Most Significant Sports History on July 2nd

Almost eight decades ago, Joe DiMaggio broke one of the most unbreakable records ever. 77 years later, one of NBA’s top Centers sent basketball fans in an uproar by signing with the reigning Champs. These long-lasting memories have continued to impact some of the teams and players seen in today’s game.

DiMaggio Breaks Record

YEAR: 1941

SIGNIFICANCE: Joe DiMaggio broke the all-time hitting streak with a hit in his 45th consecutive game

Today marks the 79th anniversary of Yankees OF Joe DiMaggio’s 3-run HR against the Red Sox, which lengthened his unreal hitting streak to 45 straight games. Joltin’ Joe continued to overcome the odds for 11 more games, cementing the record of 56 consecutive games with a hit in MLB history. En route to the all-time record, DiMaggio shattered Willie Keeler’s streak of 44 games set back in the 19th century.

Boogie Signs with GS

YEAR: 2018

SIGNIFICANCE: C DeMarcus Cousins announced that he will be joining the reigning NBA Champs

Two years ago today, DeMarcus Cousins agreed that he’d be signing with the juggernaut that was the Golden State Warriors. During his 2017-18 campaign, Boogie continued his dominance as one of the games’ best big-men by putting up 25.2 PPG, 12.9 RPG, and 5.4 APG on 53 percent shooting of two-point attempts with Anthony Davis and the Pelicans. Suffering from an Achilles tear a few months prior, Cousins’ injury was responsible for his lack of options regarding the amount of teams willing to bring him aboard.

The following year, Cousins only managed about 25 minutes per game (career-low), showcasing to the league that his best games are most likely behind him. However, if Boogie can produce at just 75% of his fullest capacity, nearly every team in the Association could benefit from his presence in their lineup’s rotations. After a torn ACL the following summer, Cousins is now preparing for the 2020-21 season.

Sonics Move to OKC

YEAR: 2008

SIGNIFICANCE: Sonics officially finalized their relocation to Oklahoma City

The Seattle SuperSonics officially became a member of the Western Conference in 1967. The franchise managed to win one NBA title in 1979 but struggled to fill up its arena on a nightly basis, specifically after its 1990s perennial contender faded away. While many pacific northwest basketball fans were upset with their favorite team’s departure, it was necessary for the franchise to resurface in the ocean of mass debt.

Just 12 years ago, the Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. Kevin Durant was one player on the 2008 roster in the transition that improved the franchise’s new reputation upon its move to Oklahoma. Even with the explosive PG in Russell Westbrook and future MVP in SG James Harden, the Thunder have failed to bring a championship home to the fans in OKC.

Roger Clemens' First Loss

July 2, 1986 …After 14 wins, Roger Clemens suffer his 1st loss of year
— pK (@kuabt) July 2, 2009

YEAR: 1986

SIGNIFICANCE: 3rd-year Roger Clemens finally broke his undefeated season after an amazing 14-0 start

Roger Clemens is without a doubt among the best MLB pitchers of all-time. Last month, PSO acknowledged the 17-year anniversary of Clemens’ 300th win and 4,000th strikeout of his illustrious career. Over 34 years ago, the Rocket began his 1986 Cy Young/MVP season by going 14-0 with 125 strikeouts in 122 innings through his first 15 starts.

On this day in history, the future 7x Cy Young received his first loss of the year against the Toronto Blue Jays in a 3-2 defeat. The 23-year-old Clemens completed his third season in the Bigs by going 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 238 Ks. While he pitched 22 more seasons, he never won another MVP award after that dominant season.

Willie Mays' Walk-Off HR

YEAR: 1963

SIGNIFICANCE: Willie Mays ended the longest NL game ever with a walk-off HR

Today in baseball history, fans of America’s pastime are reminded about the Willie Mays’ extra-inning blast to seal the victory over the Milwaukee Braves. Mays’ solo shot came in the bottom of the 16th, ending the longest game in the history of the Senior Circuit at the time.

Shifting the limelight to the unbelievable pitching duel, MIL’s Warren Spahn and SFG’s Juan Marichal both delivered the performances of their lifetimes by throwing shutout ball through 15 strenuous innings. Spahn’s spectacular performance (15.1 IP, 9 Hs, 1 BB, and 2 Ks) which resulted in a loss in the box score has to be remembered as one of the toughest L’s to swallow.