March is an exciting month for sports fans. The NBA and NHL seasons are heating up, MLB Spring Training kicks off, and March Madness takes center stage. NASCAR, Formula 1, UFC Fight Nights, and PGA Tour events also keep the action going. March 22 has seen some unforgettable moments in sports history.
In 1894, the Montreal Hockey Club defeated Ottawa HC, winning a three-team challenge tournament. Fast forward to 1927, when Babe Ruth signed a groundbreaking contract with the Yankees for $70,000 a season, making him the highest-paid player in MLB at the time.
The first Masters Tournament took place in 1934, originally called the “Augusta National Invitation Tournament,” with Horton Smith taking home the first title. In 1952, Wales clinched the Five Nations Rugby Championship with a 9-5 win over France.
In 1967, Muhammad Ali knocked out Zora Folley to retain his heavyweight title. UCLA dominated the NCAA basketball scene in 1969, winning their third straight title, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar earning his third Most Outstanding Player award.
Fast forward to 2008, when Joe Sakic recorded his 1,000th career assist, becoming the 11th NHL player to hit that milestone. In 2017, Russell Westbrook made history as the first NBA player to record a triple-double without missing a shot.
Three legends who shone on March 22 are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Joe Sakic, and Russell Westbrook. Abdul-Jabbar is famous for his “skyhook” shot, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sports.
