On this day in 1996, basketball legend Michael Jordan signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bulls worth $30.1 million, making headlines in the sports world. This significant event added to the rich history of sports highlights that have occurred on this day in the past.
Back in 1901, Cy Young achieved a milestone by winning his 300th game with the Boston Red Sox. This victory came in a 5-3 game against the Philadelphia A’s, solidifying Young’s place in baseball history. In 1930, golf great Bobby Jones made history by winning the U.S. Open, becoming the only player to win all four major events in the same year.
Moving on to 1954, the Major League Baseball Players Association was founded, marking a pivotal moment in the history of professional baseball. Fast forward to 1970, Jack Nicklaus secured his second British Open title by defeating Doug Sanders in a thrilling 18-hole playoff at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland.
In 1975, Tom Watson emerged victorious in an 18-hole playoff against Jack Newton to claim the British Open title at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland. Mary Decker set a new American record in the 1,500-meter run in 1980, showcasing her exceptional talent on the track.
Noureddine Morceli of Algeria broke the world record for the 1,500 meters in 1995, setting a new benchmark in the sport of athletics. Kirby Puckett, a beloved MLB centerfielder, announced his retirement in 1996 due to vision loss in one eye, marking the end of an era for the Minnesota Twins.
In 1998, France achieved a historic victory by winning the soccer World Cup, defeating Brazil 3-0 in the championship match. The U.S. men’s basketball team continued their dominance by clinching their sixth consecutive World University Games gold medal in 1999.
The year 2012 saw a significant milestone in Olympic history as every country participating in the London Games included female athletes for the first time. Mario Goetze’s winning goal in extra time secured Germany’s fourth World Cup title in 2014, marking a momentous occasion for the unified country.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic claimed his third Wimbledon title in 2015 by defeating Roger Federer in four sets, showcasing his skill and determination on the court. South Korea’s In Gee Chun made history by winning the U.S. Women’s Open in 2015, becoming the first player to win the tournament debut since 2005.
In 2017, Sam Querrey pulled off a stunning upset by defeating top-seeded Andy Murray in five sets at the Wimbledon quarterfinals, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports. These memorable moments in sports history serve as a reminder of the excitement and drama that unfolds on the field, court, and track year after year.