HOT
Most Significant Sports History on July 1st
The King signed with the LA Lakers, Derek Jeter flew into the Yankee Stadium stands, and more!
USA TODAY Sports
Exactly two years ago on July 1st, LeBron James began a new chapter of his incredible career with one of the most accomplished franchises in the history of the NBA. Nearly eight decades before that, one Yankee legend tied Willie Keeler’s astonishing all-time consecutive hits record. These memorable moments are just a few of the many significant events that have occurred on July 1st that still impact the game today.
YEAR: 2018
SIGNIFICANCE: LeBron James can win a Championship with a 3rd NBA franchise
On this day last year, LeBron James announced that he was starting the next chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He led his hometown Cavaliers to four straight NBA Finals and brought home the title in 2016, but decided that it was time to move on.
Signing a 4y/$153M contract, LeBron displayed his eagerness to be among the Lakers’ all-time greats. The King has shown LA why he’s still the top SF in the NBA by posting 26.5 PPG, 9.5 APG, and 8.2 RPG on .576 percent shooting from the field since joining the franchise. He’s still one of the best overall players in the game and has the Lakers in the drivers seat once the NBA returns later this month.
July 1, 1941 Joe Dimaggio on his way to 56, ties Willie Keeler’s 44 game hit streak.
— Michael Fishman (@ReelMFishman) July 1, 2013
YEAR: 1941
SIGNIFICANCE: Joe DiMaggio tied the MLB record with a hit in his 44th straight game
Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio is still remembered as one of the MLB’s best hitters in the history of the game. Nearly eight decades ago, Joltin’ Joe knocked a base hit in his 44th consecutive game, tying the all-time record set by Willie Keeler in 1897.
The 3x MVP continued his hot hitting streak for 12 more games, failing to get a hit against the Cleveland Indians on July 17th. The 56-game mark holds up to this day, further expanding DiMaggio’s already illustrious, HOF-worthy resume. DiMaggio’s illustrious 56-game hitting streak is remembered as one of the most unbreakable records in the history of sports.
YEAR: 2004
SIGNIFICANCE: Derek Jeter made 1 of the greatest plays of his legendary career
Already 16 years ago today, SS Derek Jeter made his iconic diving play against the arch-rival Boston Red Sox that still stands as one of the greatest plays of the 21st century. In the top of the 12th inning, Jeter raced to catch a batted pop fly between 3B and LF, flying over the infield wall into the stands to make the magnificent catch. The Yankees went on to defeat the Sox 5-4 in the bottom of the 13th. Earlier this past January, Jeter concluded his phenomenal, storybook career by being enshrined in Cooperstown in the HOF class of 2020.
YEAR: 2019
SIGNIFICANCE: The Warriors and Nets agreed to a monster trade by swapping All-Stars
365 days ago today, the Warriors and Nets agreed to a sign-and-trade which involved rising star PG D’Angelo Russell and 4x Scoring Champ PF Kevin Durant. Golden State used Russell to inspire trades with other NBA franchises, ultimately leading them to acquiring Timberwolves’ SF Andrew Wiggins, a protected first-round pick, and 2021 second-round pick. With Steph Curry and Klay Thompson essentially sitting out the 2020 season, the Warriors focused on optimizing the lineup for 2021 and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Nets are developing the young core of SG Caris LeVert, C Jarrett Allen, and PG Spencer Dinwiddie to pair with the eventual return of their top two 2019 signings. Whether Brooklyn decides to continue on this path with their current roster or they end up trading a few assets in return for a third star, the franchise is in a position to fight for the top seed in the Eastern Conference for years to come after executing this key swap a year ago.
YEAR: 2011
SIGNIFICANCE: The 2011 NBA season was delayed for a total of 161 days
This date reminds basketball fans about the nine-year anniversary of the 2011 NBA lockout. It marked the fourth time in league history that the Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expired and failed to implement a new agreement, leading to a 161-day delay to the regular season. It was not until December 15th that franchises could resume play, directly cutting the season to only 66 games. This year’s 2020 suspension is the longest league-wide pause to happen since the dramatic NBA shutdown of 2011.
Like this article about sports history? Share with friends!
