March is an exciting month for sports fans. The NBA and NHL seasons are heating up, MLB teams are in Spring Training, and March Madness is in full swing. NASCAR, Formula 1, UFC Fight Nights, and PGA Tour events also keep the action going. March 21 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1909, Moran and MacFarland won Europe’s first six-day bicycle race in Berlin. In 1931, Maribel Vinson took home the U.S. Ladies’ Figure Skating championship. Babe Ruth signed his last contract with the Yankees in 1934. Joe Louis defended his heavyweight title in 1941, knocking out Abe Simon in the 13th round.
Patty Berg won her fourth Titleholders title in 1948, just ahead of Babe Zaharias. Gordie Howe claimed the NHL scoring title in 1952. The 1953 Boston versus Syracuse game set an NBA record with 106 fouls. In 1959, California edged West Virginia 71-70 in the NCAA Championship, with Jerry West named Most Outstanding Player.
Art Modell bought the Cleveland Browns in 1961 for a record $3.9 million. UCLA won its first NCAA title in 1964, defeating Duke 98-83. Jim Clark took the South African Grand Prix in 1965. In 1970, UCLA won its fourth straight title under coach John Wooden.
Frank Mahovlich scored his 500th NHL goal in 1973. France won the Five Nations Rugby Championship in 1981. The North Carolina Tar Heels claimed the NCAA title in 1982. In 1994, Wayne Gretzky tied Gordie Howe’s record with 801 goals.
Roger Federer won the Indian Wells Masters in 2004, and Ichiro Suzuki ended his career in 2019 with 4,367 hits. Three legends from March 21 are Gordie Howe, Roger Federer, and Ichiro Suzuki, each known for their incredible talent and lasting impact on their sports.
