Events that occurred on August 29th in sports history certainly stand out. 43 years ago today, a Cardinals OF broke the all-time MLB steals record. In addition, only one year ago today an active legend officially became the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. What happened on this day has influence over the way front offices operate to this day.

Brock Sets SB Record

YEAR: 1977

SIGNIFICANCE: Lou Brock stole his record-breaking 893rd career SB

St. Louis Cardinals OF Lou Brock broke Ty Cobb‘s all-time career record exactly 43 years ago. At the time, Brock became the leader in steals (besides Billy Hamilton, who’s 937 career SB have an asterisk since it wasn’t an official stat at the time). Brock stayed in the No.1 spot until Rickey Henderson surpassed him in 1991. Brock still holds the National League steals record with 938 career SBs. “The Rocket” had 12 seasons of 50 or more stolen bases, including a season with 118 stolen bases, another modern day record he held until Henderson passed him. Brock led the Senior Circuit in steals eight times, and led the Majors six times.

NFL's Largest Investment

YEAR: 2018

SIGNIFICANCE: Green Bay Packer QB Aaron Rodgers officially became the highest paid player in NFL history

Seven, or even eight figures is nothing foreign to the athletes competing at the top level in the NFL. However, on this day in 2018, a man officially became the highest-paid player in NFL history. This man is none other than guaranteed future HOF QB Aaron Rodgers, who signed a 4y/$134M extension with Green Bay. Even with Rodgers doesn’t finish his contract with the Packers after drafting Jordan Love, he’s been worth every penny.

41 Straight Set Down

OTD 1972 @SFGiants Jim Barr retires 41 consecutive to set record@MLBFactOfToday @MLBStatoftheDay @MLB pic.twitter.com/xgKeqyVq7f
— Gio/wthballs blog (@wthballs) August 29, 2016

YEAR: 1972

SIGNIFICANCE: SP Jim Barr retired 41 straight batters, setting a new MLB record at the time

After retiring the final 21 batters of his previous start, San Francisco Giants SP Jim Barr retired the 1st 20 batters he faced in a victory over the Cardinals to set a new MLB record of 41 consecutive batters set down on this day in 1972. Between those two starts, Barr pitched 18 innings, faced 59 batters, struck out seven, allowed one walk and five hits, and didn’t give up a single run. Since Barr set the record 48 years ago, only Bobby Jenks (41), Mark Buerhle (45), and Yusmeiro Petit (46) have surpassed it.

Ryan's Record 200+ Ks

Today in Sports History

August 29, 1987:
Nolan Ryan passes the 200-strikeout barrier for record 11th time.#SportsHistory
— HomeTeamsONLINE (@HomeTeamsONLINE) August 29, 2019

YEAR: 1987

SIGNIFICANCE: SP Nolan Ryan posted a record 11th 200+ strikeout campaign

Exactly 33 years ago, SP Nolan Ryan achieved his 11th career season with at least 200 strikeouts. In a loss against the Pirates, Ryan pitched six innings and struck out seven batters in his milestone-setting outing. The Ryan Express currently holds the Major Leagues all-time record with 15 seasons of 200+ SO. In 1987, he finished the season with 270 punch outs, and it marked the first year of a five-year streak posting 200+ Ks. Ryan led the league in strikeouts a whopping 11 times, and led the entire Major Leagues seven times.

1st High School Pro

YEAR: 1974

SIGNIFICANCE: C Moses Malone became the 1st ever player in NBA/ABA history to turn pro straight out of high school

It used to take a very rare breed of a human being to be ready for professional sports right after graduating high school. In most cases, the human body is not ready to compete at a level with adult professionals just quite yet. However, there are cases that defy the sciences that define what people are capable of. Examples of this include LeBron James and Zion Williamson, both physical specimens at a young age. If you stretch back way further you see this in C Moses Malone, who joined ABA’s Utah Stars directly after high school. This can’t be done anymore, but Moses set the ground works for kids looking to dominate the NCAA as early as freshman year and likely soon go straight to the league.