This Week in Sports History | June 9 – June 15 | Triple Crowns, NBA Glory & AL Firsts
Sports Moments in History from June 9– June 15
Time to rewind and celebrate the moments that shaped sports history. From buzzer-beaters to legendary performances, these are the highlights that live on forever.
🐎 June 9, 1888 – McLaughlin Sets Belmont Stakes Record
On this day, jockey James McLaughlin guided Sir Dixon to a 12-length victory at the Belmont Stakes, earning his sixth win in the event — a record at the time. The feat wasn’t matched until Eddie Arcaro tied it in 1955.
⚾ June 9, 1914 – Honus Wagner Joins 3,000-Hit Club
On this day, Honus Wagner of the Pittsburgh Pirates became the first modern-era Major Leaguer to reach 3,000 hits, hitting a double against the Philadelphia Phillies at Baker Bowl. He remains one of the game's greatest shortstops.
🐎 June 9, 1973 – Secretariat’s Belmont Dominance
On this day, Secretariat captured the Triple Crown in historic fashion by winning the Belmont Stakes by an astonishing 31 lengths in a time of 2:24 — still the fastest ever at that distance on dirt. It’s widely regarded as the greatest performance in horse racing history.
🥊 June 9, 1978 – Larry Holmes Wins the WBC Heavyweight Title
On this day, Larry Holmes defeated Ken Norton via split decision after 15 grueling rounds in Las Vegas to claim the WBC heavyweight championship, launching one of boxing’s longest title reigns.
🏀 June 10, 1986 – Nancy Lieberman Breaks Barriers in Men’s League
On this day, Nancy Lieberman, already a women’s basketball legend, played in a United States Basketball League (USBL) game for the Springfield Fame — making her the first woman to play in a men’s pro basketball league in the U.S.
🏁 June 11, 1955 – The Le Mans Disaster
On this day, tragedy struck the 24 Hours of Le Mans when a crash involving Pierre Levegh’s car sent debris into the crowd. 83 spectators and the driver were killed, making it the deadliest accident in motorsports history.
⛳ June 12, 1939 – Baseball Hall of Fame Opens in Cooperstown
On this day, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors in Cooperstown, New York. Its first induction class included legends such as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson.
🏀 June 14, 1987 – Lakers Beat Celtics to Win 10th NBA Title
On this day, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 106–93 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, securing the franchise’s 10th NBA championship. Magic Johnson tallied 16 points and 19 assists in the clincher.
⚾ June 15, 1948 – First Night Game at Detroit’s Briggs Stadium
On this day, the Detroit Tigers hosted the Philadelphia Athletics under the lights for the first night game in American League history at Briggs Stadium. Over 54,000 fans were in attendance as the Tigers won 4–1. (photo via eBay)
🗳️ Weekly Poll – Which Moment Was the Greatest?
- 🐎 McLaughlin’s Belmont Record (1888)
- ⚾ Wagner’s 3,000th Hit (1914)
- 🐎 Secretariat’s 31-Length Victory (1973)
- 🥊 Holmes Wins Heavyweight Title (1978)
- 🏀 Lieberman’s Men’s League Debut (1986)
- 🏁 Le Mans Disaster (1955)
- ⛳ Hall of Fame Opens (1939)
- 🏀 Lakers Win NBA Finals (1987)
- ⚾ First AL Night Game in Detroit (1948)
Vote by dropping your pick in the comments!
Banner created with Canva | All dates verified via ESPN & Sports Reference
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