On This Day in Sports History: June 23rd

Class of 2020 Hall of Famer PF Tim Duncan and the Spurs dynasty were in the peak of their powers exactly 15 years ago. About a century earlier, one MLB icon started off a perfect game by getting ejected for physically assaulting the umpire. These unforgettable moments will forever be remembered in pro sports history.

Spurs Win 3rd Ring

YEAR: 2005 – NBA Finals Game 7

SIGNIFICANCE: Spurs seal their 3rd NBA Championship in 7 seasons (1999, 2003, and 2005)

San Antonio’s third NBA title in franchise history came 15 years ago today when the Spurs outplayed the Detroit Pistons in the final game of the 2005 Championship series. The Game 7 victory was led by the tremendous trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, as they combined for 56 of the team’s 81 points.

The everlasting series was an arduous defensive battle; both teams only managed to put up about 85 PPG throughout the series when the NBA’s regular season average was in the mid-90’s. However, Popovich and the Spurs pulled through when it mattered most to claim the crown. The HOF head coach guided the champs to another title just two years later and then again more recently in 2014.

Unreal Perfect Game

This Day In 1917: Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore throws a no-hitter after relieving Babe Ruth who punched the umpire (police came on the field) after starting the game with a walk (H/T @theaceofspaeder) pic.twitter.com/lJizMmrtmM
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 24, 2018

YEAR: 1917

SIGNIFICANCE: P Babe Ruth opens no-hitter by walking the 1st batter, punching the ump, & getting ejected

The Great Bambino is a legendary icon who will always be among the faces that represent MLB’s history. While he is known for his game-changing power and 714 HRs (third most all-time), Babe Ruth was a productive pitcher before transitioning into a devastating slugger.

Nearly a century ago today, Ruth started on the mound for the Red Sox against the Washington Senators. After walking the first batter in four straight pitches, he argued all four calls and proceeded to punch the umpire’s jaw, getting ejected from the ballgame. The Babe’s replacement, Ernie Shore retired the remaining 26 men he faced in the 4-0 win to be credited for a perfect game. Since then, Boston pitchers have thrown 18 no-hitters with the most recent one coming from current Cubs southpaw Jon Lester in 2008.

Bonds 500-500 Milestone

YEAR: 2003

SIGNIFICANCE: Bonds became the 1st ever to collect 500 HRs and 500 SBs

Just 17 years ago, the all-time leader in home runs stole his 500th career base. Longtime San Francisco Giants OF Barry Bonds became the first player ever to launch 500 HRs and total 500 thefts over a career. Constantly crushing colossal shots during his 22 years in the majors, Bonds posted an ‘average’ 162-game season line of .298/.444/.607 with 41 HRs and 28 steals.

His sustained success on the bases (517) placed him 34th all-time, just behind SS Jose Reyes on the Career Leaders for SB list. Even though Bonds had one of best statistical tenures in MLB history, he still awaits to be inducted into the Hall of Fame due to his alleged use of PEDs.

SP Hits Grand Slam

YEAR: 2008

SIGNIFICANCE: King Felix became the 1st pitcher to blast a Grand Slam in nearly 40 years

Earlier this past winter, Felix Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves. If the MLB season ever comes around this summer, it will be Hernandez’ first in a non-Mariners uniform. Among his many accolades as one of the better pitchers of his generation, Felix became the first pitcher to hit a grand slam since CLE P Steve Dunning did so four decades prior.

The sinker-throwing SP defeated the Mets by striking out two in 4.2 innings and driving in four runs off one deep bomb following a Johan Santana delivery. King Felix currently tops the Mariners’ all-time pitching leaderboard in WAR, wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, games started, and more.

1988 Expansion Draft

YEAR: 1988

SIGNIFICANCE: The Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets’ expansion drafts officially took place

The 1946-47 BAA season was the first season of professional basketball in America. Initially starting as an 11-team league, the NBA eventually expanded to today’s full 30 teams about six decades later, when the Charlotte Bobcats (now called the Hornets) were established in 2004.

On this day 32 years ago, the Association expanded by two teams, adding the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets (became the New Orleans Hornets, then the Pelicans in 2002). Miami has won three NBA Finals since, whereas the Hornets have never even moved beyond the conference semifinals. This summer, Jimmy Butler and the Heat will have the opportunity to make a run for the title while the Hornets organization will be at home preparing for the upcoming draft this October.