November is all about the NBA and NHL seasons, college football finales, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, ATP Finals, UFC Fight Nights, and the kickoff of college basketball. Here are some memorable sports moments from November 11 over the years.
In 1868, the first indoor track and field meet took place in the U.S. Fast forward to 1889, when Willie Park Jr. won his second British Open title in golf. In 1943, Yankees pitcher Spud Chandler and Cardinals outfielder Stan Musial took home the MVP awards for their leagues.
The New York Rangers ended a tough 25-game winless streak by beating the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 in 1944. In 1972, Great Britain won the Rugby League World Cup after a tie with Australia. Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders scored four goals in a wild 6-6 tie against the Minnesota North Stars in 1980.
Fernando Valenzuela made history in 1981 as the first MLB rookie to win a Cy Young Award. Roger Clemens followed up with back-to-back Cy Young wins in 1987. Derrick Thomas set an NFL record with seven sacks in a game in 1990.
Kim Clijsters made headlines in 2001 by leading Belgium to its first Federation Cup title. She also won the WTA Tour Championship in 2002. That same year, Barry Bonds snagged his fifth National League MVP award.
Three standout athletes from November 11 are Derrick Thomas, Kim Clijsters, and Barry Bonds. Thomas was a nine-time Pro Bowler known for his charity work. Clijsters is a four-time Grand Slam champion. Bonds, despite controversies, is a seven-time MVP and one of the greatest players ever.
