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Most Significant Sports History on July 8th
The King decided to take his talents to South Beach, Ted Williams crushed a walk-off HR in the 8th ever ASG, and more!
NBA.com
Exactly one decade ago, “The Decision” was made by greatest NBA player of the 21st century. Just 365 days later, one Rockets legend had to retire during his prime due to health concerns. These two significant events are just a preview into some of the many memorable moments to transpire on July 8th in pro sports history.
YEAR: 2010
SIGNIFICANCE: LeBron James announced his decision to move from Cleveland to Miami
LeBron James, who was drafted into the league by the Cleveland Cavaliers, stuck with his hometown team for his first seven NBA seasons. During the summer of 2010, the King reached a breaking point. He was ready to join an elite franchise with top-tier talent, and fight for his first championship. On July 8th 10 years ago, James made “The Decision” to meet up with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, which led to the formation of the Heat’s Big three that went on to reach four straight NBA Finals, including back-to-back Championships in 2012-13.
Today In 1941: Boston #RedSox star Ted Williams hits a dramatic walk-off HR to win the Baseball All-Star Game for the American League! #MLB #ASG #History pic.twitter.com/JQA8vnwSZw
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) July 8, 2018
YEAR: 1941
SIGNIFICANCE: Ted Williams launched a walk-off 3-R blast with Joe DiMaggio on base to end the 8th ASG
After acknowledging the birth of the amazing All-Star Game tradition two days ago, baseball fans are reminded about one of the greatest ASGs ever today. During the 1941 campaign, Yankees OF Joe DiMaggio generated his unbelievable hit streak (56 straight games) while Red Sox OF Ted Williams dominated MLB pitchers by posting a .406 BA on the season.
That year’s ASG, which took place on July 8th, showcased what made DiMaggio and Williams such incredible baseball legends. In the bottom of the ninth with two outs and two runners on base (including DiMaggio), Williams swatted a walk-off 3-run shot to clinch the AL’s victory. The two MLB heroes are honored in the HOF after combining for five MVPs over the course of their renowned careers.
YEAR: 2011
SIGNIFICANCE: 30-year-old Yao Ming officially retired due to health concerns
The Rockets selected Yao Ming with the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. He spent all nine of his NBA years in Houston, averaging 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game on a career .524 FG percentage. The Great Wall participated in the annual All-Star game all eight of his active seasons, placing himself among the best centers in the league’s history and revolutionizing the Rockets’ popularity internationally. One major weakness of Ming’s career was being injury prone, as he only played just five games in his last two seasons with the Rockets. Today marks the ninth anniversary of Yao Ming’s retirement, who went on to enter the Hall of Fame in the class of 2016.
July 8, 1949—Monte Irvin & Hank Thompson are 1st blacks to play for the #Giants. Thompson—1st black player for the #Browns (1947)—starts at 2B; Irvin pinch-hits in the 8th. Thompson’s 1st AB against Don Newcombe is first time in #MLB that a black pitcher & hitter have faced off. pic.twitter.com/ibKz0kgoXI
— Base•ball•ia (@Baseballia) July 8, 2019
YEAR: 1949
SIGNIFICANCE: 3B Hank Thompson and P Don Newcombe became the first black hitter and pitcher to face off in history
Seven decades ago, two African-American ballplayers matched up for the first time in MLB history. In 1947, 3B Hank Thompson began his professional baseball tenure with the St. Louis Browns, but rounded out his nine-year career with the New York Giants before retiring in 1956. On this day, Thompson faced Dodgers SP Don Newcombe in the first inning, creating the very first Black batter-pitcher duel of all-time.
Monte Irvin made his MLB debut with the New York Giants two years after Thompson in 1949. The players became the first African-Americans to play with the Giants in franchise history. Before Irvin was enshrined in Cooperstown (1973), both he and Thompson assisted the team’s journey to its first World Series victory in over 20 years.
YEAR: 1976
SIGNIFICANCE: SP Randy Jones collected his NL record-breaking 16th win before the All-Star break
Last week, baseball fans were reminded about Roger Clemens’ spectacular 14-0 start to the 1986 regular season. On the topic of strong pitching streaks, Padres P Randy Jones recorded his 16th win of the season BEFORE the All-Star break. 44 years ago today, San Diego defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-3 on the back of Jones’ complete-game performance. The victory improved his season win-loss record to 16-3, which became the best NL record of all-time through the first half of a season.
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