Most Significant Sports History on July 9th

10 years ago today, the Miami Heat officially traded for the final piece of their newest “Big 3”. Over a century before that, Babe Ruth got his contract purchased by a MLB team for the first time ever. These memorable moments are just a few of the many significant events that have occurred on this day in history that still impact the sports community today.

Miami Acquires Chris Bosh

YEAR: 2010

SIGNIFICANCE: The Miami Heat completed its Big 3 by trading 2 first-round picks for PF Chris Bosh

LeBron James’ decision to take his talents to South Beach was one of, if not the most shocking FA move of the 21st century. However, it wouldn’t have been nearly as influential if one of the two other stars backed out of their ‘agreement’ to join the Heat. On this day 10 years ago, Miami officially acquired PF Chris Bosh from the Toronto Raptors to complete the NBA’s newest tremendous trio.

In the same draft which sent James to the Cavs (first overall) and Wade to the Heat (fifth overall), Bosh was taken with the fourth pick by the Raptors in 2003. In his first seven seasons (all in Toronto), Bosh averaged 20.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on his way to earning five straight All-Star appearances from 2006-10. After joining forces with Flash and the King, Bosh continued his All-Star streak to 11 consecutive starts and won two NBA titles (2012 & 2013) in Miami.

Boston Buys Babe Ruth

July 9, 1914: Baltimore Orioles manager Jack Dunn sold Babe Ruth’s contract to the Boston Red Sox. #ThisDayInHistory pic.twitter.com/0LAg8eHhiV
— Babe Ruth Birthplace (@BabeRuthMuseum) July 9, 2016

YEAR: 1914

SIGNIFICANCE: The Red Sox bought 19-year-old Babe Ruth’s minor league contract for $25,000

Before the Bronx Bombers purchased the Babe from the Red Sox, he played in Boston for about six seasons. Baseball fans around the world recognize Babe Ruth as one of the GOATs, but no one could have guessed his future prior to his extraordinary career in New York. Ruth managed to bat .308 over 391 games in a Red Sox jersey, but only collected 49 home runs as he started his big league career mostly as a pitcher.

Regardless of where Ruth played his best ball, the baseball world was lucky to have him called up to the Bigs. It was on this day, exactly 106 years ago that Boston bought the Babe’s contract from their minor league club (who ended up becoming the Baltimore Orioles) for $25,000. Many Boston fans feel sour when they think about their franchise sending the future Sultan of Swat to their archenemy, but they should be proud to have first discover the biggest game-changer in baseball history.

Lakers Land Wilt Chamberlain

YEAR: 1968

SIGNIFICANCE: Wilt Chamberlain landed in LA after forcing a trade from the 76ers

Fans of all pro sports look forward to the offseason to witness the latest FA signings and trades. Last week NBA fans were reminded about the Nets-Warriors transaction, which sent future HOF Kevin Durant to Brooklyn and promising PG D’Angelo Russell to Golden State. Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the Philadelphia 76ers infamously trading one of the best Centers of all-time to the Los Angeles Lakers.

During his four years in Philadelphia, Wilt Chamberlain posted an unbelievable line of 27.6 PPG, 23.9 RPG, and 6.8 APG. Chamberlain essentially forced a trade from the 76ers since the new GM refused to keep the promises of the previous GM (who traded for Wilt in 1965). After playing his final NBA seasons with the Lake Show, Wilt retired on top and is still remembered as one of the best big-men ever.

Birth of the Redskins

On July 9, 1932, the @Redskins was born when George Preston Marshall, Vincent Bendix, Jay O’Brien, and M. Dorland Doyle were awarded an NFL franchise for Boston. The team was founded as “The Boston Braves”. Happy 86th birthday!. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/Opc3JkAe1p
— David Menassé (@Frekiwolf) July 9, 2018

YEAR: 1932

SIGNIFICANCE: The Boston Braves officially became the 8th NFL organization

Now that the Redskins are seriously considering a name-change, it’s the perfect time to remember the formation of the franchise itself. Nearly nine decades ago, the Boston Braves officially relocated to the District of Columbia, becoming the Washington Redskins. As just the eighth club to join the NFL, Washington is tied for the seventh most Super Bowl rings all-time with the Denver Broncos and Oakland/LA Raiders (3). Interestingly, all three titles (1983, 1988, and 1992) came within one 10-year period all under HC Joe Gibbs, well before Dan Snyder purchased the team in 1999.

Honus Wagner Hits No. 3000

YEAR: 1914

SIGNIFICANCE: Honus Wagner became the 2nd player ever to collect 3,000+ base hits

July 9th in MLB history acknowledges one Pittsburgh Pirate who achieved one of the most formidable feats in the baseball community. On the exact same day Babe Ruth became a big leaguer, Honus Wagner knocked the 3,000th base hit of his career. Today, the exclusive 3,000 hits club includes 32 ballplayers. When Wagner connected for No. 3,000 against the Phillies in 1914, he became just the second player ever to reach the monumental milestone after Cap Anson in 1897.