Today In Sports History 6/21

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

Baseball

• In 1939 the New York Yankees announce Lou Gehrig’s retirement after doctors reveal he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Basketball

• In 1988 the LA Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 4 games to 3 for the 42nd NBA Championship.

Boxing

• In 1932 German champion boxer Max Schmeling loses world heavyweight title in split points decision to Jack Sharkey in New York.

Golf

• In 1971 at the US Open Men’s Golf Lee Trevino wins his second Open by 3 strokes in a Monday 18-hole playoff with Jack Nicklaus.

Hockey

• In 1991 NY Islanders Denis Potvin and Mike Bossy are elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Miscellaneous

• In 1997 the Women’s National Basketball Association begins with the NY Liberty beating the LA Sparks.

Soccer 

• In 1970 at the FIFA World Cup Final in Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Brazil and Pelé become first team and player to win a World Cup thrre times, beating Italy 4-1 in front of 107,412.