May is an exciting month for sports fans, featuring NBA and NHL playoffs, MLB games in full swing, the Preakness Stakes, the PGA Championship, the FA Cup Final, the French Open in tennis, and various Grand Prix events. Over the years, May 11 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1887, Isaac Lewis rode Montrose to victory in the 13th Kentucky Derby, finishing in 2:39.25. The following year, F Littlefield won the 16th Preakness aboard Refund in 2:49. In 1897, Washington Senators catcher Charlie Farrell made history by throwing out eight attempted base stealers.
One of boxing’s legendary moments occurred in 1900 when heavyweight champion James Jeffries knocked out former champion James Corbett in the 23rd round, turning the tide of the match. In 1919, the Washington Senators and New York Yankees played to a rare 0-0 tie, with pitcher Walter Johnson throwing 12 scoreless innings.
Golfer Walter Hagen claimed his third Open Championship title in 1928. In 1959, Yogi Berra’s errorless streak of 148 games came to an end. Sandy Koufax threw his second no-hitter in 1963 against the Giants. Real Madrid won the European Cup final in 1966, defeating Partizan Belgrade 2-1.
The Montreal Canadiens swept the St. Louis Blues for the Stanley Cup in 1968 and again in 1969. The Boston Bruins won their fifth championship in 1972 by beating the Rangers 3-0. In 1980, Pete Rose made headlines by stealing second, third, and home in one inning.
In 1992, the Trail Blazers and Suns combined for 304 points in a double-overtime playoff game. Bob Lanier was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame that same year. In 1997, Garry Kasparov lost to the supercomputer Deep Blue, marking a significant moment in chess history.
Elton Brand and Steve Francis were named co-Rookies of the Year in 2000. Sergio Garcia won the PGA Players Championship in 2008. May 11 has truly been a day filled with unforgettable sports achievements.
