloved legends in Derek Jeter. Much further back, the legendary Satchel Paige became the oldest player in MLB history at an astounding age. Events as such will forever be spotlighted in the history of sports.

Ricky Eisenbart also contributed to this article.

Iconic Jeter Walk-Off

YEAR: 2014

SIGNIFICANCE: Derek Jeter capped off his final game at Yankee Stadium with a walk-off single

In the bottom of the ninth inning, New York Yankees SS and Captain Derek Jeter hit a walk-off base hit in his final game at Yankee Stadium on this date in 2014. In the top of the inning, Yankees closer David Robertson entered with a three-run lead, but after a walk and a home run to Adam Jones, Robertson allowed his second homer of the inning to Steve Pearce to tie it all up at five. In the bottom half, Jose Pirela, who was replaced by pinch-hitter Antoan Richardson, led off with a single, followed by a sac-bunt by Brett Gardner. With a runner on second, Jeter stepped up to the plate (and in classic fashion) he poked a single to the opposite field, scoring the speedy Richardson.

“Did you have any doubt?”, said long-time Yankees announcer Michael Kay after the Captain had capped off his Yankee career in the same the way that he created his legacy. The man had a flair for the dramatic and always seemed to be up to bat at the perfect moment. Take for example his lead-off home run in the 2000 World Series clincher, his infamous “Mr. November” walk-off homer in 2001 World Series, his rally-starting double against the Red Sox in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, or his home run for career hit No. 3,000. The 5x World Champion and 14x All-Star was voted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year, missing out on an unanimous vote by only one vote.

Paige Pitchest at Age 59

YEAR: 1965

SIGNIFICANCE: Satchel Paige became the oldest player in MLB history

55 years ago, legendary pitcher Satchel Paige pitched for the Kansas City Athletics at 59 years old, becoming the oldest player ever to appear in a Major League game. Paige started the game for the Athletics against the Boston Red Sox, and pitched three innings allowing just one hit while striking out one. The only hit the 59-year-old allowed was a first inning double by fellow Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.

Nearly 20 years prior, Paige became the oldest pitcher ever to throw a complete game shutout as a member of the Cleveland Indians. After his last appearance of 1953, Paige kept playing in the Minor Leagues and eventually the A’s called him for one outing in front of 9,200 fans at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. Six years later, Paige became the first Negro Leagues player ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Dunk of Death

YEAR: 2000

SIGNIFICANCE: Team USA SG Vince Carter jumps over 7’2 France C Frederic Weis on a posterizing dunk

On the 20th anniversary of Vince Carter’s posterizing dunk over 7’2 Frederic Weis, it’s still somewhat unbelievable to think that the 1999 Rookie of the Year’s career just ended this year. After winning the Slam Dunk Contest earlier in 2000, his clearance of the lengthy Frenchman in the final game of the Olympic Group Stage fully cemented his status as one of the generation’s most exciting dunkers just two full seasons into his NBA career.

The play absolutely electrified the international basketball and Olympic community, sending French media into a frenzy and dubbing it “le Dunk de la Mort”, or “the Dunk of Death”. Drafted just ten picks after “Vinsanity” in 1999, the dunk would all but derail Weis’ NBA career as he never debuted for the Knicks nor stepped foot on any NBA court, for that matter.

MJ Returns (Again)

YEAR: 2001

SIGNIFICANCE: SG Michael Jordan announced his 2nd return to the NBA, this time with the Washington Wizards

A year after his second retirement in 1998, MJ bought a minority ownership stake in the Wizards and joined their front office as President of Basketball Operations. He achieved anything and everything a player could’ve dreamed with an endeavor into the front office as the obvious next challenge. Forever known as the ultimate competitor, however, his passion and love for the game still burned strong at 38 years old despite the team’s lackluster play.

Three years removed from his “Last Dance” with the Bulls’ dynasty, the “GOAT” officially announced his second return to the NBA on this day, this time with the Washington Wizards. Ever the intrinsic motivator, Jordan’s return was also driven by philanthropy. After divesting his stake in the team, he indicated a desire to donate his salary to relief efforts assisting victims of the 9/11 attacks that occurred just two weeks earlier. He played two seasons in Washington and the Wizards struggled to consecutive losing records, but the magic of Michael never failed to shine through time and time again.

Cadillac Cruises to Record

#TBT September 25, 2005#Buccaneers RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams rushed for 158 yards against the #Packers, becoming the first player in #NFL history to start his career with three consecutive 100-yard games. Cadillac had a great start to his career! #FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/N8yOwNWtrX

— The Fantasy Jones (@TheFantasyJones) September 26, 2019

YEAR: 2005

SIGNIFICANCE: Buccaneers RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams broke 2 rookie records with a 158-yard day

In the first two weeks of his rookie season, “Cadillac” Williams rushed for 148 and 128 yards (and a TD) in victories over the Vikings and Bills, respectively. His record-breaking 158-yard game against the Packers in Week 3 was significant not only because he became the very first player to begin his career with three 100-yard rushing games, but his 434 rushing yards broke Alan Ameche‘s three-game rookie record of 410 with the 1955 Colts. In addition to the records and impending Hall of Fame exhibit, Williams also earned all three Rookie of the Week honors along with Rookie of the Month.

He immediately fell back to Earth the following week, however, suffering injuries to his foot and ankle which held him to just 13 yards and out of the next two games. Mustering only 69 yards over three games upon his return, Williams exploded yet again down the stretch to finish the season, breaking the 80-yard mark in all but one game and the 100-yard plateau three times. Eventually named Rookie of the Year, his 1,178 rushing yards led all rookies (including the two RBs selected before him) as did the three ROTW honors.