Today In Sports History 1/30

Our past has shaped the present by many things in history including sports, here is how sports marked our history today.

Baseball

• In 1958 baseball announces players and coaches rather than fans pick all stars.

Boxing

• In 1982 WBC super welterweight champion Wilfred Benitez of Puerto Rico defeats boxing legend Roberto Durán of Panama in a 15-round unanimous decision at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

College Basketball

• In 1971 UCLA starts 88 basketball game winning streak.

Hockey

• In 1973 in the 26th NHL All-Star Game, Eastern Division beats Western Division, 5-4. The MVP is Greg Polis, Pittsburgh Penguins, LW.

Miscellaneous

• In 1967 Australian Championships Women’s Tennis, American Nancy Richey wins her first and only Australian title by beating home favorite Lesley Turner Bowrey 6-1, 6-4.

NBA

• In 1996 future Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson comes out of a 5 year retirement and helps LA Lakers to 128-118 win over Golden State with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists.

NFL

• In the 1968 NFL Draft: Ron Yary from USC first pick by Minnesota Vikings.

Olympics

• In 1924 at the first Winter Olympics Gillis Grafström of Sweden wins men’s figure skating gold medal at the Chamonix Winter Olympics. Grafström is the first to successfully defend his Summer Olympic title (1920) at the Winter Games.