Most Significant Sports History on July 18th

24 years ago today, Shaq signed the largest contract in NBA history. 22 years after that, the Toronto Raptors officially traded for their future Finals MVP. These long-lasting memories that took place on July 18th continue to make a major impact on some of the teams and players seen in today’s game.

Shaq Signs with Lakers

YEAR: 1996

SIGNIFICANCE: C Shaquille O’Neal signed the largest contract in NBA history with the Los Angeles Lakers

Last Tuesday, basketball fans were reminded about the LA Lakers trading one future Hall-of-Famer to the Miami Heat in 2004, concluding the Kobe-Shaq era. Just seven years prior, the same big-man inked a record-breaking 7y/$120M contract to begin the second chapter of his legendary career. C Shaquille O’Neal was extremely productive in the purple and gold, averaging 27 PPG, 11 RPG, and 2.5 BPG over eight seasons. The Lake Show won three straight NBA titles to open the 21st century (2000-02), so it’s fair to say that Shaq lived up to the lofty expectations in the City of Angels.

Toronto Trades for the Klaw

YEAR: 2018

SIGNIFICANCE: The Raptors traded two players and a pick for their future Finals MVP

After the San Antonio Spurs were founded in 1967 in the ABA, the franchise immediately hit the ground running. Of their 43 seasons in the National Basketball Associaton, the organization has posted a winning record 36 times, appeared in 38 postseasons, and won five NBA titles. Their most recent championship occurred in 2014, where one player began his ascension into the league’s all-time ranks by receiving the Finals MVP.

Unlike the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard needed time to develop before achieving greatness. However, with HC Popovich’s guidance and leadership, the Klaw became one of the NBA’s best two-way superstars and is now among the best players in the game. Ending his San Antonio campaign (2011-18), the franchise sent Leonard and 3-and-D specialist Danny Green to the Raptors in exchange for SG DeMar DeRozan, C Jakob Poeltl, and a 2019 first-round pick exactly two years ago today. Even though Toronto wasn’t able to extend Leonard beyond the 2019 season, the city is beyond satisfied with the results of the original transaction, the first NBA title in non-American history.

Babe Ruth Claims HR Crown

On July 18, 1921 (94 years ago today), #Yankees Babe Ruth hits his 139th career HR, passing Roger Conner for the all-time HR lead.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) July 18, 2015

YEAR: 1921

SIGNIFICANCE: Babe Ruth officially became the all-time HR leader

A week ago today, the baseball nation acknowledged Babe Ruth’s MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1914. While he began his career as a starting pitcher, it certainly didn’t end that way. The Red Sox traded the future HOF and baseball icon to their division rival in the New York Yankees where he went on to collect the vast majority of his home run blasts. However, it was 99 years ago today when Ruth hit his 139th HR, becoming MLB’s all-time leader by passing Roger Connor. While such an incredible feat, the Babe did so in just his fourth MLB season after being moved off the pitchers’ mound to the batters’ box.

Nets Land Jason Kidd

YEAR: 2001

SIGNIFICANCE: The Nets traded for future HOF Jason Kidd who led them to back-to-back Finals appearances

Before players like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook made the triple-double a more common accomplishment, there was one PG who popularized the feat during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Jason Kidd, who is recognized as one of the top-10 greatest NBA playmakers to ever walk the Earth, torched the league with his spectacular court-vision and passing.

19 years ago today, the New Jersey Nets exchanged PG Stephon Marbury, SF Johnny Newman, and C Soumaila Samake for the future Hall-of-Famer. The prolific passer ranks second all-time in assists, but should be remembered for his ability to adapt (as a long-range shooter) in an ever-evolving league and helping his team improve as proven by their consecutive Eastern Conference Championships upon his arrival.

1st 4,000 Hit Member

July 18, 1927 Ty Cobb became the first member of the 4000 hit club

Sports history July: http://t.co/bcCVVmuBnh pic.twitter.com/UT4gto8hwY

— Sports Photos (@sportsphotos) July 18, 2015

YEAR: 1927

SIGNIFICANCE: Ty Cobb became the 1st player ever to collect 4,000 career base hits

Today marks the 93rd anniversary of Ty Cobb becoming the first ballplayer to record 4,000 career hits. The longtime Detroit Tiger (22 seasons) had a career .366/.433/.512 triple-slash with over 2,000+ runs scored and almost 900 stolen bases through 24 MLB campaigns. As one of the most brilliant batters in baseball history, Cobb received 12 batting titles, one triple crown, and an MVP award. The sensational CF was enshrined in Cooperstown in 1936, but still ranks second in all-time hits and runs scored while placing fourth in all-time steals.