Sports
On This Day in Sports - March 22
By Jake Beardslee · March 22, 2024
Join us as we dive into the exhilarating world of sports, celebrating the moments of triumph, the instances of heartbreak, and the unwavering spirit of competition that have defined the careers of athletes across generations.
So, lace up your sneakers, and prepare to relive the legendary performances and moments in sports that took place on this day, March 22. Unsplash
Montreal's Triumph on Ice
On March 22, 1894, a thrilling 3-team challenge at Victoria Rink in Montreal, Quebec, the Montreal Hockey Club clinched victory over Ottawa HC with a score of 3-1, capturing the 1894 Stanley Cup. Notman?/Wikimedia
Marathon Pioneer
On March 22, 1896, Charilaos Vasilakos of Greece etched his name in history by winning the first modern marathon in 3 hours and 18 minutes during the Panhellenic Games. Burton Holmes, published 1901, book title The Burton Holmes Lectures (Volume 3)/Wikimedia
Kentucky's Basketball Feat
On March 22, 1958, the 20th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship saw Kentucky emerge victorious against Seattle, 84-72, with Seattle's Elgin Baylor earning the title of tournament MOP. University of Kentucky/Wikimedia
Ali's Knockout Punch
On March 22, 1967, Muhammad Ali defended his heavyweight boxing title with a powerful knockout of Zora Folley in the seventh round, solidifying his legendary status. Anefo/Wikimedia
UCLA's Basketball Dynasty
On March 22, 1969, the 31st NCAA Men's Basketball Championship witnessed UCLA's historic three-peat, beating Purdue 92-72, with Lew Alcindor earning the Most Outstanding Player title for the third consecutive year. Malcolm W. Emmons/Wikimedia
Abebe Bikila's Tragic Turn
On March 22, 1969, Ethiopian marathon legend Abebe Bikila was paralyzed in an auto accident. Unknown (ANSA, Italy)/Wikimedia
Kareem's MVP Season
On March 22, 1972, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named NBA MVP, a testament to his skill, leadership, and impact on the court. Frank Bryan/Wikimedia
Yankees-Red Sox Trade
On March 22, 1972, in a noteworthy MLB move, the Yankees traded Danny Cater to the Red Sox for Sparky Lyle, stirring the ongoing rivalry. New York Yankees via tradingcarddb.com/Wikimedia
Trottier's Record-Setting Start
On March 22, 1984, Bryan Trottier of the Islanders matched an NHL record by scoring just 5 seconds into a game, showcasing his incredible skill and quickness. Horge/Wikimedia
Boxing's Heavyweight Unification
On March 22, 1986, HBO's Heavyweight World Series tournament launched, heralding a new chapter in boxing history with fierce competition and legendary matchups. HBOportuguês: HBO/Wikimedia
Ice Skating Champions
On March 22, 1986, Ekaterina Gordeeva & Sergei Grinkov of the USSR captivated the world by winning the Ice Pairs World Championship at Geneva with their flawless performances. Post of Azerbaijan/Wikimedia
Berbick's Boxing Upset
On March 22, 1986, Trevor Berbick delivered a surprising unanimous decision victory over Pinklon Thomas in Las Vegas, claiming the WBC heavyweight title and shocking the boxing world. Lance Rothwell/Wikimedia
Pete Rozelle's Retirement
On March 22, 1989, after 29 years of leadership, Pete Rozelle announced his retirement as NFL commissioner. Desert Sun/Wikimedia
Umpires' Exhibition Boycott
On March 22, 1990, Major League Baseball umpires declared a boycott of exhibition games, emphasizing their crucial role in the sport and calling attention to their working conditions. Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA/Wikimedia