1938 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1938 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 05 Jan Birth of Jim Otto, NFL center for Oakland Raiders: Jim Otto, renowned as 'Mr. Raider,' was born on January 5, 1938, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He became a Hall of Fame center for the Oakland Raiders. source: profootballhof.com
- 10 Jan Birth of Frank Mahovlich: Frank Mahovlich, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, was born on January 10, 1938, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jan Brazilian Football Player Birth: Altair Gomes de Figueiredo was born, a notable Brazilian football player who would contribute to the nation's rich sporting history.
- 28 Jan First Ski Tow in America Begins Operation: The first mechanized ski tow in the United States commenced operations in Vermont, marking a significant milestone in American winter sports infrastructure and recreational skiing technology.
- 05 Feb 3rd British Empire Games Opening: The 3rd British Empire Games commenced in Sydney, Australia, bringing together athletes from across the British Empire to compete in a significant international sporting event.
- 11 Feb Bevan Congdon Birth: Bevan Congdon, a notable New Zealand cricket player who would be a significant batsman during the 1960s and 1970s, is born.
- 12 Feb Johnny Rutherford birth: Johnny Rutherford, an American race car driver known for his success in the Indianapolis 500, was born on February 12, 1938. He became a prominent figure in motorsports, winning the prestigious race three times during his career. source: britannica.com
- 03 Mar Glenn Cunningham sets indoor mile record: On March 3, 1938, American middle-distance runner Glenn Cunningham set an unofficial indoor mile world record by completing the distance in 4 minutes, 4.4 seconds. This performance was achieved on a track with banked curves, which led officials to discount the record. However, Cunningham's time stood as the fastest indoor mile until 1955. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Mar Johnny Rutherford: Championship Auto Racer: Johnny Rutherford, a prominent auto racer, competed in 26 championship races, establishing himself as a significant figure in motorsports during this era.
- 16 Mar Temple University wins first National Invitation Tournament: On March 16, 1938, Temple University defeated the University of Colorado 60–36 in New York City to become the inaugural champions of the National Invitation Tournament. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Mar Scotland triumphs in Rugby Championship: On March 19, 1938, Scotland won the Rugby Championship. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Mar Grahame Thomas Cricket Biography: Grahame Thomas was an Australian cricket player active during the mid-1960s, known for his batting skills.
- 23 Mar Judge Landis resolves minor league baseball dispute: Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the first Commissioner of Baseball, intervened to resolve a dispute between major and minor league baseball teams over player contracts. source: baseball-reference.com
- 01 Apr Joe Louis defeats Harry Thomas in heavyweight boxing match: On April 1, 1938, Joe Louis defeated Harry Thomas in a heavyweight boxing match, further solidifying his reputation as a leading boxer of the era. This victory was part of Louis's rise to prominence in the boxing world during the late 1930s. source: britannica.com
- 02 Apr Whirlaway: legendary Triple Crown champion: On April 2, 1938, Whirlaway, a thoroughbred racehorse, was celebrated for winning the Triple Crown, a prestigious achievement in horse racing. This victory solidified Whirlaway's status as one of the great racehorses in history. source: britannica.com
- 08 Apr Mohammad Farooq Cricket Player: Mohammad Farooq, Pakistani pace bowler who played 7 Test matches between 1960-1965, is noted.
- 14 Apr Death of Olympic Figure Skater Gillis Grafström: Gillis Emanuel Grafström, a Swedish figure skater born on June 7, 1893, died on April 14, 1938, in Potsdam, Germany. He was renowned for winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals in Men's Figure Skating (1920, 1924, 1928) and a silver medal in 1932. Grafström was one of the few athletes to have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Apr Enos Slaughter's Major League Debut: Enos Slaughter made his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals, delivering an outstanding performance with a 3-for-5 batting record against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This marked the beginning of a legendary baseball career.
- 21 Apr Detroit Red Wings–Montreal Canadiens European Tour: On April 21, 1938, the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens began a nine-game exhibition series in Europe, marking the first NHL games played outside North America. The opening game took place at Empress Hall in London, where the Canadiens defeated the Red Wings 5–4 in overtime. source: nhl.com
- 30 Apr Donald Bradman scores 258 against Worcestershire: On April 30, 1938, Australian cricketer Donald Bradman scored 258 runs in a match against Worcestershire, marking his third consecutive double century against the county. source: paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
- 05 May Record-breaking baseball inning: On May 5, 1938, the Chicago Cubs scored 12 runs in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies, setting a National League record for runs allowed in an inning by a single pitcher. source: sabr.org
- 08 May Birth of Javed Burki, Pakistani cricket player: Javed Burki, a Pakistani cricketer, was born on May 8, 1938, in Meerut, British India. He played 25 Test matches for Pakistan between 1960 and 1969. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 May Death of Australian Cricketer Peter McAlister: Peter McAlister, an Australian cricketer who played in eight Test matches from 1904 to 1909, died on May 10, 1938, in Richmond, Victoria. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 May England defeats Nazi Germany in soccer match: On May 14, 1938, the England national football team defeated Nazi Germany in a friendly match. This game was notable for its political context, as it was played in Berlin and was seen as a symbol of goodwill between the two nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 May Dodgers prepare for night baseball: The Brooklyn Dodgers prepared for their first night game at Ebbets Field on May 22, 1938. This marked a significant moment in baseball history, as night games became increasingly popular. source: nytimes.com
- 24 May Glen Hall, Cricket Player Born: Glen Hall, a South African cricket leg-spinner who played one Test match against England in 1964, was born.
- 27 May Donald Bradman's record cricket achievement: On May 27, 1938, Australian cricketer Donald Bradman achieved a significant record in his cricket career. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 May Birth of basketball legend Jerry West: Jerry West, an American basketball player and coach, was born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 May Giovanni Valetti triumphs in Giro d'Italia: Italian cyclist Giovanni Valetti won the 26th edition of the Giro d'Italia on May 29, 1938. The race, which began on May 7 and concluded on May 29, covered a total distance of 3,645.8 kilometers. Valetti secured the victory riding for the Fréjus team, with fellow Italians Ezio Cecchi and Severino Canavesi finishing second and third, respectively. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 May New York Yankees Double-Header Victory: The New York Yankees achieved a remarkable sweep against the Boston Red Sox, winning two consecutive games at Yankee Stadium. The first game was a dominant 10-0 victory, followed by a closer 5-4 win, all in front of an impressive crowd of 83,533 spectators.
- 31 May Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak: On May 31, 1938, American baseball player Lou Gehrig extended his consecutive games played streak to 1,308 games, a record that stood for decades and highlighted his durability and commitment to the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Jun First Use of Baseball Batting Helmets: Baseball players began wearing protective batting helmets for the first time, marking a significant safety innovation in the sport. These helmets would help protect batters from potential head injuries caused by pitched balls.
- 04 Jun Third FIFA World Cup Tournament Begins: The third FIFA World Cup tournament commenced in Paris, with Germany (including Austrian players) and Switzerland playing to a 1–1 draw, marking a significant moment in international football history.
- 10 Jun Hollywood Park Racetrack opens: On June 10, 1938, the Hollywood Park Racetrack opened in Inglewood, California. The racetrack became a prominent venue for horse racing, attracting large crowds and featuring significant races. Its opening marked a new era in American horse racing culture.
- 11 Jun Cincinnati Reds' Johnny Vander Meer No-Hitter: Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Vander Meer achieves a remarkable no-hitter against the Boston Bees, winning 3-0 in a memorable baseball performance.
- 16 Jun Jimmie Foxx Baseball Record: Saint Louis Browns set a unique baseball record by walking Boston Red Sox player Jimmy Foxx six consecutive times during a single game.
- 18 Jun Babe Ruth becomes Brooklyn Dodgers coach: On June 18, 1938, baseball legend Babe Ruth was appointed as a coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers. This role allowed him to share his extensive knowledge and experience with the team, contributing to the development of future baseball talent.
- 19 Jun Johnny Vander Meer's remarkable pitching performance: Johnny Vander Meer pitched a remarkable game, achieving back-to-back no-hitters in Major League Baseball. This historic feat solidified his place in baseball history and remains a significant achievement in sports. source: nytimes.com
- 22 Jun Joe Louis defeats Max Schmeling in historic boxing match: In a highly publicized boxing match, Joe Louis defeated Max Schmeling, marking a significant moment in sports and American history. This victory was seen as a triumph against racial prejudice and a symbol of hope during a tumultuous time. source: britannica.com
- 28 Jun Johnny Vander Meer's Historic No-Hitter: On June 28, 1938, Johnny Vander Meer of the Cincinnati Reds pitched a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first pitcher to throw consecutive no-hitters in Major League Baseball. source: mlb.com
- 30 Jun Billy Mills Birth: Billy Mills, an American long-distance runner who would later win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters in 1964, is born.
- 04 Jul First Baseball Game at Shibe Park: On July 4, 1938, the Philadelphia Phillies played their first game at Shibe Park, splitting a doubleheader with the Boston Bees. The Phillies lost the first game 10-5 and won the second 10-2. source: mlb.com
- 20 Jul Finland Olympic Games Award: Finland is awarded the 1940 Olympic Games after Japan withdraws from hosting the event.
- 23 Jul Bradman's cricket performance: On July 23, 1938, Australian cricketer Don Bradman achieved a remarkable performance in a Test match against England. His batting prowess solidified his reputation as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. source: britannica.com
- 24 Jul First ascent of Eiger North Face: On July 24, 1938, a team of climbers achieved the first successful ascent of the Eiger North Face in the Swiss Alps. This climb was considered one of the most challenging feats in mountaineering history. source: britannica.com
- 13 Aug Seabiscuit wins historic radio-broadcast horse race: On August 12, 1938, Seabiscuit defeated Ligaroti by a nose in a $25,000 winner-take-all match race at Del Mar Racetrack in California. The race was the first nationwide broadcast of a thoroughbred race by NBC radio, drawing a record crowd and significant public attention. source: sandiegomagazine.com
- 20 Aug Lou Gehrig sets grand slam record: On August 20, 1938, Lou Gehrig set a new record for grand slams in Major League Baseball. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Aug Montreal Maroons NHL Dissolution: The Montreal Maroons hockey team was dropped from the National Hockey League, marking the end of a significant franchise in professional ice hockey.
- 17 Sep Don Budge Completes Grand Slam: On September 17, 1938, American tennis player Don Budge won the men's singles title at the U.S. National Championships, becoming the first player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single calendar year. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 Sep Chicago Bears Football Victory: Chicago Bears defeat the Green Bay Packers with a narrow 2-0 score.
- 24 Sep Don Budge achieves Grand Slam milestone: On September 24, 1938, American tennis player Don Budge became the first to achieve a Grand Slam by winning all four major tournaments in a calendar year. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Oct Chicago Cubs Win National League Pennant: The Chicago Cubs secure the National League pennant with a decisive 10-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the second game of a doubleheader.
- 02 Oct Chester Laabs' Unfortunate Game: Detroit Tigers player Chester Laabs experienced a challenging game, striking out five times, which is an unusual and difficult performance for a professional baseball player.
- 10 Oct Death of Baron Martin Hawke: Martin Bladen Hawke, 7th Baron Hawke, an English amateur cricketer, died on October 10, 1938, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was known for his contributions to Yorkshire and England cricket teams. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Nov Seabiscuit defeats War Admiral in historic horse race: On November 1, 1938, Seabiscuit won a historic match race against War Admiral, capturing the attention of the American public. This event is often regarded as a pivotal moment in horse racing history, symbolizing the underdog's triumph. source: bbc.com
- 02 Nov Jimmie Foxx wins third MVP: On November 2, 1938, Boston Red Sox first baseman Jimmie Foxx was awarded his third American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. That season, Foxx led the league with a .349 batting average, 50 home runs, and 175 RBIs. source: fenwayfanatics.com
- 23 Nov Oscar Robertson: Basketball Legend Born: Oscar Robertson, a renowned American basketball player, was born on November 23, 1938. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Nov Monty Stratton's career-ending hunting accident: On November 27, 1938, Monty Stratton, a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, suffered a severe hunting accident that led to the amputation of his right leg, effectively ending his baseball career. source: baseball-reference.com
- 29 Nov Rotterdam mayor cancels soccer match with Germany: On November 29, 1938, the mayor of Rotterdam canceled a scheduled soccer match between the Netherlands and Germany, reflecting the tense political climate in Europe at the time. source: encyclopedia.com
- 01 Dec Birth of New Zealand cricketer Bill Playle: William Rodger Playle, known as Bill Playle, was born on December 1, 1938, in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He later became a notable cricketer, playing eight Test matches for New Zealand between 1958 and 1963. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Dec 1939 NFL Draft Held: The 1939 NFL Draft took place on December 9, 1938, at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City. The Chicago Cardinals selected center Ki Aldrich with the first overall pick. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Dec Will Harridge Elected as American League President: On December 14, 1938, Will Harridge was re-elected as the president of the American League, receiving a 10-year term. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the direction and policies of the league during his tenure. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Dec Paul Gibb's remarkable Test cricket debut: English cricketer Paul Gibb made a notable Test debut against South Africa on December 24, 1938, scoring 93 runs in the first innings and 106 runs in the second innings. His performance was instrumental in England's strong position in the match, which ended in a draw. Gibb's debut century was a significant achievement in his cricket career. source: en.wikipedia.org
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