HOT
Most Significant Sports History on July 14th
The Lakers ended the Shaq-Kobe era, Mike Schmidt jumped to 7th on the all-time HR list, and more!
Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images
16 years ago today, the Lakers traded away their All-Star Center just two years after completing the 21st century’s first three-peat. Over three decades earlier, one of the most polarizing figures in the MLB community scored the winning run in the 12th inning of the 47th All-Star Game. These long-lasting memories continue to make a major impact on some of the teams and players seen in today’s game.
YEAR: 2004
SIGNIFICANCE: The Lakers traded the future HOF to the Heat, officially ending the Shaq-Kobe era
The Los Angeles Lakers are undoubtedly one of the most accomplished franchises in NBA history. They are second only to their inter-league rival, the Boston Celtics (17) regarding all-time titles with 16 championship victories. The Lake Show continued their long-lasting dynasty by winning the first three NBA Finals of the 21st century. Kobe Bryant was largely responsible for the Lakers’ sustained success in the 2000-2010s, but it may have all played out differently if it weren’t for their 3x Finals MVP center, Shaquille O’Neal.
Even though he was moving into his 30s, Shaq continued to dominate in the paint on both sides of the floor. However, LA decided that it was time to move on from the Shaq-Kobe era. 16 years ago today, the Lakers sent Shaq to the Miami Heat in exchange for SF Caron Butler, F Lamar Odom, C Brian Cook, and a 2006 first-round pick. Not only did he continue to receive All-Star Game nods, Shaq seamlessly molded into a major catalyst for Miami’s 2006 Championship run alongside Dwyane Wade.
YEAR: 1970
SIGNIFICANCE: Pete Rose crashed through (and injured) C Ray Fosse to secure the NL’s ASG victory
This date reminds baseball fans about the All-Star Game that took place exactly five decades ago today. Viewers tuned in to watch the best ballplayers in the nation face off in one incredible game, including future HOFs Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, Hank Aaron, and company. What cemented this ASG as one of the most memorable in MLB history was the opposite of the Pedro Martinez’ spectacular start in 1999. As opposed to an epic beginning, this game had a WILD conclusion.
It was a tight race from the get-go, as both teams were blanked through the first five innings. Eight combined runs were scored in the last three innings to send the matchup into extra innings at 4-4. With two outs in the bottom of the 12th, Pete Rose rounded third with the chance to score the deciding run. Charlie Hustle trucked through C Ray Fosse before the throw reached home plate, instantly creating one of the most polarizing plays of all-time as Fosse’s shoulder would get separated from the altercation.
Orioles today, 13 hits without scoring a run.
Worst run output for a team at Fenway since: July 14, 1916 when Red Sox had 14 hits in a 17-inning 0-0 tie vs STL Browns.
Tx @EliasSports https://t.co/CotGmcWvdT— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) May 20, 2018
YEAR: 1916
SIGNIFICANCE: Both SPs combined for 32 IPs during a 0-0 game that lasted 17 innings
The best MLB games of all-time are not always high-scoring battles, like the first London matchup between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Some of these games are loaded with great pitching, defensive plays, and other dramatic factors that deserve just as much recognition. Over a century ago, both the St. Louis Browns and Red Sox lasted 17 innings without plating a single run.
Taking place in Fenway Park, the 0-0 tie was headlined by pitchers Ernie Koob (Browns) and Carl Mays (Red Sox) for allowing just 15 hits over 32 IPs combined. Even though the matchup lasted 17 innings, spectators were able to leave at a reasonable time as the game lasted only three hours and 40 minutes because of how quickly Koob and Mays were able to handle their business.
YEAR: 1967 & 1968
SIGNIFICANCE: Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron collected HR No. 500 against the San Francisco Giants precisely 1 year apart
July 14th marks the anniversary of Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron both reaching an all-time HR milestone. In 1967, Mathews connected on a Juan Marichal offering in the sixth inning of a day game at Candlestick Park. Exactly one year later, Hank Aaron hammered a 3-run shot to deep center off Mike McCormick in the bottom of the third. The major similarities between the two events are that the HRs mentioned are both that players’ 500th career blast AND they both came against the San Francisco Giants exactly one year apart. The two sluggers are also both honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame as two of the greatest players in MLB history.
YEAR: 1988
SIGNIFICANCE: Mike Schmidt passed Mickey Mantle for the 7th most HRs in MLB history
On this day 32 years ago, this Philadelphia phenom pushed into seventh place on the all-time HR list. The Phillies hosted the Astros at Veterans Stadium, where all 24,000+ fans were waiting for 3B Mike Schmidt to pass another legend in the prestigious 500-HR club. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Schmidt smacked a solo shot over the CF fence off Houston’s Mike Scott to move him above Yankee hero Mickey Mantle on the all-time HR list. The blast, which was his 537th, came in the second-to-last season of his 18-year career (all in Philadelphia). Schmidt still leads the franchise in many offensive categories (HRs, RBIs, Runs, TBs, etc.) since being inducted into the HOF as part of the 1995 class.
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