May is an exciting month for sports fans. The NBA and NHL playoffs are in full swing, MLB is heating up, and big events like the Preakness Stakes, PGA Championship, FA Cup Final, and French Open are on the calendar. Over the years, May 23 has seen many memorable moments in sports history.
In 1873, the first Preakness Stakes took place, with George Barbee riding Survivor to victory in 2:43. A decade later, in 1883, William Donohue won the Kentucky Derby on Leonatus, also finishing in 2:43. Fast forward to 1901, Henry Spencer and Commando won the Belmont Stakes in 2:21.
Boxing fans remember 1922 when Gene Tunney lost to Harry Greb in a unanimous decision. In 1926, Hack Wilson made history by hitting a home run off the Wrigley Field scoreboard. Australian cyclist Hubert Opperman set world records in 1932, covering 1,384 kilometers in 24 hours.
Joe Louis defended his heavyweight title in 1941 by knocking out Buddy Baer in one round. In 1948, Joe DiMaggio hit three home runs in a game against the Indians. The 1960s brought more excitement, with Joe Pepitone hitting two home runs in one inning in 1962 and Dale Greig setting a female marathon record in 1964.
In 2001, Bayern Munich won the UEFA Champions League final against Valencia. Shawn Green of the Dodgers had a standout game in 2002, going 6-for-6 with four home runs. Fast forward to 2021, when Phil Mickelson made history by winning the PGA Championship at age 50. May 23 has truly been a day filled with unforgettable sports moments.
