May is an exciting month for sports fans. The NBA and NHL playoffs are in full swing, MLB is heating up, and major events like the Preakness Stakes, PGA Championship, FA Cup Final, and the French Open are on the calendar. Over the years, May 13 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1887, William Donohue rode Dunboyne to victory in the 15th Preakness, finishing in 2:39.25. Four years later, Isaac Murphy won the 17th Kentucky Derby on Kingman in 2:52.25. In 1905, boxing champion James J. Jeffries retired undefeated after seven title defenses.
One of the most remarkable MLB performances happened in 1942 when Jim Tobin of the Boston Braves pitched a complete game and hit three home runs, leading his team to a 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. In 1952, Ron Necciai struck out 27 batters in a nine-inning game. Mickey Mantle matched Tobin’s feat in 1955 by hitting three home runs in a game against the Detroit Tigers.
In 1958, Stan Musial became the eighth player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits. The tennis world saw Mickey Wright win the LPGA Western Open in 1962. In 1973, Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Smith Court, setting the stage for his famous match against Billie Jean King.
The New York Nets won the last ABA Championship in 1976. Reggie Jackson struck out 2,000 times in 1983, and George Brett hit his 300th home run in 1993. The San Antonio Spurs began a 12-game playoff win streak in 1999.
In 2006, Liverpool triumphed in the FA Cup Final, and in 2012, Manchester City claimed its first Premier League title. UFC champion Stipe Miocic defended his title in 2017, and Arsène Wenger won his final game in 2018. May 13 is truly a day filled with sports history.
