March 12, 1985: Bird Scores 60

     On March 12, 1985, in front of a sold out crowd at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird scored a career high 60 points in a 126-115 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Bird not only scored a career best, he set the franchise record that had been set by Kevin McHale nine days earlier who had put together a 56 point performance. Bird's 60 point performance still stands as the franchise record today.

     Coming into the contest, Bird's excitement level for playing New Orleans was low. He thought it was too hot in the gym, and simply wasn't sure how well he would adjust. Once the ball was tipped he adjusted quite well. The Hawks had scheduled 12 "home" games in New Orleans that season. This was the 10th game of those 12. Most of the games before Bird's legendary night drew less than 4,000 people. This game was packed wall to wall with 10,079 souls. What they witnessed was the performance of a lifetime.

     Atlanta kept the ballgame close throughout. They were led by Dominique Wilkins' 36 points. They just couldn't stop the one man wrecking crew who wore the number 33. Bird hit on 22 of 36 field goal attempts and converted 15 of 16 free throws as he put his name in the record books. With the help of his teammates he scored the last 16 points for the Celtics with his last two points coming on a 17 foot jump shot at the buzzer. Bird's previous best was 53 which he accomplished in 1983. When Bird spoke after the game he was quick to acknowledge his teammates who dished him the ball time after time as he finished the job for them.

      The career of Larry Bird is a tale that will be told for generations to come. The three time NBA Champion and 12 time All Star was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. His list of awards and accomplishments is a long one, and on that list there is one 60 point performance that will not be forgotten. To date, only 22 men have etched their name onto that list, and only four of them have accomplished it more than once. It is one of the greatest feats in professional basketball.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_players_with_most_points_in_a_game 

March 11, 1965: 49 Rebounds For Bill Russell

     On March 11, 1965, Bill Russell grabbed 49 rebounds in a 112-100 win over the Detroit Pistons on a  neutral court in Providence, Rhode Island. The mark of 49 rebounds is the third highest total in NBA history. Russell himself had reached the mark in '57, and in '60 he set an NBA record with 51 rebounds in a game. That record fell later that same year when Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 55 in one game, which stands as the record today.

     Russell not only led the way in the rebounds department, he also led the way in the points department with 27. The win for the Celtics tied an NBA record for wins in a season. They would surpass that record with two more wins before going on a championship run. Russell was a guiding force with the Celtics who had not won a championship until he arrived on the scene in 1957. Russell would lead the Celtics to a grand total of 11 Championships in 13 seasons, which is a simply astounding stat.

     In his 13 seasons in Boston, Russell led the team to 11 Championship titles. Along the way he appeared in 12 All Star games, scored 14,522 points, and grabbed 21,620 rebounds. To date, only Wilt Chamberlain stands in front of him on the all time rebound list with 23,924. Russell will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever step on a basketball court. He was enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975.

Check out the all time rebounds list for a single game here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_players_with_most_rebounds_in_a_game

March 10, 1962: The Phillies Stand Up Against Segregation

     On March 10, 1962, 15 years after Jackie Robinson broke through Major League Baseball's color barrier, the Philadelphia Phillies organization took a stand against racial segregation when they moved from the Jack Tar Harrison Hotel in Clearwater, Florida to the Rocky Point Hotel near Tampa 20 miles away. The hotel that refused service to their Negro ballplayers came under fire by the NAACP who had threatened to picket the Phillies Spring Training games unless a change was made. The organization heard the message loud and clear as they told their players and staff to pack their bags. Some might not realize that in the age of racial unrest the world of sports was a unifier that was instrumental in helping the the civil rights movement go forward.

     The Jack Tar Harrison refused to accommodate Tony Taylor, Ted Savage, Marcellino Lopez, and Ruben Amaro. A total of 29 players, eight club officials, along with Manager Gene Mauch and his seven staff members all packed their bags for the move. In July of that same year the Jack Tar Harrison announced that they would allow Negro ballplayers. The president of the hotel Ed C. Leach made it clear that the hotel would allow the ballplayers as well as convention guests of color. He also made it clear that this did not mean that the hotel would be integrated as far as the public was concerned. It just goes to show that the steps that were taken were baby steps at best. 

     This was not the first time a major league ballclub took a stand against racial segregation. The New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals made it be known they would not stand for it either. It was a sign of the times, as well as a sign of things to come. Martin Luther King Jr. once spoke of a dream of a world in which all men are created equal. As men stood together no matter what race or creed the world of sports did help that dream advance. 

March 9, 1948: The NHL Bans Billy Taylor and Don Gallinger For Life

     On March 9, 1948, NHL President Clarence Campbell announced that Billy Taylor from the New York Rangers and Don Gallinger from the Boston Bruins would be banned for life for gambling. Gallinger was just 28-years-old at the time of the suspension while Gallinger was just 22. Both of their playing careers would end that day. They were both reinstated in 1970 well after their days of being able to play professional hockey were over. Taylor did return to the NHL as a scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Gallinger never did return to the league in any capacity.

     Taylor broke into the league at 20 years of age. He showed great promise and was a part of a Stanley Cup Champion with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942. In September of '46 he was shipped to Detroit where he set the record for most assists in one game with seven. He joined the Gallinger and the Bruins in '48 via trade where he played in 39 games before being sent to the Rangers. He only played 2 games with the Rangers before the suspension that would change his hockey end his NHL career.

     Gallinger was just 17 years old when he broke into the NHL, which made him one of the youngest players in league history. His star was quickly on the rise as he topped 20 goals or more in four out of his five years in the league. Then the star came crashing down as he was caught up in the gambling scandal.

     When the news hit the wires Campbell claimed to have conclusive proof that Taylor was involved with a known criminal and gambler by the name of James Tamer, and that he had placed a bet against the Bruins on February 18th of that same year. Coincidentally he lost the bet, but it still cost him his career. Gallinger had also been associated with Tamer as well, which led to an indefinite suspension with the matter being investigated. Campbell did what he thought was necessary to preserve the integrity of the sport by suspending the both of them.

     This was not the first gambling scandal to hit the world of hockey. In 1946, Babe Pratt of the Toronto Maple Leafs was suspended for gambling. He was reinstated after he had admitted to his mistakes and guaranteed it would not be a mistake that he would make again. Pratt was later inducted into the Hall of Fame. Taylor and Gallinger were not as fortunate. While Taylor chose to not fight the suspension, Gallinger denied any wrongdoing. Although, he did later admit to his indiscretions. For many years Gallinger fought to be reinstated. In his mind he did not feel that a life sentence was deserved for a mistake he had made when he was just 22 years old. When the ban was finally lifted in 1970 it was said that it gave him peace of mind. It is unfortunate that both of these men made the mistakes that they made, but we all are held accountable for our actions. This is a lesson that they learned the hard way.

I dug hard to find more about Billy Taylor without a lot of luck. I did find this short bio on the Hockey Hall of Fame's website: http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14508
The bio for Gallinger is much more detailed. However, they are both well worth a read: http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12673

March 8, 1971: Frazier Defeats Ali In The Fight Of Century

     On March 8, 1971, at Madison Garden in New York City, "Smokin Joe" Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali with a 15 round unanimous decision in what was billed "The Fight of the Century." Ali had been stripped of his title three and a half years earlier for his refusal to serve in Vietnam, which led Frazier beating a number of opponents on his way to being named the undisputed heavyweight champion. In the eyes of many Ali was the rightful champion; Frazier proved otherwise. Frazier and Ali would fight two more times with Ali winning both of them. However, when they met for the first time Frazier let him know that he was not going to let go of his title easily. In fact, he refused to let it go on that day in March of '71.

     Along with the 20,000+ that packed Madison Square Garden millions upon millions of people tuned  in worldwide. It was viewed in 39 countries and 12 different languages were spoken ringside. An estimated 300 million people tuned into the event that would live up to its billing. Frazier came into the bout a 6-5 favorite, but that did not deter the confidence of Ali who considered himself the champion all along.

     Ali wasn't the only one who considered himself the champ as newspapers printed stories saying that Frazier was a pretender. He would have to beat Ali to shed that label. With celebrities on hand and police officers there to control the crowd the fight arrived it took on a circus atmosphere. Once the gloves were strapped on and the bell rang the atmosphere would take a backseat to the epic fight that was about to take place.

    Ali dominated the first three rounds with precise combinations, but in the closing seconds of the third round Frazier landed a left hook that snapped Ali's head back. The tide was about to turn. Frazier dominated the fourth round and by the sixth Ali was showing signs of tiring. The man formerly known as Cassius Clay did hold his own with the champ until late in the 11th round when Frazier cornered him and unleashed a fury of punches that nearly sent him to the canvas. He was able to keep on his feet until the bell ran, but damage had been done, and Frazier had clear control of the fight. He would not relinquish that control either.

     As Frazier continued to show the world that he was the rightful champion the fight would reach the 15th and final round. Early in the round, Frazier landed a vicious left hook to Ali's jaw that laid him out across the canvas on his back. It was only the third time in Ali's career that he had been knocked down. Ali regained his footing and was able to get through the round, but there was a clear winner and his name was Joe Frazier. The scorecards looked like this: Referee Arthur Mercante had it scored 8-6-1, Judge Artie Adello scored it 9-6, and the other judge Bill Recht scored it an overwhelmingly 11-4 decision for Frazier. Those that called Frazier a pretender would now have to eat their words as Frazier had showed that he was the true champion.

Watch the fight here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_TgAc4ESQ4

March 7, 1989: Lanny McDonald Joins The 1,000 Point Club

     On March 7, 1989, in a 9-5 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Calgary, Flames winger Lanny McDonald became the 23rd player in NHL history to score 1,000 points. The historic marker came just 2 minutes and 46 seconds into the contest when McDonald scored on a wraparound that he snuck past Winnipeg goalie Bob Essensa. McDonald would add another goal to his totals before the game came to an end. McDonald was in his 15th and final year of his career when he reached the 1,000 point plateau. Following his 1,000th point McDonald became the 14th player in league history to score 500 goals. He had one more goal left in his storied career that is remembered in Hockey's Hall of Fame: win the Stanley Cup. He did that on May 25, 1989.

     McDonald came into that '88-'89 season just 12 points shy of 1,000. It took him 68 games to get there. At 36 years of age his career was coming to a close. The Flames had acquired Mark Hunter who was the heir apparent to McDonald. His playing time was cut down with the new kid in town, but he still found ice time. He just wasn't the same prolific scorer that he once was.

      After spending time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Rockies, McDonald came to the Flames via trade in 1981. At the time he was 28. He had enjoyed some great years, which included six seasons of 30 or more goals and 5 All Star appearances. In Calgary he set the franchise record for goals in a season when he scored 66 during the '82-'83 campaign and made another All Star appearance.  During that same season McDonald took home the Bill Masterton award for showing his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. McDonald took home the King Clancy award in '89 for showing leadership.

      The true prize of that '88-'89 season was Lord Stanley's Cup. He knew that his best days were past him, but continued to play in hopes of winning hockey's most coveted prize. After 15 years in the league he knew how hard it was to reach the Finals much less win them. It took him 13 years to get to the Finals for the first time. The first trip came in 1986 when he was a 13 veteran. The Flames fell 4 games to 1 in the series; the hunger to win The Cup would not go away. While his goal totals continued to decline, the veteran leadership that McDonald brought to the Flames was irreplaceable. He would soon realize a lifelong dream.

    The dream came true three years after the disappointing end to a great run. When McDonald and the Flames got another shot at a title they met the Canadiens once again. The Flames won the series in six games, and after many years of dreaming about the day he would hoist The Cup it was in his hands. He was now a champion and his career was complete. His #9 hangs in the rafters in Calgary, and in 1992 McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame where his tale will be told for generations to come.

March 6, 1945: Harry O'Neill Makes The Ultimate Sacrifice

   

     On March 6, 1945, 27-year-old Philadelphia A's catcher Harry O'Neill was killed at Iwo Jima. More than 500 major leaguers served their country during World War II. Two were killed in action. Nearly a year before O'Neill lost his life Washington Senators outfielder Elmer Gedeon became the first casualty of World War II who had major league experience. Like O'Neill, Gedeon's time in the majors was short. He played in just 5 games, recorded 3 hits in 15 at bats, and scored a run. O'Neill saw just one inning of work behind the dish. He never did get an at bat. However, he did serve his country proudly. Both men were 27 years of age when they were killed. We tend to remember the service of the superstar players like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Bob Feller, and rightly so, as their service should never be forgotten. The same should be said when it comes to the names Harry O'Neill and Elmer Gedeon. Their service should never be forgotten as they paid the ultimate price in the name of freedom. Today we should all tip our caps to the both of them and to each of the men and women who have paid that price.

     Gedeon and O'Neill were two very similar people. They had both excelled at the collegiate level in multiple sports. Gedeon spent his college days at the University of Michigan. He had lettered in baseball, football, and track and field. While track was considered to be his best sport his baseball skills caught the eye of the Washington Senators. In the Summer of '39, Gedeon signed a deal to play for the club. He was promoted to the majors in the final weeks of the season where he got a taste of the big leagues. Following that season he spent a season with the Senators minor league affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina where he hit .271 in 131 games. It would be his last season as a professional baseball player as he joined the ranks of the military in the Spring of '41.

     Like Gedeon, O'Neill signed a deal to play ball in the Summer of '39 after graduating from college. O'Neill spent his college days at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, He had excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. In June of '39 O'Neill's college baseball coach Ira Plank, whose brother Eddie had forged a Hall of Fame career, put him in contact with the legendary manager  Connie Mack. Mack was impressed with O'Neill's abilities enough to offer him a contract. A month after he signed O'Neill would make his one and only appearance at the major league level. He came in as a late defensive replacement for Frankie Hayes as his A's were being romped to the tune of 16-3 by the Detroit Tigers. Not exactly storybook, but reaching the major league level is something that most players only dream of. Just like Gedeon, O'Neill would spend his next year in the minor leagues before joining the Marine Corps.

     They each lost their lives a few years after joining the service. In February of 1944, Gedeon earned his wings, two months later he was shot down while piloting a B-26 bomber during an attack on enemy construction works. His co-pilot survived, but Gedeon was not as fortunate. He was initially reported missing in action, then in 1945 the British military reported that he had been buried at a cemetery in France. His body was returned to the United States and he was laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. O'Neill had risen to the rank of lieutenant. He was a part of multiple missions before being wounded by shrapnel in July of '44. For that he received a Purple Heart. He returned stateside where he was nursed back to health. In October of '44, he returned to service and continued to fight for his country.

     The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest battles during World War II. The islands that are Iwo Jima had three airfields that the United States sought to control. The battle began on February 19, 1945 and ended on March 26, 1945. Before it was over 6,821 American soldiers had lost their lives. O'Neill was one of those 6,821 men. On that fateful day in early March he was killed by sniper fire. He, like Gedeon did not get to live the lives that brought him well deserved recognition. He was also laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. They did not accomplish the things that an average sports hero accomplishes. However, they are the true heroes and On This Day their lives are remembered.

I just want to add that I do not like to write about someone losing their life. It does happen from time to time, but I do believe that telling the story of their lives is a way to honor them. I truly appreciate all of the men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect our freedoms. I would like to thank each and everyone of them for their service. If you happen to be serving, or have served, Thank You.

If you would like to read more about the life and times of Harry O'Neill check this out: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/44e9cdff