Most Significant Sports History on July 16th

On July 16th nearly eight decades ago, Joe DiMaggio’s legendary streak came to its peak. 62 years after that, the Los Angeles Lakers signed two future NBA Hall of Famers to play alongside SG Kobe Bryant and C Shaquille O’Neal as they set out to complete the NBA’s first run of four championships in five years since the 1960s Celtics. These two phenomenons are just a preview into some of the many memorable moments to transpire on this date in pro sports history.

DiMaggio Completes Hit Streak

YEAR: 1941

SIGNIFICANCE: Joe DiMaggio extended his hitting streak to an unparalleled 56 games

On this day almost eight decades ago, Joe DiMaggio went 3-4 and scored three runs to help the New York Yankees defeat the Cleveland Indians by seven. This performance cemented his legacy in baseball history as he extended his unprecedented hitting streak to 56 games. Many dreamt of Joltin’ Joe sustaining his streak forever, but sadly it was broken the next game when he went 0-4 against the same team.

DiMaggio’s hit streak was remarkable on it’s own merit, but the fact that he managed to hit .408 (91-223) with 15 HRs and 55 RBIs over those 56 games is absolutely astonishing. Joe wasn’t producing off weak pitching either, as he faced four future HOFs during the 56-game span. DiMaggio’s streak is one of the most impressive records in MLB history, but it’s just a matter of time until its inevitably challenged and broken.

Lakers Sign 2 Legends

YEAR: 2003

SIGNIFICANCE: The Lakers officially added PF Karl Malone and PG Gary Payton to the Kobe-Shaq tandem

Following the Lakers’ disappointing postseason appearance in 2003, Los Angeles went out and signed two future Hall-of-Famers in free agency on this day 17 years ago. The two acquisitions of PF Karl Malone and PG Gary Payton joined SG Kobe Bryant and C Shaquille O’Neal, creating one of the most star-studded lineups in the history of the game. Even though both Malone and Payton averaged 20 PPG in the previous season (2002-03), LA expected a decline in production as the two were aging into their mid-late 30s.

The Lake Show got off to a hot start, going 19-5 to open the 2003-04 season. However, the franchise took a crucial hit in leadership after the 25th game when Karl Malone received the first major injury of his career (out for two-plus months). The squad stayed true to their goal, fighting their way into the 2004 Playoffs and the NBA Finals. While the legendary lineup nearly won the title, basketball fans still look back at their season with remorse.

"Golden State" Warriors

YEAR: 1971

SIGNIFICANCE: The franchise officially became known as the Golden State Warriors

As the Warriors logo has changed over the decades, so has its home city. In 1946, the team was initially established as the Philadelphia Warriors. 16 seasons later, with the NBA expanding westward, the Warriors franchise moved across the nation to San Francisco for the following nine years. Exactly 49 years ago today, the organization officially changed its name to the Golden State Warriors after planning to play half of the 1972 campaign in Oakland. Just four seasons later, the club won its first NBA title since its relocation to California.

18 Inning Tie

July 16, 1909: Tigers & Senators play the longest scoreless game in American League history. The game is called after 18 innings due to darkness. Ed Summers pitches all 18 innings, allowing just 7 hits. Ty Cobb & Sam Crawford both go 0-for-7 https://t.co/RR0unB807t
— This Day in Tigers History (@OnThisDayTigers) July 16, 2019

YEAR: 1909

SIGNIFICANCE: Detroit’s Ed Summers pitched 18 clean innings en route to the longest scoreless game in AL history

Two days ago, baseball fans were reminded of the 17 inning pitchers duel where both SPs combined for 17 Ks on 32 IPs. Today, the same fans can acknowledge one Tigers P who threw 18 pristine innings against the Washington Senators 111 years ago. Detroit starter Ed Summers faced 63 batters en route to his notorious no-decision, while only allowing nine of them to get on base (seven Hits and two BBs). Even with Summers’ shutout, the game went down as the longest scoreless game in the history of the American League.

2nd Most SB Home

July 16, 1969: The #MNTwins‘ Rod Carew steals home for the seventh time of the season. Single-season record is eight, set by Ty Cobb in 1912 pic.twitter.com/JIBaGQ3btg
— The Twins Almanac (@TwinsAlmanac) July 16, 2017

YEAR: 1969

SIGNIFICANCE: MIN Rod Carew came within 1 SB of Ty Cobb’s single-season home plate steals record

This date marks the 51st anniversary of one Minnesota Twin who stole home for the seventh time of the 1969 season. Rod Carew, who leads the franchise in all-time batting average (.337) and on-base percentage (.393), came within one stolen base of Ty Cobb’s single-season record of eight home-plate steals.

Against their division rival, the Chicago White Sox, Carew went 3-for-5 with the three runs to assist both the Twins on their 9-8 victory and his BA, which jumped up to .363 on the campaign. The 18x All-Star and future HOF played a pivotal role in the Twins’ deep postseason run, where they lost to the Orioles in the ALCS.