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On This Day in Sports History: June 27th
Greek Freak was drafted over half a decade ago, McCovey slammed 2 HRs in 1 inning against the Reds, and more!
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It’s already been seven years since the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted one of the biggest busts in NBA Draft history. Over eight decades earlier, one MLB legend became just the second player to reach the 400-HR milestone. These long-lasting memories have continued to impact some of the teams and players seen in today’s game.
YEAR: 2013
SIGNIFICANCE: Cavaliers drafted an all-time bust at No. 1
In the talented 2003 draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected one of the best players in NBA history with their first overall pick in LeBron James. On this day 10 years later, the Cavs failed to mirror the success in the top position of the 2013 draft. While the current reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was taken later in the draft, the Cavs infamously selected UNLV PF Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick. Bennett never averaged over 5.2 PPG in any of his four NBA seasons and only started four career games.
While Bennett flamed out of the league after the 2016-17 season, four prospects from the 2013 draft continue to develop as elite athletes in the Association. SG Victor Oladipo (second overall), SG CJ McCollum (10th), Antetokounmpo (15th), and C Rudy Gobert (27th) are among the league’s most prominent stars at their respective positions and their captivating careers began exactly seven years ago.
YEAR: 2001
SIGNIFICANCE: Wizards whiffed with their first No. 1 overall pick in franchise history
On the topic of the biggest draft busts in NBA history, it’s hard to forget the first pick of the 2001 draft. 19 years ago today, the Washington Wizards chose C Kwame Brown, the first high school player to ever go at the top spot. Over his 13-year tenure in the league, Brown posted a disappointing line of 6.6 PPG and 5.5 RPG on 49% FG shooting.
Also selected in the 2001 draft was the Hispanic big-man Pau Gasol (third overall) by the Atlanta Hawks, who was the highest-drafted player to never attend HS or college in the US. Other notables taken in said draft were C Tyson Chandler (2nd), SG Jason Richardson (5th), SG Joe Johnson (10th), SF Richard Jefferson (13th), PF Zach Randolph (19th), PG Tony Parker (28th), and PG Gilbert Arenas (31st).
Today in Baseball History (1938): Jimmie Foxx becomes the 3rd player to hit 400 career home runs. – http://t.co/jUQA0PMbGB
— Baseball Trivia (@BaseballTrivia1) June 27, 2013
YEAR: 1938
SIGNIFICANCE: Foxx joined the Babe as the only 2 hitters with 400+ career HRs in MLB history
On this day over eight decades ago, one Red Sox slugger slammed his 400th career home run. 1B Jimmie Foxx joined Babe Ruth as the only other ballplayer to blast 400 HRs in MLB history at the time. The 3x MVP, 9x All-Star, and 2x Batting Champ accrued 93.9 WAR as he batted .325/.428/.609 with 2,646 hits, 534 HRs, and 1,922 RBIs over his 20 seasons in the Bigs. With two World Championship victories under his belt, Foxx was inducted into the Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility in 1951.
YEAR: 1986
SIGNIFICANCE: Robby Thompson broke all-time MLB record by getting caught stealing 4x in 1 game
Giants 2B Robby Thompson was a 2x All-Star in the 11 years he spent in San Francisco. He may not have been a perennial superstar, but his career 33.9 WAR proudly displays his ability to be a loyal, productive contributor. 36 years ago today, Thompson set a notorious MLB record that will forever be attached to his resume; Thompson was caught stealing four times in a single game.
YEAR: 1977
SIGNIFICANCE: McCovey became the 1st player to hit 2 HRs in an inning twice in their career
42 years ago today, Willie McCovey hit two home runs in the same inning against the Cincinnati Reds. The Giants first baseman made big league history by becoming the first player to do the act twice in his career. Before entering the Hall of Fame (in 1986) six years after he retired, McCovey collected 521 career HRs (20th all-time) as a former MVP and 6x All-Star.
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