September 7th is a day in sports history many sports fan surely have not forgotten. Particularly, a rare record-setting occasion shared between three MLB stars Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Ken Griffy occurred within the same night during the iconic 1998 HR chase. Additionally, exactly one decade ago, Trevor Hoffman set a MLB record after shutting things down once again. The situations that transpired on 9/7 have laid the ground works for pro sports today.
YEAR: 1998
SIGNIFICANCE: McGwire hit his record-tying 61st HR & 3 players hit 50-HR for the 1st time ever
On this day in 1998, St. Louis Cardinals 1B Mark McGwire hit his record-tying 61st HR of the season, while fellow record chaser Sammy Sosa watched from the outfield. McGwire roped one down the line and off the foul pole off Chicago Cubs SP Mike Morgan as the crowd went into a frenzy. Big Mac with his fist in the air rounded the bases and was greeted by his teammates as he needed just one more to become the single-season Home Run king.
That same day, Seattle Mariners CF Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 50th HR of the season for the second season in a row. Griffey Jr.’s Home Run also made history by marking the first time in MLB history that three players (McGwire, Sosa, Griffey Jr.) reached the 50 HR plateau in the same season. Later that year, San Diego Padres LF Greg Vaughn also hit 50 HR, bringing the total up to four. Since then, only once (2001) has there been 3 or more hitters hit at least 50 round trippers in a season; Sosa (64), Alex Rodriguez (52), Luis Gonzalez (57), Barry Bonds (73).
YEAR: 2010
SIGNIFICANCE: Trevor Hoffman became the 1st pitcher in MLB history to record 600 career saves
10 years ago, Milwaukee Brewers RP Trevor Hoffman recorded his 600th save, thus becoming the first pitcher ever to reach that incredible number. The 42-year-old gave up a leadoff single to Colby Rasmus, but then got Randy Winn to hit into a double play and Aaron Miles to groundout. Perhaps the second greatest closer of all-time (behind Mariano Rivera), Hoffman spent almost 90% of his career as a San Diego Padre, where he became a two-time NL Reliever of the Year award recipient.
Hoffman made his debut in 1993 with the Florida Marlins and was traded mid-season to San Diego, where he would become the closer just two years later (1995). From ’95 to 2010, Hoffman averaged 36 saves per season with a 2.49 ERA in 943.1 IP. Famous for his entrance to “Hells Bells” by AC/DC and his wipeout changeup, the Hall of Famer sits second on the all-time saves list with 601 behind only Rivera.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, #Ohio opened on September 7, 1963. #Midwest (Image: Ohio History Central). pic.twitter.com/0EGoi9ZZXO
— Patrick Kerin (@PatrickKerin1) September 7, 2017
YEAR: 1963
SIGNIFICANCE: The Pro Football Hall of Fame officially opened its doors to the public in Canton, OH
The Hall of Fame is one of, if not the most prestigious individual honors in professional sports. In 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame was established in Canton, Ohio. Not only was it located in Canton because the AFA (later named the NFL) was founded there, but because the Canton citizens launched a campaign to earn the designation for their city. Today, the Hall of Fame serves as a tribute for the work the athletes, coaches, and executives put in at the highest level of professional football.
On this day in 1986 Dan Marino threw his 100th career touchdown, being the fastest QB in NFL history to do so. pic.twitter.com/mbKcTo3nJm
— WHOOP (@WHOOP) September 7, 2016
YEAR: 1986
SIGNIFICANCE: Dan Marino threw his 100th TD in his 44th game, the quickest a player ever reached that mark
In 1983, the Miami Dolphins drafted QB Dan Marino at the bottom of the first round. Few could predict that they had just acquired who would be in the realm of the best quarterback of all-time discussion. A regular record setter and an NFL MVP, Marino dominated defenses all over the country throughout his whole career.
In addition to his enormous resume, in just his 44th NFL game Marino threw his 100th career touchdown. In doing so, he was the quickest player to reach that mark in NFL history. This is one of the many incredible achievements attached to the name that is Dan Marino. It’s important to note that Patrick Mahomes has 76 career regular season Passing TD through his first 31 games and is on pace to reach the 100-TD mark by his 40th game, which would surpass Marino’s legendary record.
YEAR: 1979
SIGNIFICANCE: The Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) made its debut
At 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on September 7th, 1979 one of the largest cable broadcasting channels debuted to roughly 30,000 viewers. On the first ever broadcast of ESPN, SportsCenter debuted and was anchored by Lee Leonard and George Grande. ESPN became the outlet for a wide spectrum of professional and collegiate sports. Early financial struggles in the beginning meant little as ESPN remains the top sports media outlet today. The way fans view sports has completely been altered and influenced due to the presence of ESPN, and it all began 41 years ago.
Learn something interesting about sports history on September 7th? Share with friends!
