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 16 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1882, Babe Hurd rode Apollo to victory in the eighth Kentucky Derby, finishing in 2:40.00. Fast forward to 1916, Hall of Fame jockey Linus McAtee won the 41st Preakness Stakes aboard Damrosch in 1:54.80. In 1927, New York Yankee Bob Meusel made headlines by stealing second, third, and home in one play.
Cecil Travis made history in 1933 as the first major league player to achieve five hits in his debut game. In 1954, Ted Williams returned from injury to go eight-for-nine against the Detroit Tigers, showcasing an incredible hitting performance. The legendary Rocky Marciano defended his heavyweight title against Don Cockell in 1955, winning by knockout in the ninth round.
In 1972, Greg Luzinski hit a remarkable home run into the Liberty Bell monument at Veterans Stadium. The following year, AC Milan won the European Cup Winners’ Cup against Leeds. Muhammad Ali faced Ron Lyle in 1975, knocking him out in the 11th round.
The Montreal Canadiens swept the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1976 Stanley Cup Finals, while the Lakers triumphed over the 76ers in the 1980 NBA Finals. In 1985, rookie Michael Jordan was named Rookie of the Year.
Fast forward to 2015, when American Pharaoh set the stage for his Triple Crown run by winning the Preakness by seven lengths. May 16 has truly been a day filled with unforgettable sports moments.
