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Most Significant Sports History on July 20th
Hank Aaron crushed HR no.755, Christian Yelich completed his dominant 162-game stretch, and more!
USA TODAY Sports
On this day 44 years ago, one superior slugger swatted the 755th and final HR of his incredible career. About three decades after that, the basketball world was in complete shock due to the FBI announcing the beginning of an investigation on one notorious NBA referee. These two phenomenons are just a preview into some of the many memorable moments to transpire on this date in pro sports history.
YEAR: 1976
SIGNIFICANCE: Hank Aaron swatted the final HR of his legendary career that set the all-time mark for 3 decades
Earlier last week, baseball fans acknowledged two future Hall of Famers who each hit their 500th career home runs on the same date in history, one of whom was Hank Aaron. Fast-forward eight years later to the 42-year-old’s seventh inning at-bat against the California Angels when Hammerin’ Hank launched the final HR (No. 755) of his illustrious career off P Dick Drago to deep LF. Aaron held the lead over Babe Ruth (41 HRs) as the all-time king for over three decades until Barry Bonds snatched the crown in 2007.
YEAR: 2007
SIGNIFICANCE: The FBI announced the start of its investigation on referee Tim Donaghy shortly after his retirement
The “On This Day in Sports History” page cherishes the countless unforgettable memories and the overtaking of all-time records, but it also highlights the valleys of pro sports’ past. One extremely disappointing and unsettling event was longtime NBA referee Tim Donaghy being investigated by the FBI for allegedly fixing multiple games he’s officiated over his 13-year career.
He was proven guilty regarding the accusation of gambling on his own games, but the Association concluded that there wasn’t enough evidence to convict Donaghy of intentionally influencing the outcome of games. However, many experts and fans are still unsatisfied with the verdict to this day as it became publicly known this controversial event was going on exactly 13 years ago.
This Day in Baseball 1944
Browns’ hurler Nels Potter is banned for ten days, becoming the first pitcher ever to be suspended for throwing a spitball in the team’s 7-3 victory over the Yankees at Sportsman’s Park. The spitball, shine ball, and emery ball were outlawed in 1920. pic.twitter.com/Dtcj73IoL4
— Bubba on Baseball (@bubbaonbaseball) July 20, 2019
YEAR: 1944
SIGNIFICANCE: Nels Potter became the 1st pitcher in MLB history to be ejected/suspended for throwing a spitball
Many young baseball fans had the experience of learning about the notorious “spitball” growing up in their baseball communities. While the particular ball can be altered by the pitcher’s saliva, the pitch’s meaning stretches beyond the application of any substance that gives the hurler an unfair advantage. 76 years ago today, one St. Louis Brown became the 1st pitcher ever to be suspended for throwing a spitball. After throwing four solid innings against the New York Yankees, SP Nels Potter was ejected from the game in the top of the fifth and then suspended for the following 10 games for his use of the spitball.
YEAR: 2019
SIGNIFICANCE: Christian Yelich completed his unbelievable 162-game campaign of 60 HRs and 30 SBs
According to MLB.com, there are 12 prime candidates that have a realistic shot at finishing the 60-game campaign above a .400 batting average. Among the seasoned vets and perennial All-Stars is Brewers OF Christian Yelich, who is currently one of the hottest players in baseball. In 2018, he posted his highest 60-game BA (.365), meaning he could just as easily take off in 2020 as the likes of Mike Trout, Jose Altuve, and other prolific hitters.
On this day last season, the Milwaukee superstar made single-season history by recording 60 HRs and 30 SBs over a 162-game span. Not a single soul can count out the Brew Crew from this year’s postseason, largely because of Christian Yelich’s absurd track record and recent development as a superstar slugger.
TODAY IN NBA HISTORY: July 20, 2000 –
ISIAH THOMAS is named head coach of the Indiana Pacers, replacing Larry… http://t.co/KLKFjXGmEx— Mohamed Brahimi (@TheRealEricT3) July 20, 2014
YEAR: 2000
SIGNIFICANCE: Former PG Isiah Thomas was named Pacers HC to replace fellow HOF Larry Bird
On May 12, 1997, Celtics hero and NBA icon Larry Bird started coaching the Indiana Pacers for three seasons. He guided the Pacers to a 147-67 record and even to an Eastern Conference Championship during his last campaign. However, the 1998 Coach of the Year stepped down in 2000 after the franchise’s sole NBA Finals appearance, making room for another Hall Of Famer to take his spot.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Pacers naming former Pistons PG Isiah Thomas as their newest HC, replacing Larry Legend. Thomas led the Pacers to a .500 or better record in all three of his years in Indiana, but failed to guide the Reggie Miller-led squad past the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
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