May 31, 1964: The Mets and Giants Play The Longest Game In National League History

On May 31, 1964, in the second game of a doubleheader at Shea Stadium, the Mets and Giants played the longest game in the history of the National League. It was the first time that an extra innings game would be played at the new stadium in Flushing, New York. The Giants prevailed 8-6 after picking up a pair of runs in the 23rd inning. The game took 7 hours and 23 minutes to decide the winner, which was just a little more than the 2 hours and 29 minutes it took for the Giants to beat the Mets 5-3 in the first game. Del Crandall picked up the game winning ribbie when he knocked in Jim Davenport in the top of the 23rd frame. Gaylord Perry picked up the win after pitching ten innings in relief, then Bob Hendley picked up the save by retiring the Mets batters in order in the bottom half of the 23rd.

If you would like to read a great rundown of the longest game in the history of the National League check this out: http://metwiki.com/wiki/May_31,_1964:_The_23-inning_Nightcap

Here's the box score for this one: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN196405312.shtml

May 30, 1977: Eckersley tosses the 200th No Hitter in MLB History

On May 30, 1977, in front of a home crowd in Cleveland, Indians hurler Dennis Eckersley struck out 12 Angels batters on the way to tossing the 200th no hitter in the history of Major League Baseball. The Indians won the game 1-0 with the only run coming in the first inning after Duane Kiper tripled then he was squeezed in by Jim Morris. Only two batters reached base for the Angels, Tony Salaita reached with a walk in the first, then Bobby Bonds struck out to open the eighth but reached first after the third strike was also a wild pitch. While Eckersley is best known as one of the best closers of his time, he was a solid starter early in his career. Eck won more than 150 games as a starter, including 20 games in 1978 while he was with the Red Sox. As a member of the A's in 1987, Eckersley went from the starting rotation to the bullpen, it was a move that earned him a plaque in Cooperstown.

Here's the box score from the contest: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE197705300.shtml

May 29,1993: Gretky Lights the Lamp 3 Times In Game 7 Of The Campbell Conference Finals

On May 29, 1993, L.A. Kings superstar Wayne Gretzky lit the lamp 3 times in a 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the Campbell Conference Finals. The Great One's hat trick was the eighth time he scored 3 or more in a playoff game and it broke a playoff record. Not only did it break a record it punched a ticket to The Stanley Cup Finals  for L.A. They lost to Montreal in the Finals but the way they got there would not be forgotten. Before it was all said and done Gretzky recorded two more playoff hat tricks to set the mark at 10, it is a record that might never be touched. There was a reason he is known as The Great One.

Watch Gretzky's eighth career playoff hat trick here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kd_wAVpo3Ew

May 28, 1978: Al Unser Sr. Wins The Indy 500

On May 28, 1978, Al Unser Sr. went to the Winners Circle at the Indy 500, it was the third time he took the checker at the Brickyard. Even with the fact that Unser qualified fifth, he was considered a bit of a long shot by the talking heads, but that wasn't going to keep him from making a hard charge to the front of the pack. He took his first lead of the day on lap 75 and would get into a back and forth duel with his teammate Danny Ongais over the next 75 laps. Engine failure ended Ongais' day on lap 145, then Unser started to run away with it. At one point he held a 35 second lead over the second place driver and it looked like it might just be a cakewalk to victory lane, then came the final pit stop. During the pit stop the wing on his Lola chassis was bent in the process of changing the tires, it had a major impact on the handling and Unser had to do everything he could to hold onto it as Tom Sneva was making a run at him. Unser got the job done in an impressive manner, he took the checker by 9 seconds over Sneva and victory lane was reserved for him. It was quite the season for Al Unser, he would win the Pocono 500 and the California 500 to complete the Indy Car Triple Crown, he is the only driver to win all three races in the same season. In 1987, Unser won the Indy 500 for the fourth time, he along with A. J. Foyt and Rick Mears are the only drivers to win the famous race 4 times.

May 27, 1982: The Colorado Rockies Hockey Franchise Is Sold

On May 27, 1982, John McMullen, Brendan Byrne, and John Whitehead purchased the Colorado Rockies hockey club, then received permission from the NHL to move the team to New Jersey, where they would become known as the Devils. The Rockies had relocated from Kansas City in 1976 where they played just two seasons as the K.C. Scouts. The team lost money in Kansas City and continued to lose money in Denver. In 1978 Arthur Imperatore purchased the Rockies with the intentions of moving the team to New Jersey. Imperatore's efforts were held up by the lack of a place to play in New Jersey, the Brendan Byrne Arena was still under construction which is where they would eventually come to play. Finally in '82 the deal between Imperatore and McMullen's group of buyers came through and with the completion of the Arena the team moved onto East Rutherford. The Rockies struggled throughout their short time in Colorado, in fact they only made the playoffs one time and even then they were 21 games under .500, they made a quick first round exit  that season and it wouldn't be long until they were headed East. The team continued to struggle for a number of years until things turned around, they made their first playoff as the Devils in an appearance in 1988, and would turn into a perennial playoff contender. In 1995 the Devils brought the Stanley Cup to New Jersey, it is something they have accomplished 3 times since the move.

May 26, 1993: Canseco Hits a Home Run For The Other Team With His Head

On May 26, 1993, one of the funniest plays in the history of Major League Baseball happened in Cleveland, Ohio. The Texas Rangers were in town to take on the Indians and it looked like all was going well for the Texas squad as they held a 3-1 lead headed into the bottom of the fourth inning, then Jose Canseco's head got in the way. Carlos Martinez was the first batter for the Indians and he sent a long one into deep right, Canseco ran back to the wall, reached up to make the catch then the improbable happened, the ball barely caught Canseco's glove then hit him right square in the head and bounced over the wall for a home run. From there the wheels fell off the bus for the Rangers and by the end of the inning they were trailing 4-3.  By the end of the sixth the Indians were up 7-3. The Rangers would make it a game by scoring a run  in each of the last three innings but it wouldn't be enough and they lost the contest 7-6. In the end the box score didn't matter as much as the play off of Canseco's monster head.

Watch The Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLs0pjWnzTY

May 25, 1935: Babe Ruth Hits The Final 3 Home Runs of His Great Career

On May 25, 1935, as a member of the Boston Braves, Babe Ruth hit the last three home runs of his career. The Braves were wrapping up a three game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates when the legendary slugger went off at the plate one last time. Ruth's 714th long ball sailed up and over the 86 foot high upper deck in right field, it was the first home run to ever leave the yard at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. Despite Ruth's monster day the Braves lost the contest 11-7, just 5 days later Ruth's playing days came to an end. Ruth spent 22 years in the big leagues, he retired as the all time home run king, the record would stand until Hank Aaron took the title in 1974.  The career of Babe Ruth almost defines the word remarkable, he was a 7 time World Series Champion, he carried a career .342 average, won the AL Home Run Crown 12 times and also led the league in ribbies 6 times, can't forget to mention his pitching record was 94-46.  When it comes down to it, that is just naming a few things that Ruth accomplished in his great career.

The artwork was done by Graig Kreindler, in my opinion he is one of the best artists out there. Check out his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GraigKreindler

May 24, 1935: The First Ever MLB Game Under The Lights

On May  24, 1935, the Cincinnati Reds hosted the Philadelphia Phillies in the first ever Major League Baseball game to be played at night under the lights. More than 25,000 fans showed up to watch as President Franklin D. Roosevelt flipped a switch in Washington as the lights kicked on. Throughout the 30's and 40's most teams around the league installed lights and before long just about every stadium would have them. Wrigley Field in Chicago, the second oldest stadium in the league after Fenway Park in Boston was the last stadium to play a game under the lights, it wasn't until August of 1988 that the Cubbies played a night game on the North Side.

The link provided has a lot of great quotes, pictures, and facts from the historic night in Cincinnati: http://www.crosley-field.com/FNG/

May 23, 1982: The 76ers Win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals

On May 23, 1982, the Philadelphia 76ers went into the Boston Garden and beat the Celtics 120-106 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Philadelphia nearly lost the series after squandering a 3-1 lead over Boston only to have the Celtics comeback to force the game 7. As Game 7 was coming to a close the fans inside the Garden began to chant "Beat L.A." "Beat L.A.",  they realized the Celtics wouldn't be moving on and the only thing they cared about at that point was the Lakers losing in The Finals. The Boston fans didn't get their wish though, the Lakers took home the title by beating Philly in 6 games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbCB_PwSA-I

May 22, 1982: Mario "The Mendoza Line" Wraps Up His Major League Career

On May 22, 1982, in his last big league at bat, Texas Rangers shortstop Mario Mendoza reached first base on a fielders choice. Mendoza struggled to crack the .200 mark throughout his career which led to some teammates giving him some grief by calling it  "The Mendoza Line". The term stuck and would eventually become a part of popular culture after several well recognized names such as George Brett and Chris Berman used it. Mendoza played for 7 more seasons in the Mexican Pacific League and would become a manager after his playing days ended.

If you would like to read more about Mendoza check this out: http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Mario_Mendoza

May 21, 1986: Sampson sends the Rockets to The Finals

On May 21, 1986, with one second on the clock, in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Houston Rockets Big Man Ralph Sampson caught an inbound pass, spun around, and nailed the game winning shot as time expired. The shot gave the Rockets a 114-112 victory and kept the L.A. Lakers out of The Finals for the only time in a span of 8 years that ranged from 1982 to 1989. The Rockets would fall to the Celtics in The Finals in six games but Sampson provided a memorable playoff moment that was ultimately the highlight of his professional career.

Watch Sampson's Historic Shot Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXOts9kaiLQ&feature=player_embedded

May 20, 1976: Fists Fly at Yankee Stadium

On May 20, 1976, the Yankees and the Red Sox had one of the ugliest brawls in the history of the rivalry. The Red Sox came into Yankee Stadium trailing the Bronx Bombers by 6 games in the standings and had a four game set with their rival in front of them. The pressure was high on the Boston club who had taken the American League Pennant the year before and this series was a big one. Bill "Spaceman" Lee was on the bump for the Sox and he was cruising until the sixth inning, that's when the shit hit the fan. The Yankees held a 1-0 lead at that point and were battling for some more runs. Lee was battling as well, he hadn't struck a man out but he was getting key outs up until that sixth inning. The Spaceman recorded two quick outs then Lou Piniella came to the plate and singled to left. Graig Nettles picked up another single, which put Piniella in scoring position. Up next batter Otto Velez singled to right which sent Piniella flying around third as he hoped to tack on another Yankee run. As Pinella headed home Red Sox right fielder Dwight Evans snatched up the ball and gunned him down. Piniella came into home hard on Carlton Fisk which set the whole thing off. Piniella and Fisk went at it, Lee and Velez squared off then Mickey Rivers clocked Lee before Nettles slammed the Red Sox hurler to the ground. Lee attempted to go after Nettles but he had injured his shoulder in the melee and was rocked by Nettle's once again. Lee was beaten and bruised and the shoulder injury would keep him out of the rotation until September. The Red Sox won the game 8-2, however, the Yankees went onto win the AL Pennant then would fall to Pete Rose and The Big Red Machine in the World Series. The fight at Yankee Stadium simply marked another fiercely competitive moment between the two teams that many will always consider to have the best rivalry in all of baseball.

Watch footage of the  brawl here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkU2TH7-eLw

May 19, 1974: The Flyers Win the Cup

On May 19, 1974, with a 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Philadelphia Flyers became the first expansion era team to win the Stanley Cup. The Bruins held home ice advantage and had won the last 17 of 19 against the Flyers in Boston before the series began, so the squad out of Philly were huge underdogs. After losing the first game, Philadelphia came back and took Game 2 in overtime before the series shifted back to The City of Brotherly Love knotted up at one apiece. The Flyers won both games on their home ice before the series went back to Beantown. With their backs against the wall the Bruins cruised to a 5-1 win in Game 5 and hoped that they could win the next one in Philly. The Flyers goalie Bernie Parent would dash any hope the Bruins had. Rick Macleish scored what would prove to be the game winner for the Flyers late in the first period, from there Parent stood tall in net and didn't let a shot get through. Parent took home the Conn Smythe as the MVP of the playoffs. Parent held the Bruins to just three goals in Games 3, 4, and 6 which included the outstanding shutout effort in the final game of the series.One day after the Flyers won Lord Stanley's Cup, Philadelphia held the largest celebration championship parade in the history of the city. More than 2 million people stood along Broad Street to celebrate as the Champions rolled through Philadelphia.

May 18, 2004: The Big Unit Achieves Perfection

On May 18, 2004,  in a 2-0 win over the Braves in Atlanta, 40 year old Arizona Diamondbacks hurler Randy Johnson became the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game. The previous record was held by Cy Young who did it at the age of 37 in 1904. The Big Unit struck out 13 as he became the 17th pitcher to toss a perfecto in the history of Major League Baseball.  As of 2012 only 23 men have achieved perfection, 21 of those games came after the modern era began in 1900.

Check out the list of men that have achieved perfection:  http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/rare_feats/index.jsp?feature=perfect_game

May 17, 1979: Sikma Propels The Sonics to The Finals

On May 17, 1979, in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals  before a packed house in Seattle, Supersonics Center Jack Sikma knocked down 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a 114-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The Sonics rolled  through the Washington Bullets in The Finals to become the '79  NBA Champions, it was the first and only Championship for the franchise. Sikma spent 9 years in Seattle and is the current record holder for rebounds in the history of the Franchise and his #43 was retired by the team in 1992. It remains retired in Oklahoma City.

May 16, 1981: Craig Reynolds Hits 3 Triples In One Game

On May 16, 1981, at the Astrodome in  Houston, Astros shortstop Craig Reynolds tied a modern major league record when he hit three triples in a 6-1 win over the Chicago Cubs. Reynolds finished the strike shortened '81 season tied with Padres outfielder Gene Richards with 12 triples on the year. Since 1920 only 29 players have collected three triples in one game with the latest being Denard Span in June of 2010, take a look at the list here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/blog/archives/7025

Here's the box score frm Reynolds triple triple game  http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198105160.shtml

May 15, 1953: Marciano knocks out Jersey Joe

On May 15, 1953, Rocky Marciano knocked Jersey Joe Walcott out in the first round of a much anticipated rematch that had the World Heavyweight Title on the line. Marciano took the title from Walcott in September of  '52  in an epic battle that many thought Jersey Joe had yet to recover from. Marciano made quick work of him which might have been a tell tale sign that Walcott was ill prepared for the match. It proved to be the last fight in Walcott's career, he was 39 at the time. Walcott began his career in 1930, he worked his way through the ranks and finally got a shot at the title in 1947. Walcott's pursuit to being a champion was dashed 4 times, the fifth time was a charm as he finally won the belt in July of  '47, he was 37 years old at the time which made him the oldest title holder in the history of the sport until George Foreman won it at the age of 45 in 1994. After Walcott successfully defended his title one time he met his match in Marciano. After beating Walcott for a second time Marciano would successfully defend his title 5 times before he retired in 1956.

Watch the fight here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRvQ8UPOKpY

May 14, 1950: Johnny Hopp Goes 6 for 6

On May 14, 1950, behind a 6 for 6 performance by first baseman Johnny Hopp the Pirates crushed the Cubs 16-9 in the second game of a doubleheader at Wrigley Field.  Hopp sat out the first game, although he did get a pinch hit opportunity that amounted to nothing. The second game was one for the history books as Hopp hit 4 singles and two home runs as he collected 12 total bases on the day. Hopp was an All Star as a member of the Cardinals in 1945 and won three World Series rings with the Redbirds early in his career and another ring as a member of the Yankees later in his career. He played 14 years in the big leagues, posting a career .296 average with 46 long balls and 458 ribbies. While Hopp didn't put up Hall of Fame numbers he did join a pretty exclusive club on that Spring day in 1950.

Check out this list of men who have gone 6 for 6 in a game: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/rare_feats/index.jsp?feature=six_hit_game

Here's the box score from Hopp's 6 for 6 game: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN195005142.shtml

May 13, 1958: Musial Collects the 3,000th Hit Of His Career

On May 13, 1958, Stan Musial collected the 3,000th hit of his career during a 5-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Musial was left out of the starting lineup so that he could accomplish he historic feat in front of the hometown fans in St. Louis. However, with the Cubs leading 3-1 and a runner on second base in the sixth inning, Fred Hutchinson called on Musial to pinch hit. Musial responded with a run scoring double off of Moe Drabowsky. The umpires halted the game to award the ball to Musial, who was lifted for a pinch runner. The next day Stan and the Redbirds were back home and the Cardinals honored him with a pregame ceremony to celebrate his 3,000th hit, once they started playing ball Musial immediately picked up hit #3,001 by parking a ball over the fence in the first inning, then later in the game he added another single as the Cards beat the Giants 3-2 at Busch Stadium. Musial entered the 1958 season needing 43 hits to reach 3,000 and he got there in a hurry with 46 hits in is first 92 at bats. He finished the season with a .337 average and 17 homers.

Watch Stan get to 3,000: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=2693906&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_2693906&v=3

May 13 1980: Denis Potvin Scores the First Overtime Power Play Goal in Stanley Cup Finals History

On May 13, 1980, New York Islanders defenseman Denis Potvin scored the first ever overtime power play goal in the history of the Stanley Cup Finals. The goal gave the Islanders a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Potvin considered the goal a defining  moment in his career as they took the first game of the series on the road. It was the only victory for a visiting team in the series that went 6 games. 11 days after Potvin's overtime winner the two squads would head to overtime once again, a little over 7 minutes into the extra frame Bobby Nystrom scored the game winner to give the Islanders a 5-4 victory. It was the first of 4 consecutive Stanley Cup Championships for the Islanders.

May 12, 1970: Mr. Cub Hits His 500th Home Run

On May 12, 1970, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ernie Banks hit the 500th home run of his career. The historic big fly was served up by Atlanta Braves hurler Pat Jarvis. It would take 11 innings to decide a winner in the contest as the Cubs outlasted the Braves to win 4-3. The man who had became known as "Mr. Cub" hit his first long ball in September of 1953, he would finish his career with 512 homers. Banks spent all 19 years of his career with the Cubs, from '53-'61 he played the shortstop position, in that time he hit 277 home runs, at the time of his retirement he held the record for most home runs by a shortstop. Banks moved to first base in 1962 where he would play until his career came to a close in 1971. Banks was the ultimate professional, he had a true love for the game, and a personality that made people love him. The 14 time All Star was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, it was his first time on the ballot.

Watch Banks hit 500: http://www.chicagotribune.com/videogallery/62459209/Sports/Ernie-Banks-500th-homer-May-12-1970

May 11, 1992: The Trail Blazers and Suns Break a Playoff Record for Points Scored

On May 11, 1992, in Game 4 of a second round matchup the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns combined to score a playoff record 304 points. The Trail Blazers would need two overtimes to win the game by the score of 153-151. The game came down to a couple of  free throws by Kevin Duckworth that put the Blazers up 152-151 with just 10.7 seconds on the clock, then with 3.6 seconds left on the clock Terry Porter made another free throw to add another point to the Trail Blazers total.  With just 2.7 to go in the game Dan Majerle attempted a shot from 30 feet out to win the game but his shot fell short and the Trail Blazers were victorious. It gave Portland  a 3-1 lead in the series and they wouldn't look back. The Trail Blazers took Game 5 at home to move onto the next round, after knocking off the Jazz they met the Bulls in the Finals where their run would end.

The box score is something else Clyde Drexler led Portland with 33 while Kevin Johnson led Phoenix with 35. Both teams had 4 players score 20 or more: http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199205110PHO.html

May 10, 1981: Charlie Lea No Hits the Giants

On May 10, 1981, Charlie Lea of the Montreal Expos became the first French born player to toss a no hitter. His masterful performance came against the San Francisco Giants at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Behind the dominant pitching of Lea the Expos cruised to a 4-0 victory, the offense on the Montreal side of the ball was provided by second baseman Rodney Scott, center fielder Andre Dawson, and third baseman Tim Wallach. Lea's career was marred by injuries, he played 7 years in the majors posting a 62-48 record over that time. His shining moment came on that day in Montreal. Only three pitchers tossed no hitters for the Expos, Bill Stoneman did it twice in 1969 and 1972, and Dennis Martinez pitched a perfect game in 1991. In 2010 Lea was asked what he remembered about the final out of the game, it ended with a fly ball of the bat of Giants first baseman Enos Cabell. Lea said "It was a slider a little bit away from him,"  he went onto say, " I don't know if it was up or down but he hit it off the end, a little lazy fly ball to center. Dawson really didn't have to move out of his tracks. Andre was a fairly emotionless guy. When he caught it and and immediately threw his arms in the air and started jumping up and down, me seeing his emotion, it was something special." A special day it was for Charlie Lea and the entire Expos squad. In this picture he is celebrating his no hitter with his catcher Gary Carter.

Here is the box score from that day in Montreal: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MON/MON198105102.shtml

May 9, 1967: Maris hits his first National League Home Run

On May 9, 1967, Roger Maris hit his first National League home run as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, he hit the long ball in the sixth inning off of Pirates hurler Woodie Fryman. Maris had his familiar number 9 on his back when he knocked the ball over the right field wall into seat 9, in section 9, on the 9th day of the month, at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. Maris' jack helped the Cardinals win the contest 6-3. A fan named Andy Strasberg caught the ball, he had formed a friendship with Maris while he was with the Yankees, in 1963. Strasberg asked Maris for a bat and ball, Maris gave him the bat but told him he would have to catch the ball, Strasberg was able to do just that on this day in 1967. Maris' arrival in St. Louis in '67 was something that he treasured, the fans in New York had been merciless before and after he surpassed Babe Ruth's record. He had solid years after his historic '61 season but he also had years in which he just couldn't stay healthy, the media and fans alike scrutinized him as unreliable, the Yankees traded him to the Redbirds in December of '66. Even with his best days behind him he was well received in the Gateway to the West and he would be a key contributor to the Cardinals World Series Title in 1967. The '68 season proved to be his last, Maris and the Cards would end up in the World Series once again, only to lose it in 7 games. Maris' relationship with the Cardinals organization and the fans in St. Louis turned out to be a perfect way to end his career.

If you would like to read more about Roger Maris check out his bio here: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bf4690e9 the article mentions that he did return to New York in 1978 to raise the American League Pennant with his former teammate Mickey Mantle. The fans at Yankee Stadium greeted him with a warm welcome as they chanted "Roger" "Roger" "Roger", while it might not have erased the hard feelings he had from the past, it did help put them to bed.

May 8, 1973: Hawks and Habs Combine for 15 Goals in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals

On May 8, 1973, in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens set a Finals record by recording a combined 15 goals, a record that is still intact. The Hawks walked into the Forum in Montreal down 3 games to 1 and would throw everything plus the kitchen sink at Montreal's Ken Dryden to win the game by the score of 8-7. Just two days later the Canadiens finished the Hawks off in Chicago with a 6-4 victory in Game 6, it was the 18th Championship in the history of the Canadiens franchise. The two teams scored a combined 56 goals in the series, which is another record that has yet to be broken. The combined Finals goals record had stood since 1955, that season the Canadiens and Red Wings combined for 47 goals in 7 games. The 1973 performance by the Hawks and Habs blew that record out of the water.

May 7, 1994: The Nuggets Pull Off a Huge Upset

On May 7, 1994, the Denver Nuggets completed one of the biggest upsets in the history of the NBA. The eighth -seeded Nuggets took on the top-seeded Seattle Supersonics in the first round and nobody gave the Denver squad much of a chance, especially after they lost the first two games of the series in Seattle. With the Sonics thinking sweep, the Nuggets were not about to lay down. Behind the outstanding play of Dikembe Mutombo the Nuggets came storming back after winning back-to-back game sin Denver the series shofted back to Seattle. During the broadcast the announcers described it as a heavyweight boxing match as the game went back and forth. The fifth and final game would head to overtime before Denver completed the improbable upset by the score of 98-94. Dikembe Mutombo celebration at the end of the game was a classic moment as he laid on the floor with the ball over his head as tears of joy ran over his face. It was the first time a #8 seed had taken down a #1 and even though the Nuggets lost to the Jazz in 7 games in the next round, the team had made their mark in the history of the game.

Here is a great video that covered the series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XGt25SRmdg

May 6, 1978: Affirmed wins the Derby

On May 6, 1978, an 18 year old kid named Steve Cauthen rode Affirmed all the way to the winners circle at the Kentucky Derby. Cauthen would ride the horse to wins at the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes also to win the Triple Crown. Cauthen was the youngest jockey to win the Triple Crown and Affirmed was the last horse to win all three races to give him horse racing's most coveted prize. He held off his biggest rival Alydar to take home the prize on that day at Churchill Downs and it was the beginning of a historic run that has not since been matched.

Watch the historic race here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65V3xFLPNLA

May 5, 1966: Henri Richard wins it in OT

On May 5, 1966, the Montreal Canadiens took home the Stanley Cup by beating the Detroit Red Wings in 6 games. The series was a seesaw battle with Detroit taking the first two on the road before Montreal bounced back with two road wins of their own. The series shifted to Montreal and the Canadiens beat the Red Wings 5-1 for the only home win of the series. With their backs against the wall the Red Wings had home ice on their side in Game 6 but it wouldn't be enough. The two teams were tied up at 2 goals apiece at the end of regulation and overtime was where it would be decided. Just 2 minutes and 20 seconds into OT Henri Richard came flying in on net and the Red Wings goalie Roger Crozier lost his footing as Richard plowed into him as the puck just got passed the netminder. It was Richard's only overtime playoff goal of his hall of fame career and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Championship marked the 7th title for the Canadiens in 11 years, Richard was a member of everyone of those teams. Despite the loss the Red Wings goalie took home the Conn Smythe as the MVP of the playoffs. It was a great battle between two of the greatest teams in the history of the game.

Legends of Hockey Henri Richard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Hydkkga3E

May 4, 1975: Bob Watson scores the 1 millionth run* in MLB History

On May 4, 1975, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Houston Astros outfielder Bob Watson scored Major League Baseball's One Millionth Run. The historic run came after his teammate Milt May hit a three run shot with Watson standing at second base. Tootsie Roll had promised $10,000 and 1 million tootsie rolls to the player who recorded the historic run and they were tracking the runs on every scoreboard across the major leagues. Watson knew they were sitting on 999,999 when May conn ected and he hauled ass home. Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, Dave Concepcion hit a home run right as May hit his long ball, Concepcion crossed the plate four seconds after Watson so the prize went to the Houston Astros outfielder. Later calculations would prove that neither Watson or Concepcion scored the millionth run but it sure did sound like a fun day and I bet Bob Waston is sitting somewhere right now eating a tootsie roll.

May 3, 1936: Joltin Joe makes his debut

On May 3, 1936, Joltin Joe DiMaggio made his debut for the New York Yankees. Joe made a quick impression collecting three hits, and scoring three runs as the Yankees beat the Browns 14-5 in New York. The 9 time World Champion played all of his 13 seasons in the Bronx and was elected to the all star game in each and everyone of those seasons.  His greatest feat occurred in 1941 when he set a major league record by hitting in 56 games in a row, the record stands today and might never be broken. The three time MVP hit .325 and parked 361 balls over the wall before his career ended in 1951. He found his spot in Cooperstown in 1955.

May 2, 1954: Musial hits 5 home runs in a doubleheader

On May 2, 1954, at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis, Stan "The Man" Musial hit 5 home runs in one day, as the St. Louis Cardinals took on the New York Giants in a doubleheader. In the first game he hit a solo shot in the third, a two run shot in the fifth, then a three run shot in the eighth. The homer in the eighth put his Redbirds up 9-6 and would prove to be the game winner as the team prevailed 10-6. In the second game the Cards scored 3 runs in the first before a huge fourth inning by the Giants turned the momentum, as they scored 8 runs. Musial's fourth homer of the day came in the fifth after a lead off triple by Red Schoendienst, the two run bomb to right, cut the score to 8-6 and Musial wasn't done. He hit his fifth and final home run of the day in the seventh to pull the Cards within one but it just wasn't enough as the Giants held onto win the game 9-7. Stan was 33 years old when he accomplished this historic feat. He was the only player to hit 5 home runs in doubleheader until it was matched by San Diego Padres first baseman Nate Colbert in 1972. Colbert was born and raised in St. Louis and he was in the stands when Musial made history, 18 years later he would join his childhood hero as the only two players to park 5 balls over the fence in one day.

Here are the box scores from Musial's historic performance: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN195405021.shtml

May 1, 1991: Nolan Ryan tosses his 7th no no

On May 1, 1991, at the age of 44, Texas Rangers fireballer Nolan Ryan threw the seventh no hitter of his career. The historic performance came in front of a home crowd in Arlington, Texas as Ryan struckout 16 men en route to a 3-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Ryan's no no didn't only make him the oldest pitcher to accomplish the feat, it also set a mark that is likely to never be matched.  Only three other men have tossed more than one no hitter over the course of their career; Sandy Koufax had four, Cy Young and Bob Feller both had three, and Larry Corcoran had two of them. Nearly 18 years had passed since Ryan's first no hitter that came in May of 1973 when he was a member of the California Angels. Ryan tossed 12 one hitters in his career which is a record he shares with Bob Feller, he also tossed 18 two hitters. Despite the pure dominance on the mound he never did win a Cy Young award.