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 French Open are taking place. Over the years, May 20 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1897, Harold Hilton claimed his second British Open title. Babe Ruth made headlines in 1919 by winning a game and hitting his first grand slam. In 1941, Taft Wright set an American League record with at least one RBI in 13 straight games. The Cleveland Indians tied a record for walks in a game in 1948, defeating the Red Sox 13-4.
Eddie Arcaro won the Preakness in 1950, riding Hill Prince. In 1964, Buster Mathis scored a victory over future heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. Bill Shoemaker won the Preakness in 1967 on Damascus, while Steve Cauthen did the same in 1978 with Affirmed.
Larry Holmes defended his WBC title against Tim Witherspoon in 1983, and that same year, Michael Dokes and Mike Weaver fought to a draw for the heavyweight title. In 1991, Michael Jordan was named NBA MVP, and Jeff Reardon recorded his 300th save.
Barcelona won the European Cup in 1992, and in 1998, Real Madrid triumphed in the UEFA Champions League Final. Chelsea took home the FA Cup in 2000. In 2003, Serena Williams was honored as Sportswoman of the Year.
These moments remind us of the thrilling history of sports on May 20.
