November is all about the NBA and NHL seasons, college football finales, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, UFC Fight Nights, and the kickoff of college basketball. November 8 has seen many memorable sports moments over the years.
In 1934, Ford Frick became the National League President for MLB. In 1947, cricket legend Don Bradman scored his 99th first-class century. The New York Yankees’ Yogi Berra won his first MVP award in 1951. Elgin Baylor set a record with 64 points for the Minneapolis Lakers against the Boston Celtics in 1959, later breaking it with 71 points.
In 1961, Whitey Ford won the Cy Young Award. Frank Robinson made history in 1966 as the first player to win the MVP in both the National and American Leagues. Australia defeated Great Britain 12-7 in the 1970 Rugby League World Cup, and that same year, Tom Dempsey kicked a record 63-yard field goal for the New Orleans Saints.
In 1981, Don Shula recorded his 200th NFL victory with the Miami Dolphins. Steve Gage made history in 1986 as the first quarterback to rush and pass for over 200 yards in a game. Jerome Walton won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1989.
In 1991, Paul Coffey set the NHL record for most goals by a defenseman. Nigel Mansell won his first Formula One Championship in 1992. The Cleveland Cavaliers played their first game at the Gund Arena in 1994.
Notable athletes on November 8 include Yogi Berra, known for his funny quotes, Steve Gage, a versatile player, and Jimmie Johnson, who clinched his sixth NASCAR Championship in 2013.
