Sports History Network April 6, 1896 – The First modern-era Olympic Games have opening ceremonies not far from where the ancient Greeks started the tradition in Athens, Greece. American athlete James Connolly became the first modern Olympic champion when he won the triple jump event. The rebirth of the games of the Olympiad was the creation of French aristocrat Pierre de … Read more
Most of us who follow sports have a favorite team. In baseball, my favorite team was always the Yankees. Having grown up only about 20 miles from the “House That Ruth Built,” it’s only natural that I would root for the Yankees. But I don’t think I’m too far out-of-line when I say that many … Read more
April 5, 1927 – American champion swimmer, Johnny Weissmuller set a couple of records in the 100-meter freestyle as well as the 200-meter medley relay at the National A. A. U. Swim meet. Johnny swam the 100-meter in 51 and 2-5 seconds as a member of the Illinois Athletic Club. These two races pushed the IAC … Read more
April 4, 1937 – At what was just the 4th Masters Golf Tournament, or officially known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, history was made. Legendary linkster Byron Nelson won the first of his five major titles. The final scoreboard on Augusta number 18 listed Nelson as a winner by 2 strokes over Ralph Guldahl. Byron … Read more
April 3, 1962 – Legendary jockey Eddie Arcaro at the ripe old age of 46 years old, officially announced his retirement from horse racing as a rider. Arcaro in his brilliant career rode on 4779 victorious thoroughbreds, as his purses exceeded $30 million in his lucrative 30-year career. Jockeying some of the best horses in the world, Eddie … Read more