The month of September is a hectic time in sports as on a usual year the MLB starts to heat up before the playoffs, the NFL season gets started, and the NBA begins to start preseason activities. On September 4th one year ago, NFL star Ezekiel Elliott signed a huge contract extension that set the market for RBs for years to come. In addition, the New York Yankees reached a milestone before any other team in MLB history. These events on 9/4’s history make this a special day in the big picture of the sports world.

Jaime Segui contributed to the MLB sections of this article.

Zeke Gets Paid

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: The Dallas Cowboys extended RB Ezekiel Elliott’s contract to make him the highest-paid RB in NFL history

Since being drafted to the Dallas Cowboys fourth overall in 2016, RB Ezekiel Elliott has been an absolute menace in the NFL. Forming a dynamic duo with QB Dak Prescott, Elliott has wrecked havoc against defenses rushing well over 1,000 yards in three out of four of his seasons in Dallas. Exactly one year ago, Zeke signed a contract with Dallas, extending his stay to six more years for a record $90 million. This made the young star the highest-paid running back in NFL history by a wide margin.

'98 Yanks' 100th Win

YEAR: 1998

SIGNIFICANCE: The Yankees reached 100 wins, the earliest date in MLB history

Winning 100 games in a MLB season is a big achievement, as only the great teams are able to consistently win ballgames in such a long, grueling 162-game season. But some teams are more than great, they are historic. And on September 4th, 1998, the New York Yankees won their 100th game, becoming the earliest team ever to reach the centennial mark.

The ’98 Yankees weren’t just a 100-win team, they are considered one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Their lineup is compared to the 1927 Yankees’ “Death Row” with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The ’98 Bombers had 10 different hitters with at least 10 HR, and seven hitters with over a .800 OPS, led by Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Tino Martinez, and others. They finished the regular season with 114 wins, and after winning the World Series against the San Diego Padres, they set the all-time record for most wins in a total season with 125 wins.

A Legendary Accolade

YEAR: 1994

SIGNIFICANCE: Miami Dolphins QB Dan Marino set a new NFL record with his 18th game of 4+ touchdown passes

When the conversation is sparked about who the greatest quarterback of all-time is, very few are discussed without mentioning Dan Marino. Since being drafted in the bottom of the first round in 1983, Marino led Miami to the playoffs 10 times, making it to the Super Bowl once. Despite never winning the big game, Marino won the MVP award by setting multiple season records for yards and touchdowns.

Above all, the Miami QB set an all-time league record 26 years ago when he threw 5 TD’s against the Patriots in the season opener, making it his 18th career game of 4+ TD passes. In 2003 Dan Marino’s legacy was cemented forever as he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

Dodgers All-Time Record

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Dodgers hit their 250th HR of the season, setting the all-time single-season NL record

On this day last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers broke the all-time National League single-season Home Run record by hitting their 250th HR. They broke the Houston Astros’ record of 249 set back in the year 2000. The 2019 Dodgers had 11 different hitters mash over 10 HR, including Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, and Joc Pederson, who each hit over 30 HRs for the No.1 seeded squad. The team finished the season first in the NL in Home Runs with 279 HR that would’ve shattered the all-time record of 267 if it wasn’t for three American League teams that also surpassed the record last year.

The Birth of the Cardinals

YEAR: 1988

SIGNIFICANCE: The NFL’s Cardinals played their 1st ever game as the “Phoenix Cardinals”

Prior to 1988, professional football fans were familiar with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, in an attempt to avoid confusion with the MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals, the franchise decided to relocate. Not long after the 1987 season, the owner agreed to move to Phoenix, Arizona. On September 4th, 1988 the Phoenix Cardinals played their first ever game in a 21-14 loss to the Bengals. The season turned up however, as the Cardinals broke two distinct droughts. The team qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 16 years, and achieved their first post-season win for the first time since 1947. The franchise is still looking for its first Super Bowl Championship as it now hopes former No.1 overall pick Kyler Murray can lead them to historic heights.