June is an exciting month for sports fans, featuring the Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, the MLB season, NBA Draft, US Open, Wimbledon, Belmont Stakes, and various Grand Prix events. Over the years, June 16 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1883, the NY Gothams defeated the Cleveland Blues 5-2 in the first baseball “Ladies’ Day.” Helen Hellwig won the women’s singles title at the U.S. National Championships in 1894, beating the defending champion Aline Terry. In 1909, Jim Thorpe made his professional pitching debut, which controversially led to him losing his two Olympic gold medals.
Tom Hughes pitched a no-hitter against Pittsburgh in 1916, while James Butwell won the Belmont Stakes in 1917 aboard Hourless. In 1938, Jimmie Foxx was walked six times in an MLB game. Wayne D Wright rode Polynesian to victory in the Preakness Stakes in 1945.
Lloyd Mangrum claimed his only major title at the U.S. Open in 1946, and Ben Hogan won his second straight U.S. Open in 1951. Johnny Mize recorded his 2,000th hit in 1953, and in 1968, Lee Trevino won his first major title at the U.S. Open, finishing ahead of Jack Nicklaus.
In 1996, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Seattle Supersonics to win the NBA Championship. Tiger Woods won his second U.S. Open title in 2002, and in 2015, the Golden State Warriors claimed their first title in 40 years.
June 16 has truly been a day filled with remarkable sports achievements and unforgettable moments.
