On This Day in Sports History: June 24th

Just over two decades ago, the 1997 first overall pick shined bright on the big stage almost two years exactly after getting drafted. Half a century earlier, Jackie Robinson pulled off one of his signature moves for the first time. These two acts of greatness are just some of the examples of how the history of June 24th has continued to leave its mark on pro sports to this day.

Spurs Win 1999 Title

YEAR: 1999 – NBA Finals Game 5

SIGNIFICANCE: Tim Duncan’s MVP performance guided the Spurs to their 1st NBA title

Relentless PF Tim Duncan is recognized as one of the most accomplished NBA players in history. “The Big Fundamental” may not have been the most explosive or flashy athlete, but he was a proven winner. 22 years ago today, Duncan posted 31 points and nine rebounds to knock out the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the 1999 NBA Finals.

His Finals MVP performance over the series (27.4 PPG and 14 RPG) allowed San Antonio to become the first former ABA franchise to win a NBA title, and still remains the only one (Pacers, Nuggets, Nets). Tim Duncan is honored in ESPN’s all-time top-10 list for leading the Spurs to five championships and a whopping 1,001 regular season victories, the most ever by one player with one team.

Jackie Stole Home

YEAR: 1947

SIGNIFICANCE: HOF Jackie Robinson stole home for the 1st of 19 times

From Eddie Collins to Ty Cobb, there have been many spectacular base stealers early in the 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the mid 1900s that Jackie Robinson became the first ballplayer to rob home plate (without a passed ball). The Brooklyn Dodger stole home for the first of 19 times in his incredible 10-year career against the Pittsburgh Pirates OTD 73 years ago.

The video above shows Jackie snagging home plate by sliding underneath Yogi Bera’s glove in Game 1 of the 1955 World Series against the Bronx Bombers. Robinson is not highly ranked in any records regarding base thefts, but his ability to fight through severe adversity as he broke the color barrier in baseball will always be remembered among sports fans and athletes across the nation.

Don Sutton Strikes Out No. 3000

June 24, 1983, Don Sutton became just the 8th pitcher to strikeout 3000 batters in a career. #80s pic.twitter.com/85lT31g7Im
— Old School 80s (@OldSchool80s) June 24, 2017

YEAR: 1983

SIGNIFICANCE: Don Sutton became the 8th SP to reach the 3,000 strikeout milestone

37 years ago today, HOF Brewers SP became just the eighth pitcher ever to record their 3,000th career strikeout. Don Sutton began his big league tenure in 1966 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 12-12 with an excellent ERA of 2.99 and 209 Ks in 225.2 innings. Sutton continued to dominate most teams he faced over his 23-year career by fanning a total of 3,574 batters. The 4x All-Star was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998 for both his effectiveness and durability as one of league’s best all-time great starting pitchers.

Clippers Select C Olowokandi

YEAR: 1998

SIGNIFICANCE: Clippers passed on multiple future HOFers with 1st overall pick

In the 1998 NBA Draft, basketball fans watched Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and Paul Pierce officially enter the Association after being selected in the first round. However, one main takeaway from this draft class was the Clippers infamously picking international phenom C Michael Olowakandi with the first overall pick.

The 7-foot giant was rather athletic for his size, but only had a few years of competitive basketball experience in Nigeria. Olowakandi was a boom-or-bust prospect but ended up being just a solid role player (8.3 PPG and 6.8 RPG in 500 GP) throughout his career with the Clippers, Timberwolves, and Celtics, as he failed to live up to the lofty expectations that comes with being the top pick.

Magic Draft Shaq & Dwight

YEAR: 1992 & 2004

SIGNIFICANCE: Orlando drafted 2 HOF-caliber players with their 1st overall picks in 1992 and 2004

This day in Orlando Magic history marks both the 28 and 16-year anniversaries of the franchise selecting future NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and 8x All-Star Dwight Howard, respectively. Shaq was unstoppable at LSU, averaging 24.1 PPG, 14.0 RPG, and 5.2 BPG his junior year, making him the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 Draft.

12 years later, the Magic gambled on a product straight out of high school with the first overall selection. Dwight Howard went on to produce 18.4 PPG, 13 RPG, and 2.2 BPG on 59% shooting through his eight seasons in Orlando before following Shaq’s footsteps to LA. Even with these superstar talents at their disposal, the franchise failed to win an NBA title despite coming out of the East exactly once with each of their former franchise icons.