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Most Significant Sports History on July 11th
LeBron James announced that he will be returning home, Nolan Ryan recorded his 4,000th strikeout, and more!
Sports Illustrated
Six years ago today, the King made another dramatic decision altering the course of the NBA forever. Five years after that, the OKC Thunder traded their most beloved player in franchise history. These are some of the unforgettable moments that took place on July 11th and have heavily shaped the game today.
YEAR: 2014
SIGNIFICANCE: LeBron James announced his imminent return home to the Cleveland Cavaliers
Just recently was the anniversary of LeBron James’ dramatic “Decision” to leave his hometown of Cleveland for a chance at the title in Miami. Creating the league’s newest Big 3 with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, the trio delivered two championships in just four seasons to the Heat fanbase. On this day six years ago, James announced that he was ready to take on the biggest challenge of his career after getting his first taste of true team success. The King decided to return to Cleveland in an effort to bring the city its first NBA championship. He accomplished that goal two years later, defeating the Golden State Warriors by overcoming a 3-1 series deficit.
YEAR: 2019
SIGNIFICANCE: The Thunder traded PG Russell Westbrook to the Rockets in exchange for PG Chris Paul and multiple draft picks
The Oklahoma City Thunder could have had one of the deadliest three-headed monsters of all-time, if only they kept James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook together. On October 27, 2012, the OKC sent Harden to Houston Rockets. On June 7, 2016, future HOF Kevin Durant opted to sign with the team who eliminated OKC from the previous postseason; the Golden State Warriors. And exactly one year ago today, the Thunder traded another future HOF to the Houston Rockets, this time being 9x All-Star Russell Westbrook. It’s been difficult to watch OKC’s core slowly drift apart, but after receiving a boatload of draft picks in exchange for Westbrook and Paul George, the franchise’s future has never been brighter.
YEAR: 1985
SIGNIFICANCE: Nolan Ryan became the 1st pitcher to record 4,000 strikeouts
Nolan Ryan will forever be recognized as one of the most feared pitchers in MLB history. As mentioned previously on July 4th, the Ryan Express became a member of a very exclusive club when he racked up 3K career strikeouts. Just five years later, he started a club of his own. 35 years ago, Ryan struck out 11 Mets hitters en route to becoming the very first pitcher ever to reach the 4,000 K milestone. As new big league seasons continue to take off, pitchers will continue to dream of being compared to the legendary flamethrower.
100 years ago today, Babe Ruth made his MLB debut for the Red Sox.
Baseball was never the same. pic.twitter.com/zeWT1wIVOz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 11, 2014
YEAR: 1914
SIGNIFICANCE: Babe Ruth officially made his MLB debut as a SP against the Cleveland Naps
Just a couple of days ago, baseball fans acknowledged the initial signing that first brought Babe Ruth into the big leagues. Today, the baseball universe recognizes the Big Bambino’s official MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox. While he didn’t hit his first career HR, Ruth recorded his first W by pitching seven stupendous innings to defeat the Cleveland Naps in a 4-3 effort. Ruth didn’t become the “Sultan of Swat” until he began his incredible career with the New York Yankees in 1920.
YEAR: 2000
SIGNIFICANCE: Dallas’ Michael Irvin retired as the franchise leader in reception yards (11,904)
The Dallas Cowboys were utterly dominant in the 1990s. After going 1-15 in 1989, the franchise won 10+ games in seven of the following nine seasons. Playing a large role during the era was one of the greatest receivers in the history of the game, Michael Irvin. Over his 12 years in the league (all in Dallas), Irvin totaled almost 12,000 receiving yards and 65 TDs, becoming a 5x Pro Bowler and 3x Super Bowl Champ. Exactly two decades ago today, the “Playmaker” announced his retirement and was later inducted into the HOF in 2007.
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