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Most Significant Sports History on July 17th
Don Mattingly belted a HR in his 7th consecutive game, Bob Gibson struck out his 3000th career batter, and more!
Sports Illustrated
On this date 33 years ago, one Yankees 1B became the first ballplayer to crush a HR in seven straight games. Over four decades earlier, Joe DiMaggio’s incredible streak officially snapped. These memorable moments are just a few of the many significant events that have occurred on this day in history that still impact the sports community today.
YEAR: 1987
SIGNIFICANCE: 1B Don Mattingly became the 1st AL player ever to hit a HR in 7 consecutive games
Don Mattingly was the New York Yankees’ 1B from 1982 to 1995, tallying six All-Star Game appearances and nine Gold Gloves. While he was mostly known for his dependability at the dish (career .307 BA), he often showcased his ability to hit for power in the heart of the lineup (30+ HRs from 1985-87).
Beginning on July 8th of 1987, Mattingly began a record-breaking tear by homering twice against the Minnesota Twins. Six days later, on this date 33 years ago, he drilled a TEX Paul Kilgus offering to deep RF, becoming the first AL slugger to launch a HR in seven straight games. The 1985 MVP continued the historic streak for one more day, snapping it by going 2-for-4 with a single and double in the 20-3 loss to the Rangers, but not before owning a record that still stands today.
YEAR: 1941
SIGNIFICANCE: Joe DiMaggio ended his all-time hit streak at 56 straight games
Over the last several days, baseball fans have learned extensively about Joe DiMaggio’s incredible hit streak in the 1941 campaign. Across 56 games, DiMaggio managed to reach base at least once per outing while regulating a robust .408 batting average and .717 slugging percentage. 79 years ago today, Joltin’ Joe went 0-for-3 with a BB against the Cleveland Indians to officially snap the record-breaking streak. This monumental milestone is one of the many feats that future generations of ballplayers and fans will continue to respect and admire as DiMaggio’s place in Cooperstown is cemented forever.
#ThisDateInCardsHistory July 17, 1974. Bob Gibson becomes the 2nd pitcher to record 3,000 career strikeouts. pic.twitter.com/oAKkQ33HHx
— The Birds On The Bat (@BirdsOnTheBat13) July 17, 2016
YEAR: 1974
SIGNIFICANCE: Bob Gibson became just the 2nd pitcher ever to accumulate 3,000 career strikeouts
The month of July in baseball history identifies multiple MLB pitchers who reached a common objective in their careers. The list, which entails Hall-of-Famers Nolan Ryan, Phil Niekro, and Roger Clemens is supplemented by one acclaimed St. Louis Cardinal. Starting his big league tenure in the year of 1959, SP Bob Gibson steadily became one of baseball’s most dominating hurlers of the 20th century.
Today reminds baseball fans about the 46th anniversary of Bob Gibson becoming the just the second pitcher in MLB history to collect 3,000 strikeouts (Walter Johnson). Gibson’s feared arsenal, which was essentially just his blazing fastball and filthy, knee-buckling slider, guided him through a productive career of 251 total wins, 3,117 strikeouts, and 56 shutouts to go with a 2.91 ERA. In 1981, the legend rightfully earned his spot in the HOF and the MLB All-Century Team as a 9x All-Star, 2x Cy Young, 1x NL MVP, and 2x World Series MVP.
YEAR: 2018
SIGNIFICANCE: The 85th ASG included a record-breaking 10 HRs that resulted in 13 of the event’s 14 total runs
The MLB All-Star Game is the home of numerous memories and records that have taken place over decades of professional baseball. In addition to Pete Rose’s ASG walk-off collision in 1970, the 85th ASG featured the most home runs in the history of the mid-season tradition.
Just two years ago today, the AL and NL squared off for a battle of the ages, blasting 10 bombs which accounted for 13 of the 14-run event. Going into the top of the 10th inning with the score tied at five, the AL plated three runners, including a solo shot from both 3B Alex Bregman and OF George Springer to take the lead 8-5, ultimately securing the ASG victory.
YEAR: 2002
SIGNIFICANCE: The Pistons officially signed Chauncey Billups, who would guide them to their next NBA Finals victory
The Detroit Pistons collected their first two NBA Championships in 1989-90 that officially delayed the Chicago Bulls dynasty. Led by the Motor City Bad Boys, the Pistons managed to overcome the legendary Bulls lineup in both the 1989 and 1990 Eastern Conference Finals to make, and win two consecutive NBA title series’.
12 years later, Detroit decided to sign PG Chauncey Billups to a 5y/$35M contract in an effort to spark a new regular and postseason run. Just a couple of seasons later, Billups assisted the franchise to a strong 54-28 campaign (third-best in the East) and another Pistons playoff birth. Reaching the 2004 NBA Finals, the team was forced to face the deep Lakers lineup that featured future HOFs Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, the Pistons prevailed by taking the series 4-1 with the help of Billups and his MVP performance (21 PPG and 5 APG on .509/.471/.929 shooting).
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