April is an exciting month for sports fans, featuring NBA and NHL playoffs, the start of MLB, The Masters, the NCAA Basketball title game, the NFL Draft, and some Grand Prix events. Over the years, April 11 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1750, Jack Slack defeated Jean Petit in the first international prize fight. Fast forward to 1896, John Boland won both the men’s singles and doubles tennis finals at the Summer Olympics in Athens, while Alfred Hajos took home the gold in the 100-meter freestyle. In 1907, Roger Bresnahan made history as the first catcher to wear shin guards for the New York Giants.
The Detroit Red Wings clinched their first Stanley Cup title on April 11, 1936, beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2. In 1948, Claude Harmon shot a record-tying 279 at The Masters. The 1961 NBA World Championship Series saw the Boston Celtics triumph over the St. Louis Hawks.
Jack Nicklaus shone in 1965, winning his second Masters title with a record score of 271. He followed that up with another victory in 1966, becoming the first to win back-to-back Masters. That same year, Emmett Ashford made history as the first African American MLB umpire.
In 1989, Ron Hextall became the first NHL goaltender to score a goal in a playoff game. Other highlights include Phil Mickelson winning his first major title in 2004.
Three standout athletes from April 11 are Warren Spahn, known for his impressive pitching career; Jack Nicklaus, a six-time Masters champion; and Ron Hextall, a trailblazer in the NHL.
