July is packed with big sports moments that read like classic songs — memorable, dramatic, and impossible to forget. Here are standout highlights tied to July 18 across the years.
In 1878 Frank Hadow walked into Wimbledon and walked out the champion. In 1882 Tony Mullane switched arms and pitched both right- and left-handed. Lottie Dod claimed her third straight Wimbledon in 1893 and fifth overall. Scot James Foulis took the 1896 U.S. Open. The 1912 Cubs racked up 21 hits but still lost. Christy Mathewson broke a 69-inning streak without a walk in 1913. The 1914 Boston Braves rose from last place to win the World Series. Babe Ruth became the all-time home run leader in 1921. Lucien Buysse won the 1926 Tour de France. Ty Cobb notched his 4,000th hit in 1927.
Fast forward: the Yankees’ 19-game streak ended in 1947. Pat Seerey hit four homers in an 11-inning game in 1948. Jersey Joe Walcott became the oldest heavyweight champ in 1951. Bill Wright made history as the first African American to win a major golf event in 1959. Bob Allison and Harmon Killebrew each hit first-inning grand slams in 1962. Willie Mays joined the 3,000-hit club in 1970. Eddy Merckx won a third straight Tour in 1971. Nadia Comaneci scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics in 1976.
Golf and golf heroes show up again: Tom Watson (1982), Seve Ballesteros (1988), Greg Norman (1993), Paul Lawrie (1999), Todd Hamilton (2004), Louis Oosthuizen (2010). Don Mattingly homered in eight straight games in 1987. David Cone threw a perfect game in 1999. In 2004, Lance Armstrong and Diana Taurasi grabbed ESPY honors. In 2018 Kawhi Leonard was traded to Toronto. In 2021 Tadej Pogačar became the youngest two-time Tour winner, and Collin Morikawa won two different events on debut.
Short, sharp, and unforgettable — these moments stick with fans like a favorite chorus.
