HOT
Most Significant Sports History on August 27th
Learn about August 27th's most significant sports history including a record broken for steals, a 1st time MLB milestone, and more!
Ron Fimrite/Vault
The accolades and accomplishments achieved on August 27th in sports history laid some of the ground-works for MLB players today. Nearly four decades ago, an Athletics OF stole four bases in a game surpassing Lou Brock’s record number of steals. Just a few years earlier, a Reds 2B hit his 200th career HR, becoming the first player in MLB history with 200 HRs and 500 steals. More events on this day solidified certain player’s legacy as nothing short of elite.
On this date in 1982, Rickey Henderson broke Lou Brock's single-season record w/steal #119http://t.co/w1NFFeBowj pic.twitter.com/bfhruQeyRo
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 27, 2015
YEAR: 1982
SIGNIFICANCE: Rickey Henderson broke Lou Brock‘s record of 118 SB in a season
On this day in 1982, Rickey Henderson, the greatest base stealer of all time, broke the single-season stolen base record. The record belonged to Lou Brock, who stole 118 bases back in 1974. Henderson stole four bags in his record-setting game, collecting his 122nd SB of the season. With a month still left to play, Henderson would finish up the year with 130 SBs, which still stands as the modern MLB record (since 1900). Henderson finished his HOF career with a whopping 1,406 SBs, the most of all-time.
Today in Reds history, 1978: Joe Morgan becomes the first player in history to have 200 homers and 500 stolen bases. pic.twitter.com/fQqJFGv0gH
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 28, 2015
YEAR: 1978
SIGNIFICANCE: Joe Morgan became the 1st player in MLB history with 200 HRs and 500 SBs
On this day 42 years ago, Cincinnati Reds 2B Joe Morgan hit his 200th career Home Run, becoming the first player ever to have at least 200 career Home Runs and 500 career stolen bases. Morgan hit a solo HR in the 3rd inning against the Chicago Cubs, accounting for the only Reds’ run in a 7-1 loss. Morgan was a key member of the Big Red Machine, helping the Reds to two World Series titles. He is now one of only four players in MLB history to have at least 200 HR and 500 SB. The other three are: Paul Molitor, Barry Bonds, and Rickey Henderson.
YEAR: 2005
SIGNIFICANCE: Jeff Kent became the 2nd 2B in MLB history to hit 300 HRs
15 years ago, 2B Jeff Kent hit his 300th career Home Run, making him just the second 2B ever to reach that mark at the time. Despite having some all-time great players, historically, second base has not been a position with much offensive production, especially in the slugging department. Second basemen were expected to be fast, defend well, and have a high batting average. When Kent hit his 300th HR, he joined Rogers Hornsby (301 HR) as the only ones to be in 300 HR club for 2B. Since then, Alfonso Soriano (412 HR) and Robinson Cano (328 HR) have joined them as the only four with 300+ HR at that position. Kent finished his career with 377 HR and a .500 SLG percentage.
YEAR: 2004
SIGNIFICANCE: The United States Olympic basketball team fell out of the gold medal race for the 1st time
Few teams in global sports history have displayed the level of domination the the US Olympic basketball team has. From the “Dream Team” of 1992 to the star studded team we see today, the United States have never stepped onto the court without being the complete favorites. In 2004, things were no different with players like Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and AI representing the states.
Shockingly, on this day 16 years ago the United States blew their chances at a gold medal in a 89-81 loss to Argentina. This was the first time the United States had fallen out of contention since NBA players were allowed to compete in the competition in 1989. On a brighter note, the shocking victory over the US resulted in multiple Argentinian players making the NBA following the competition.
8/27/77: Toby Harrah & Bump Wills hit inside-the-park HRs on consecutive pitches at Yankee Std. Only time ever in MLB pic.twitter.com/v2ob9qfNYf
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) August 27, 2015
YEAR: 1977
SIGNIFICANCE: Rangers Toby Harrah & Bump Wills hit back-to-back inside-the-park HRs on consecutive pitches
On this day in 1977, Texas Rangers 3B Toby Harrah and 2B Bump Wills became the only players in MLB history to hit back-to-back inside-the-park Home Runs. To make matters even more incredible, it happened on consecutive pitches. This unique scene took place against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, off reliever Ken Clay. Harrah hit the first Home Run, a three-run inside-the-parker, and the 20th of his season. The very next pitch, the rookie Wills hit it to CF and got around the bases for his second HR of the game.
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