1946 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1946 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 11 Jan Bert Bell becomes NFL Commissioner: Bert Bell was appointed as the NFL Commissioner on January 11, 1946, a role he would hold until his death in 1959. His leadership helped shape the modern structure and popularity of the National Football League. source: britannica.com
- 12 Jan Cleveland Rams relocate to Los Angeles: On January 12, 1946, the NFL approved the relocation of the Cleveland Rams to Los Angeles, making them the first professional sports team to move westward. source: espn.com
- 31 Jan Subroto Guha: Indian Cricket Player Born: Subroto Guha was born, a right-arm swing bowler who would represent India's national cricket team between 1967 and 1969, contributing to the country's emerging cricket legacy.
- 19 Feb Major League Baseball player jumps to Mexican League: On February 19, 1946, New York Giants outfielder Danny Gardella became the first U.S.-born Major League Baseball player to defect to the Mexican League, signing with the Veracruz Blues. This move was part of a series of defections by MLB players to the Mexican League during that period. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Feb Graham Vivian born in Auckland, New Zealand: Graham Ellery Vivian, a former New Zealand cricketer, was born in Auckland on February 28, 1946. He played in five Test matches and one One Day International between 1965 and 1972. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Mar 1946 U.S. Figure Skating Championships: The 1946 U.S. Figure Skating Championships were held from February 28 to March 2 at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. This event marked the return of the Senior Men's singles after a two-year hiatus due to World War II. Richard Button won the Senior Men's title, while John Lettengarver claimed the Junior Men's title. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Mar Burnden Park disaster during Bolton Wanderers match: On March 9, 1946, during an FA Cup quarter-final match between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City at Burnden Park stadium, a crowd crush resulted in the deaths of 33 fans and injuries to hundreds more. The disaster led to recommendations for better crowd control measures in stadiums. source: bbc.com
- 19 Mar Mohammad Ilyas: Pakistani Cricketer: Mohammad Ilyas, a Pakistani cricket player who represented his country in ten Test matches between 1964 and 1969, was born on this date.
- 21 Mar Kenny Washington breaks NFL color barrier: On March 21, 1946, Kenny Washington became the first African American player in the NFL's modern era when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams, ending a 13-year period without Black players in the league. source: history.com
- 29 Mar Australian Cricket Legends Make Test Debut: Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, and Clyde Tallon made their Test Cricket debut, introducing three players who would become iconic figures in Australian cricket history.
- 30 Mar Australia defeats New Zealand in Cricket Test Match: On March 29-30, 1946, Australia defeated New Zealand by an innings and 103 runs in a Test match at Wellington's Basin Reserve, marking the first official Test between the two nations. source: teara.govt.nz
- 07 Apr Herman Keiser Wins 10th Golf Masters Championship: Herman Keiser emerged victorious at the 10th Golf Masters Championship, achieving a winning score of 282. This victory marked a significant moment in professional golf history.
- 09 Apr David Webb Profile: David Webb was an English footballer and football coach who was active during the mid-20th century, contributing to the development of football in England.
- 14 Apr Mel Ott hits final home run: On April 14, 1946, Mel Ott, a legendary baseball player, hit his final home run, marking the end of an illustrious career. Ott was known for his significant contributions to the game and his role in popularizing baseball. source: britannica.com
- 15 Apr Stylianos Kyriakides wins 50th Boston Marathon: Greek runner Stylianos Kyriakides won the 50th Boston Marathon, becoming the first European to win the race since 1911. source: boston.com
- 17 Apr Death of Cricket Player John Iddon: John Iddon, an English cricket player who played five Tests between 1934-35, died in a car accident.
- 23 Apr Eastern Pennsylvania Basketball League founded: The Eastern Pennsylvania Basketball League was established on April 23, 1946, to promote basketball in the region. It aimed to provide a competitive platform for local teams and players, contributing to the growth of the sport in Pennsylvania. source: basketball-reference.com
- 24 Apr Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony: The Baseball Hall of Fame held its first induction ceremony on April 24, 1946, honoring the inaugural class of players. This event marked a significant moment in baseball history, celebrating the sport's legends. source: britannica.com
- 25 Apr Death of Joseph Vine: Joseph Vine, a cricket player who participated in two Test matches between England and Australia during the 1911-12 series, died. Vine was a representative of the early international cricket era, contributing to the sport's competitive landscape.
- 10 May Red Sox defeat Yankees 5-4: On May 10, 1946, the Boston Red Sox secured their 15th consecutive victory by defeating the New York Yankees 5-4 at Yankee Stadium. The game featured a notable performance by Joe DiMaggio, who hit a grand slam for the Yankees, accounting for all their runs. Earl Johnson earned the win for the Red Sox with four innings of scoreless relief. source: baseball-reference.com
- 11 May First Night Game at Boston Braves Field: The Boston Braves hosted the New York Giants in the first night baseball game at Boston Braves Field, with the Giants winning 5-1. This marked a significant milestone in baseball's transition to night games, enhancing fan experience and stadium economics.
- 13 May Cricket Match: India vs Surrey: In a notable cricket performance, Sarwate and Banerjee add 249 runs for the 10th wicket in a match between Indians and Surrey, demonstrating remarkable batting resilience.
- 20 May Cubs Pitcher Claude Passeau's Fielding Record Ends: Chicago Cubs pitcher Claude Passeau commits his first error since September 21, 1941, concluding an impressive streak of 273 consecutive errorless fielding chances.
- 24 May Birth of Olympic Champion Irena Szewińska: Irena Szewińska, a renowned Polish sprinter and Olympic champion, was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) on May 24, 1946. She became one of Poland's most decorated athletes, holding world records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. source: kfgo.com
- 26 May Mel Ott Ends Baseball Career: Baseball legend Mel Ott concludes his professional playing career, ending with a challenging season where he was batting .048, marking the conclusion of a significant era in Major League Baseball.
- 28 May Historic night game at Yankee Stadium: On May 28, 1946, Yankee Stadium hosted its first night game, a landmark event in baseball history. This game marked the beginning of a new era for Major League Baseball, allowing for games to be played after dark. source: nytimes.com
- 30 May George Robson wins Indianapolis 500 after World War II hiatus: George Robson won the 1946 Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1946, marking the first race after World War II. He led 138 of the 200 laps and finished 44.04 seconds ahead of rookie Jimmy Jackson. source: si.com
- 01 Jun Assault Wins Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown: Warren Mehrtens rode the horse Assault to victory in the 78th Belmont Stakes, completing the Triple Crown in a time of 2:30.8. This remarkable achievement solidified Assault's place in horse racing history.
- 06 Jun Formation of the Basketball Association of America (BAA): On June 6, 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was established in New York City by a group of arena owners and sports promoters. The league aimed to fill large venues by hosting professional basketball games, marking a significant development in the sport's commercialization. source: espn.com
- 07 Jun Pirates players vote to walkout: On June 7, 1946, the Pittsburgh Pirates players voted to walk out, protesting against management decisions.
- 09 Jun Joe Louis Defeats Billy Conn in Heavyweight Boxing Title Fight: On June 9, 1946, Joe Louis successfully defended his heavyweight boxing title by defeating Billy Conn in a rematch. The fight was a significant event in the boxing world. source: boxingnews24.com
- 16 Jun Derek Sanderson: Professional Hockey Player Birth: Derek Sanderson was born, who would later become a notable professional ice hockey player known for his time with the Boston Bruins and his colorful personality.
- 21 Jun Bill Veeck acquires Cleveland Indians: On June 21, 1946, Bill Veeck completed the acquisition of the Cleveland Indians, a significant event in Major League Baseball history. Veeck was known for his innovative marketing strategies and efforts to integrate baseball. source: britannica.com
- 22 Jun Bill Veeck acquires Cleveland Indians: On June 22, 1946, Bill Veeck officially took control of the Cleveland Indians, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. His leadership would influence the team's direction and fan engagement. source: britannica.com
- 05 Jul Sam Snead wins British Open: American golfer Sam Snead won the British Open on July 5, 1946. This victory added to his illustrious career, marking him as one of the sport's greats. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Jul 1946 Major League Baseball All-Star Game: The 13th Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held on July 9, 1946, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The American League defeated the National League 12–0, with Ted Williams setting records for hits (4), home runs (2), runs (4), RBIs (5), and total bases (10). source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Jul Vance Dinges' unique inside-the-park home run: On July 12, 1946, Vance Dinges hit a remarkable inside-the-park home run during a minor league game. This event is notable for its rarity and the excitement it generated among fans. Dinges' performance is remembered as a highlight of the season. source: baseball-almanac.com
- 14 Jul Historic baseball performance: Lou Boudreau vs Ted Williams: On July 14, 1946, a notable baseball game featured Lou Boudreau facing off against Ted Williams. This matchup is remembered for its competitive spirit and the skills displayed by both players. It remains a highlight in the history of Major League Baseball. source: baseball-reference.com
- 19 Jul Birth of Ilie Năstase: Ilie Năstase, a renowned Romanian tennis player, was born on July 19, 1946. He is considered one of the greatest tennis players of his era. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Jul Rudy York's historic baseball performance: On July 27, 1946, Boston Red Sox first baseman Rudy York achieved a remarkable feat by hitting two grand slam home runs in a single game against the St. Louis Browns, driving in 10 runs. This performance contributed to the Red Sox's 13-6 victory and remains one of the most memorable individual achievements in baseball history. source: sabr.org
- 02 Aug Bob Beamon: Olympic Long Jump Legend: Bob Beamon, a remarkable long jumper who would later set an extraordinary world record at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics by jumping an unprecedented 29 feet 2.5 inches (8.9m), was noted in historical records.
- 03 Aug National Basketball Association founded: The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded on August 3, 1946, in New York City. This marked the beginning of a professional basketball league that would grow to become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. source: britannica.com
- 20 Aug Bob Feller's radar-measured pitch speed: On August 20, 1946, baseball pitcher Bob Feller had his pitch speed measured at 98.6 mph, making it one of the fastest recorded pitches of the time. This event highlighted advancements in sports technology and the growing interest in measuring athletic performance. source: baseballhall.org
- 22 Aug Major League Baseball schedule adjustment: On August 22, 1946, Major League Baseball announced a schedule adjustment due to weather conditions affecting several games. This decision was part of the league's efforts to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the season. source: nytimes.com
- 25 Aug Birth of baseball legend Rollie Fingers: Rollie Fingers, a Hall of Fame baseball pitcher known for his distinctive handlebar mustache and exceptional relief pitching, was born on August 25, 1946. He played a significant role in the success of several Major League Baseball teams during his career. source: britannica.com
- 28 Aug Birth of Olympic legend Bob Beamon: Bob Beamon, an iconic figure in athletics, was born on August 28, 1946. He is best known for his long jump record set during the 1968 Olympics, which stood for nearly 23 years and is considered one of the greatest achievements in sports history. source: britannica.com
- 02 Sep Yankees management change announced: On September 2, 1946, the New York Yankees announced a significant change in their management structure. This decision was part of the team's efforts to maintain its competitive edge in Major League Baseball. source: nytimes.com
- 05 Sep Joe Garagiola's MLB Debut: On September 5, 1946, Joe Garagiola made his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. Garagiola was a catcher who played in the MLB from 1946 to 1954 and later became a well-known broadcaster.
- 06 Sep First All-American Football Conference Game: On September 6, 1946, the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) held its inaugural game at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium. The Cleveland Browns defeated the Miami Seahawks 44-0 before a crowd of 60,135, marking the largest attendance for a regularly scheduled professional football game at that time. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Sep 66th US Men's Tennis Championship: Jack Kramer defeats Tom Brown Jr.: In the men's singles final of the 66th U.S. National Championships, Jack Kramer defeated Tom Brown Jr. with a score of 9–7, 6–3, 6–0. This victory marked Kramer's first U.S. men's singles title. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Sep Longest scoreless tie in MLB history: On September 11, 1946, the Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers played a 19-inning scoreless tie at Ebbets Field, the longest scoreless game in Major League Baseball history. source: sabr.org
- 13 Sep Boston Red Sox win American League pennant: On September 13, 1946, the Boston Red Sox clinched the American League pennant, marking their first AL pennant since 1918. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Sep Cleveland Indians' League Park Era Concludes: The Cleveland Indians played their final game at League Park on 21 September 1946, marking the end of an era for the team. source: mlb.com
- 22 Sep Yogi Berra's Major League Debut: On September 22, 1946, Yogi Berra made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Yankees against the Philadelphia Athletics. In his second at-bat, he hit a home run. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Oct First National League Playoffs: The first National League playoffs took place on October 1, 1946, marking a significant moment in baseball history. This event was part of the postseason structure that would evolve in Major League Baseball. source: baseball-reference.com
- 03 Oct St. Louis Cardinals win first National League playoffs: On October 3, 1946, the St. Louis Cardinals secured their first National League pennant in the post-war era. This victory allowed them to advance to the World Series, where they would ultimately face the Boston Red Sox. source: britannica.com
- 10 Oct Gene Tenace Born: Gene Tenace, a professional Major League Baseball catcher, was born in Russellton, Pennsylvania, who would later become a notable player in the sport.
- 16 Oct St. Louis Cardinals Win World Series: The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Boston Red Sox 4-3 in the seventh game of the World Series, claiming the major league baseball championship in a thrilling series conclusion.
- 20 Oct NFL record: Frank Seno's 105-yard kickoff return: On October 20, 1946, Frank Seno of the Chicago Cardinals set an NFL record with a 105-yard kickoff return against the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds in New York City. This remarkable play temporarily gave the Cardinals a 24-21 lead, but the Giants ultimately won the game 28-24. source: pigskindispatch.com
- 15 Nov Ted Williams Named American League MVP: Ted Williams, the legendary Boston Red Sox outfielder, was selected as the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding performance during the 1946 baseball season.
- 18 Nov College Football's 'Game of the Century': On November 18, 1946, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Oklahoma faced off in a highly anticipated college football game, often referred to as the "Game of the Century." The game ended in a 0-0 tie, maintaining Notre Dame's undefeated season. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Nov Suzy Chaffee: Olympic skier born: Suzy Chaffee, an American Olympic skier, was born on November 29, 1946. She became known not only for her athletic achievements but also for her later work in promoting skiing and sports for women. source: britannica.com
- 30 Nov Dramatic Army-Navy football game: On November 30, 1946, the Army-Navy football game took place, marking a significant rivalry in American college football. The game is known for its intense competition and has a storied history, symbolizing the spirit of the military academies. source: britannica.com
- 01 Dec Cricket Test match: Australia vs India at the Gabba: On December 1, 1946, Australia faced India in a Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane. This match was significant as it marked one of the early encounters between the two nations in Test cricket history. source: britannica.com
- 03 Dec Notre Dame claims 1946 college football championship: On December 3, 1946, Notre Dame was recognized as the national champion in college football for the 1946 season. This title was awarded based on their impressive performance throughout the season, culminating in a victory over the University of Southern California. source: britannica.com
- 06 Dec Frank Hayes achieves cricket career milestone: On December 6, 1946, Frank Hayes, a notable cricket player, reached a significant milestone in his career. His contributions to the sport have been recognized, and he is remembered for his performances during a pivotal era in cricket history. Hayes played for various teams and left a lasting impact on the game. source: espncricinfo.com
- 10 Dec Walter Johnson's death: Walter Johnson, a renowned American baseball pitcher, passed away on December 10, 1946, in Washington, D.C., due to a brain tumor. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Dec Rick McCosker: Australian Cricket Player: Rick McCosker emerges as a notable Australian cricket opener, playing a significant role in the national team during the period of 1975-1980.
- 12 Dec Birth of Emerson Fittipaldi: Emerson Fittipaldi, a Brazilian racing driver and two-time Formula One World Champion, was born on December 12, 1946. He is known for his significant contributions to motorsport and his successful career in both Formula One and IndyCar. source: britannica.com
- 17 Dec Albert Padmore born in Barbados: Albert Leroy Padmore, a former West Indies cricketer, was born on December 17, 1946, in Halls Village, St James, Barbados. He played two Test matches for the West Indies in 1976, primarily as an off-spin bowler. Padmore also represented Barbados in first-class and List A cricket. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Dec Stan Smith Birth: Stan Smith, a notable American tennis player, was born on this date. Smith would later become a prominent figure in professional tennis, known for his powerful serve and successful career.
- 22 Dec Cleveland Browns win AAFC Championship: On December 22, 1946, the Cleveland Browns won the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) Championship, defeating the New York Yankees. This victory marked the Browns' first championship title in professional football. source: profootballhof.com
- 26 Dec USA wins Davis Cup: On December 26, 1946, the United States secured victory in the Davis Cup, the premier international team event in men's tennis, by defeating Australia in the final. source: daviscup.com
- 27 Dec United States triumphs in post-World War II Davis Cup: On December 27, 1946, the United States secured victory in the Davis Cup, the premier international team event in men's tennis, by defeating Australia in the final. source: daviscup.com
- 31 Dec San Francisco 49ers Formation: The NFL team San Francisco 49ers is established, marking the beginning of a storied franchise in professional American football.
What happened in 1946?
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