Most Significant Sports History on July 22nd

On this day almost 100 years ago, one renowned MLB pitcher became the first ever to collect 3,000 career strikeouts. About a century later, the Tennessee Titans signed their top defender to a record-breaking contract. These long-lasting memories that took place on July 22nd continue to make a major impact on some of the teams and players seen in today’s game.

Walter Johnson's 3,000th K

On this day in MLB history:
July 22, 1923
Walter Johnson becomes the first pitcher in MLB history to strike out 3,000 batters when he fans Cleveland’s Stan Coveleski.#MLB #DFS #MLBDFS #DraftKings #FanDuel #YahooDailyFantasy #DailyFantasy #FantasyBaseball #DailyFantasyBaseball pic.twitter.com/sx1ffD0NqW
— Awesemo (@Awesemo_Com) July 22, 2019

YEAR: 1923

SIGNIFICANCE: Walter Johnson became the 1st pitcher to reach the 3,000 strikeout mark

Cy Young was one of the most commanding big league pitchers of all-time, but he was not the first to reach the 3,000 strikeout plateau. During his 17th MLB season, Washington’s Walter Johnson fanned five Cleveland batters to officially break the unprecedented milestone. On this day nearly a century ago, Johnson dominated over all nine innings, limiting the Indians to just seven hits and one earned run. Johnson may not have an annual award named after him, however, the Hall of Famer is right behind first-place Young on the all-time wins list with 417.

Kevin Byard's Crazy Contract

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Kevin Byard’s extension with the Titans made him the highest-paid player at the Safety position

The Tennesee Titans had a terrific postseason run in 2019, eliminating both the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens before falling in the AFC Championship. No one doubts RB Derrick Henry’s influence for the offense’s spark, but it was their defense that kept the franchise within striking distance. Leading Tennessee’s passing defense (since 2017) has been Kevin Byard, who picked off five passes in the last campaign after collecting 13 in his first two full seasons. The Titans opted to lock up the elite ball-hawking center fielder as the highest-paid safety in the league (5y/$70.5M) exactly 365 days ago today.

Rookie RBI Record

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Yordan Alvarez tallied his 35th RBI in just his 30th MLB game (a rookie record)

The 2019 MLB season presented baseball fans with countless surprises. While the Houston Astros were disappointed with the conclusion of their postseason (and controversial offseason), the ball club must be pleased with the development of its top superstars and prospects.

It wasn’t until late last spring that OF/DH Yordan Alvarez made his debut in the Show, homering in his second major league at-bat on June 9th against the Baltimore Orioles. He rapidly began to tee off on MLB pitching, driving in 35 RBIs in his first 30 GPs. Houston will need his slugging prowess in the heart of their lineup to outlast the Yankees, Rays, Twins, and company in the wide-open American League.

Maddux' Magical CG

July 22, 1997: Greg Maddux threw a masterful 76-pitch complete game against his former team. pic.twitter.com/vhuLoDRJai
— Stadium (@Stadium) July 22, 2017

YEAR: 1997

SIGNIFICANCE: Greg Maddux needed just 76 pitches to get through a CG against his former team

23 years ago today, one Braves legend hurled one of the most efficient starts in MLB history. Against his former team, Greg Maddux faced just 31 batters on the afternoon, striking out six and allowing only one runner to cross home plate. En route to Atlanta’s seemingly effortless 4-1 victory, Maddux threw just 76 pitches to allow Wrigley Field fans to exit the ballpark swiftly after about two hours and seven minutes of gameplay (average time per nine-inning game was about three hours). The HOF and his incredible circle changeup were enshrined in Cooperstown along with the class of 2016.

Cubs Trade P Matt Garza

YEAR: 2013

SIGNIFICANCE: The Cubs traded Matt Garza for 5 players, 2 of which who would play on their WS roster 3 years later

The Chicago Cubs won consecutive championships in 1908 and 1909, then proceeded to go over a century without another World Series victory. Prior to Chicago’s 2016 triumph, the Cubs’ front office made the decision to trade SP Matt Garza (6-1, 3.17 ERA with CHC in 2013) in exchange for five prospects in an effort to revitalize the club that hasn’t played in October since 2008. Today marks the 7th anniversary of the Cubs-Rangers transaction which netted Chicago two promising RPs in Carl Edwards Jr. and Justin Grimm, who would later play substantial roles in their 2016 World Series run.