June 3, 1937 – One of the most prolific power hitters of all time, Josh Gibson of the Homestead Grays in the Negro Leagues, crushed a ball that still makes people gasp in awe. The slugger belted a shot in Yankee Stadium that traveled some 580 feet.
That distance eclipsed anything that the American and National Leagues had to offer, even Mickey Mantle’s 565-foot HR blasted out of Griffith Stadium in 1953 years later. Legend has it that earlier in his career in 1934, Gibson did what no player had ever done, and hit a ball out of the House that Ruth built.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Sports History On This Day: July 6
July 6, 1929 – It was an amazing event no matter what era it took
Christiano da Matta’s Magical Season
It was 2002 and driver Cristiano da Matta roared to the CART championship with
Sports History On This Day: July 5
July 5, 1989 – History was made with family members playing in the MLB. Barry Bonds
Super Bowl XXXVIII (Panthers vs. Patriots): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXVIII, which was held on February 1, 2004, at
Sports History On This Day: July 4
July 4, 1907 – Across the pond at the Wimbledon Men’s Tennis tournament a milestone event
Phil Handler: The Worst Coach in NFL History May Have Also Been One of the Best!
As you scroll through the list of NFL head coaches and their overall records
Sports History On This Day: July 3
July 3, 1931 – A large sporting event pitting a German against an American in
Sports History On This Day: July 2
July 2, 1921 – It was a title fight of title fights in the sport