On This Day in Sports History: June 25th

41 years ago, the Lakers landed one of the most transcendent players in NBA history. Nine years later, the ‘Iron Man’ reached a monumental milestone during his historic streak. These two unbelievable events are just a preview into some of the many memorable moments to transpire on this day in pro sports history.

Lakers Draft Magic

YEAR: 1979

SIGNIFICANCE: The Lakers drafted a future 3x MVP at No. 1 overall

This date marks the 41-year anniversary of the Los Angeles Lakers selecting Michigan State PG Magic Johnson. If it wasn’t for their agreement with the Utah Jazz, the Lake Show would have never had the first overall pick in the 1979 draft to land the prolific playmaker in the first place. Imagine how much different the Association would have been if he began his career in Utah instead of the second most populated city in America. In reality, Magic spent all 13 of his NBA seasons in the city of Angels, becoming a 12x All-Star, 3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, and 5x Champion.

Iron Man's 1000th Game

#InsidePitch: June 25, 1988: #Orioles Cal Ripken appears in 1,000th consecutive game. http://t.co/E7upXZKB0q
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (@baseballhall) June 25, 2014

YEAR: 1988

SIGNIFICANCE: Cal Ripken Jr. played in his 1,000th consecutive game en route to the all-time record

One of the greatest records in the history of pro sports was set by Yankee hero Lou Gehrig over eight decades ago when he started 2,130 straight games from June 1, 1925 to April 30, 1939. Then came along the Iron Man, who managed to shatter the record almost 60 years later in 1998 after starting in his 2,632nd straight ballgame. Exactly 32 years ago, Cal Ripken Jr. played in his 1,000th consecutive game, slowly climbing his way up the steep mountain of longevity and durability. Cal remained in Baltimore for the entirety of his 21 seasons in the Bigs and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame after the first year he was eligible.

Mets No-Assist Game

YEAR: 1989

SIGNIFICANCE: The Mets became 1st NL team to not record a defensive assist over a full game

Today in pro sports history reminds fans not only about incredible individual accomplishments but also of memorable moments for collective teams. Just over three decades ago today, the New York Mets topped the Phillies 5-1 without needing a single infield assist. In other words, Mets pitchers recorded all 27 outs on 13 Ks, 12 fly outs, and two groundouts to 1B. The NYM franchise became the first team ever to achieve the extraordinary feat since the 1945 Cleveland Indians.

1997 NBA Draft

YEAR: 1997

SIGNIFICANCE: The Spurs selected Tim Duncan at No. 1 overall

With the NBA set to return next month, basketball fans can officially look forward to the next NBA Draft with a date set in stone for October 16th. Today, let’s acknowledge the anniversary of the 1997 Draft, where the San Antonio Spurs selected their future franchise cornerstone out of Wake Forest. Taken at first overall, C Tim Duncan went on to become one of the most decorated NBA players of all-time as a 15x All-Star, 5x NBA Champ, and 3x Finals MVP in 19 seasons with the Spurs. He helped lead the Spurs to their first Championship in franchise history almost exactly two years later.

2009 NBA Draft

YEAR: 2009

SIGNIFICANCE: 4 future stars get selected within this NBA Draft’s top 10 picks

While Tim Duncan is arguably a top-10 player in NBA history, the 1997 Draft does not match up to the depth of the 2009 Draft. 11 years ago today, basketball fans witnessed four future superstars get selected in the first round. The Clippers opened the night by picking the highlight machine that was Oklahoma PF Blake Griffin (comparable to Zion Williamson 10 years later).

At No. 3, No. 7, and No. 9 overall, the Thunder chose Arizona SG James Harden, the Warriors landed Davidson’s Chef Curry, and the Raptors reeled in DeMar DeRozan from USC, respectively. Since the 2009 Draft, the fantastic four have combined for 24 All-Star appearances, three MVPs, and three Championships (all won by Curry).