December is an exciting month for sports fans. The NBA and NHL are in full swing, NFL teams are fighting for playoff spots, and college football wraps up its season. There are also Grand Prix races, UFC Fight Nights, and college basketball games to enjoy.
December 18 has seen many memorable moments in sports history. Here are some highlights:
– 1930: Adolph Rupp coached his first game for the University of Kentucky, winning 67-19 against Georgetown College.
– 1932: The Chicago Bears defeated the Portsmouth Spartans 9-0 to claim the NFL Championship.
– 1949: The Philadelphia Eagles won the NFL Championship by beating the Los Angeles Rams 14-0.
– 1954: Maurice “Rocket” Richard became the first NHL player to score 400 career goals.
– 1956: Soccer legend Stanley Matthews won the first-ever Ballon d’Or.
– 1961: Track star Wilma Rudolph was named the Associated Press female athlete of the year for the second year in a row.
– 1962: Wilt Chamberlain scored 61 points in a game for the San Francisco Warriors.
– 1983: Wayne Gretzky reached 100 points in just 34 games, the fastest in NHL history.
– 1995: Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers recorded 289 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a single game.
– 2022: Argentina triumphed over France 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi scoring twice.
Three standout athletes from December 18 are Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Oscar Robertson, and Kylian Mbappé. Richard was a hockey icon, known for his scoring prowess. Robertson was a basketball legend, famous for his all-around game. Mbappé shone in the World Cup, showcasing his incredible talent.

