1950 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1950 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 05 Jan Sverdlovsk plane crash kills Soviet Air Force ice hockey team: On January 5, 1950, a Lisunov Li-2 aircraft carrying the VVS Moscow ice hockey team crashed near Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg), Russia, due to adverse weather conditions. All 19 people on board, including 11 players, a team doctor, and a masseur, perished. Among the victims was goalkeeper Harijs Mellups. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Jan George Rowe, South African Cricket Player, Dies: George Rowe, a notable South African cricket player who took 15 wickets in four Tests between 1895-1902, passed away. Though not a contemporary star, Rowe represented an important era in early international cricket.
- 15 Jan Marius Trésor, French footballer: Marius Trésor, a notable French footballer, was born on January 15, 1950. He became known for his defensive skills and contributions to French football in the following decades. source: britannica.com
- 22 Jan LPGA Tampa Golf Open won by Polly Riley: Polly Riley won the LPGA Tampa Golf Open on January 22, 1950. This victory contributed to her recognition in women's golf during the early years of the LPGA Tour. source: lpga.com
- 23 Jan NFL introduces two-platoon system: On January 23, 1950, the National Football League (NFL) adopted the two-platoon system, allowing teams to specialize players for offense and defense. This change significantly impacted the strategy and dynamics of American football. source: profootballhof.com
- 24 Jan Jackie Robinson signs record contract with Brooklyn Dodgers: On January 24, 1950, Jackie Robinson signed a record contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, making headlines in the sports world. This contract was significant not only for its financial terms but also for Robinson's role in breaking baseball's color barrier. source: nytimes.com
- 16 Feb Baseball Hall of Fame election fails to elect new members: On February 16, 1950, the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) conducted its annual Hall of Fame election but failed to elect any new members. The top vote-getters were Mel Ott and Bill Terry, both former New York Giants, but neither received the required 75% of the vote for induction. This marked the first time since 1945 that no new inductees were selected. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Feb Julius Erving born: Julius Erving, also known as 'Dr. J', was born on February 22, 1950. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, known for his athleticism and contributions to the game. source: basketball-reference.com
- 01 Mar Shahid Israr: Pakistani Cricket Player: Shahid Israr, a Pakistani cricket wicket-keeper who played one Test match against New Zealand in 1976, marking his brief international cricket career.
- 07 Mar World Men's Figure Skating Championship: The 1950 World Men's Figure Skating Championship was held from March 6 to 8, 1950, at Wembley Arena in London, United Kingdom. American skater Richard 'Dick' Button won the men's singles title. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Mar Babe Didrikson Zaharias wins fifth U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship: On March 19, 1950, American golfer Babe Didrikson Zaharias secured her fifth U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship title, further solidifying her legacy in the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Mar Death of Douglas Carr: Douglas Carr, a notable England cricket leg-spinner who played Test cricket in 1909, passed away, marking the end of a significant era in early 20th-century cricket.
- 24 Mar US Men's Figure Skating Championship: The 1950 U.S. Figure Skating Championships were held from March 22 to 26, 1950, in Washington, D.C., at the Uline Arena. Richard Button won the men's senior title, marking his third consecutive national championship victory. source: skateguardblog.com
- 28 Mar CCNY Beavers win NCAA basketball championship: On March 28, 1950, the City College of New York (CCNY) Beavers secured their first NCAA men's basketball championship by defeating the Bradley Braves 71–68 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This victory marked the only instance of a team winning both the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and NCAA tournaments in the same season. Irwin Dambrot of CCNY was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Apr Jimmy Demaret wins 14th Golf Masters Championship: On April 9, 1950, Jimmy Demaret won the 14th Masters Tournament, marking his third victory at this prestigious golf event. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the top golfers of his time, contributing to the legacy of the Masters Championship. source: masters.com
- 20 Apr Baltimore Memorial Stadium opens: Baltimore Memorial Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium, officially opened on April 20, 1950. It served as a venue for various sports events, including football and baseball, and was a significant landmark in Baltimore until its closure in 2001. source: baltimoresun.com
- 26 Apr University of Miami tennis team achieves milestone: On April 26, 1950, the University of Miami's tennis team reached a significant milestone by winning its first conference championship. This achievement highlighted the growing prominence of the university's athletic programs. source: miami.edu
- 11 May Dane Iorg: Professional Baseball Player: Dane Iorg, a professional baseball player, was active in Major League Baseball, playing for teams including the Philadelphia Phillies and Saint Louis Cardinals. He would later become known for his contributions to the sport during his career.
- 13 May First Formula One World Championship race at Silverstone: The inaugural Formula One World Championship race took place at Silverstone on May 13, 1950. This event marked the beginning of the Formula One series, which has since become one of the most prestigious motorsport competitions in the world. The race was won by Giuseppe Farina driving for Alfa Romeo. source: bbc.com
- 20 May 76th Preakness Stakes won by Eddie Arcaro: On May 20, 1950, Eddie Arcaro rode Hill Prince to victory in the 76th Preakness Stakes, marking a notable achievement in horse racing history. This win contributed to Arcaro's reputation as one of the greatest jockeys of his time. source: britannica.com
- 30 May Patty Berg wins LPGA Eastern Golf Open: On May 30, 1950, Patty Berg secured victory at the Eastern Women's Open, a golf tournament on the LPGA Tour. The event was held at Woodland Golf Club in Newton, Massachusetts. Berg's performance led her to win the tournament, marking a significant achievement in her career. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jun Maracanã Stadium opens in Rio de Janeiro: The Maracanã Stadium was inaugurated on June 16, 1950, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It became one of the largest and most iconic football stadiums in the world, hosting numerous significant matches, including the FIFA World Cup. source: britannica.com
- 24 Jun 1950 FIFA World Cup begins in Brazil: The 1950 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 24, 1950, in Brazil, marking the first World Cup after World War II. This tournament was notable for its unique format and the absence of several strong teams, leading to unexpected outcomes. source: britannica.com
- 25 Jun Baseball home run highlight: On June 25, 1950, a notable home run was hit in Major League Baseball, capturing the attention of fans and marking a memorable moment in the season. This event is part of the rich history of baseball in America. source: britannica.com
- 29 Jun United States defeats England in World Cup soccer: On June 29, 1950, the United States soccer team achieved a stunning 1-0 victory over England in the FIFA World Cup, considered one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Jul Bob Feller Wins 200th Baseball Game: American baseball pitcher Bob Feller achieved a significant milestone by winning his 200th game, defeating Detroit with a 5-3 victory.
- 07 Jul 64th Wimbledon Men's Singles Championship: On July 7, 1950, the 64th Wimbledon Men's Singles Championship concluded with Budge Patty defeating Frank Sedgman in the final. The match scores were 6–1, 8–10, 6–2, and 6–3. source: reuters.com
- 08 Jul Louise Brough Wins Wimbledon Women's Tennis: On July 8, 1950, Louise Brough won the Wimbledon Women's Singles title, defeating Margaret duPont in the final. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jul 17th MLB All-Star Game at Comiskey Park: The 17th Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held on July 11, 1950, at Comiskey Park in Chicago. The National League defeated the American League 4–3 in 14 innings, marking the first extra-inning All-Star Game. Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox sustained an elbow injury during the game after colliding with the unpadded outfield wall. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jul Uruguay defeats Brazil in dramatic World Cup final: In the 1950 FIFA World Cup final, Uruguay overcame Brazil 2-1 at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium. Brazil led with a goal from Friaça in the 48th minute, but Uruguay's Juan Alberto Schiaffino equalized in the 66th minute, and Alcides Ghiggia scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute, securing Uruguay's second World Cup title. source: bbc.com
- 22 Jul Frank Worrell's cricket performance: On July 22, 1950, Frank Worrell, the West Indies cricket captain, delivered a remarkable performance in a match against England. His leadership and skill were pivotal in establishing the West Indies as a formidable cricketing nation. source: britannica.com
- 29 Jul Pee Wee Reese milestone in baseball: On July 29, 1950, Pee Wee Reese achieved a significant milestone in his baseball career, becoming a key player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His contributions to the team were pivotal during this era. source: britannica.com
- 08 Aug Babe Didrikson-Zaharias Wins LPGA All-American Golf Open: Legendary athlete Babe Didrikson-Zaharias secured victory at the LPGA All-American Golf Open, further cementing her status as one of the most versatile and accomplished female athletes of the 20th century. Her win demonstrated her exceptional skill and continued dominance in women's professional golf.
- 09 Aug Lusty Song triumphs in Hambletonian Race: On August 9, 1950, Lusty Song won the prestigious Hambletonian Race, a significant event in harness racing. This victory marked a notable achievement in the horse racing community, drawing attention from fans and media alike. source: nytimes.com
- 11 Aug Joe DiMaggio benched for the first time in his career: On August 11, 1950, New York Yankees manager Casey Stengel benched Joe DiMaggio, citing fatigue and a need for rest. This marked the first time in DiMaggio's career that he was not in the starting lineup. source: thisdayinbaseball.com
- 15 Aug Ezzard Charles Wins Heavyweight Boxing Title: Ezzard Charles defeats Freddie Beshore by technical knockout (TKO) in the 14th round, securing the heavyweight boxing championship.
- 21 Aug Althea Gibson becomes first African American to compete in U.S. National Tennis Championships: On August 21, 1950, Althea Gibson was accepted into the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Association's championship at Forest Hills, New York, becoming the first African American to compete in a U.S. national tennis competition. source: history.com
- 22 Aug Althea Gibson breaks racial barrier in tennis: In 1950, amid widespread segregation, Althea Gibson made history by becoming the first Black person to compete in the U.S. National Championships, now known as the U.S. Open. source: history.com
- 23 Aug First Southern 500 NASCAR race held in Darlington, South Carolina: The inaugural Southern 500 NASCAR race took place at Darlington Raceway, marking a significant event in stock car racing history. This race was notable for being the first 500-mile race in NASCAR history, setting a precedent for future events. source: britannica.com
- 25 Aug Sugar Ray Robinson defeats José Basora: On August 25, 1950, boxer Sugar Ray Robinson successfully defended his Pennsylvania State World Middleweight Title by defeating José Basora via knockout in the first round at Scranton Stadium in Pennsylvania. Robinson's victory added to his impressive record, further solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the middleweight division. source: boxingonly.net
- 29 Aug IOC admits West Germany and Japan: On August 29, 1950, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to admit West Germany and Japan into the Olympic movement, allowing them to participate in the 1952 Summer Olympics. source: brainyhistory.com
- 03 Sep First Formula One World Champion: Giuseppe 'Nino' Farina secured the inaugural Formula One World Championship by winning the 1950 Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 3, 1950. This victory clinched the championship title for Farina, who had previously won the British Grand Prix earlier that year. source: formula1.com
- 10 Sep DiMaggio baseball achievement: On September 10, 1950, Joe DiMaggio achieved a significant milestone in his baseball career, further solidifying his status as one of the sport's legends. His contributions to the New York Yankees and the game of baseball are widely celebrated. source: britannica.com
- 15 Sep Johnny Mize's three-homer game: On September 15, 1950, Johnny Mize of the New York Yankees hit three home runs in a single game against the Detroit Tigers, marking his fourth career three-homer game. source: baseballhall.org
- 16 Sep Cleveland Rams' First NFL Game: On September 16, 1950, the Cleveland Rams played their first game in the National Football League (NFL) after the league's expansion to include teams from the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). source: pro-football-reference.com
- 17 Sep San Francisco 49ers' First NFL Game: On September 17, 1950, the San Francisco 49ers played their first game in the National Football League (NFL) after the league's expansion to include teams from the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). source: pro-football-reference.com
- 23 Sep Patty Berg wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Patty Berg won the LPGA Golf Tournament on September 23, 1950, marking a significant achievement in women's professional golf. She was one of the founding members of the LPGA and a prominent figure in the sport. source: lpga.com
- 26 Sep Record-Breaking Baseball Performance: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jim Konstanty set a remarkable record by making his 71st appearance of the year, highlighting his exceptional endurance and significance to the team.
- 27 Sep Ezzard Charles defeats Joe Louis in heavyweight boxing title match: On September 27, 1950, Ezzard Charles defeated Joe Louis to become the world heavyweight boxing champion. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Oct NFL high-scoring game: On October 2, 1950, an NFL game featured an exceptionally high score, with the Los Angeles Rams defeating the Baltimore Colts 70-27. This game set a record for the highest combined score in NFL history at that time. source: pro-football-reference.com
- 03 Oct Baseball World Series Restriction: Major League Baseball rules that Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Curt Simmons, who is on Army furlough, cannot participate in the World Series, highlighting the intersection of military service and professional sports during the post-World War II era.
- 07 Oct Cleveland Browns defeat Pittsburgh Steelers 30-17 in inaugural NFL meeting: On October 7, 1950, the Cleveland Browns secured a 30-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first-ever NFL matchup. The Browns' offense was led by quarterback Otto Graham, who contributed significantly to the win. This game marked the beginning of the longstanding rivalry between the two teams. source: statmuse.com
- 08 Oct NFL Game Day: October 8, 1950, was a Sunday, a typical day for professional football matches in the United States.
- 18 Oct Connie Mack Retires from Philadelphia Athletics: On October 18, 1950, Connie Mack, the 87-year-old manager of the Philadelphia Athletics, announced his retirement after 50 years at the helm. Mack, known as "The Tall Tactician," had led the team to nine American League pennants and five World Series titles. He was succeeded by Jimmy Dykes as manager. source: philadelphiaathletics.org
- 26 Oct Branch Rickey resigns from Brooklyn Dodgers: On October 26, 1950, Branch Rickey announced his resignation as president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rickey was instrumental in breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson in 1947. source: nytimes.com
- 27 Oct New York Yankees Win 1950 World Series: The New York Yankees completed a dominant four-game sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies, winning the 1950 World Series with a final game score of 5-2, further cementing their baseball dynasty.
- 31 Oct First African-American NBA player: On October 31, 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African-American player to compete in an NBA game. His debut marked a significant milestone in the integration of professional basketball in the United States. source: britannica.com
- 06 Nov Branch Rickey Joins Pittsburgh Pirates Leadership: Branch Rickey signed a five-year contract as Vice President and General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, marking a significant moment in the franchise's management history.
- 08 Nov Walt Dropo wins AL Rookie of the Year: Walt Dropo, a first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, was awarded the American League Rookie of the Year in 1950. He had an impressive season, hitting .322 with 34 home runs and 144 RBIs, making a significant impact in his debut year. source: baseball-reference.com
- 09 Nov Sam Jethroe wins National League Rookie of the Year: Sam Jethroe, an outfielder for the Boston Braves, was named the National League Rookie of the Year on November 9, 1950. He had a standout season, contributing significantly to his team's performance with a batting average of .273 and 14 home runs. source: baseball-reference.com
- 12 Nov NFL rushing record set by Gene Roberts: Gene Roberts of the New York Giants set an NFL and team single-game rushing record with 218 yards against the Chicago Cardinals on November 12, 1950. This record stood until 1956 for the NFL and until 2005 for the Giants. source: gomocs.com
- 22 Nov Lowest NBA Score in History: On November 22, 1950, the Fort Wayne Pistons defeated the Minneapolis Lakers 19–18 in the lowest-scoring game in NBA history. The Pistons employed a stalling strategy, passing the ball without shooting for extended periods, leading to the game's record low score. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Nov Canadian Football Championship: The 38th Canadian Football League (CFL) Grey Cup is won by the Toronto Argonauts, who defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with a decisive 13-0 victory.
- 27 Nov Lou Boudreau Signs with Red Sox: The Boston Red Sox signed accomplished shortstop Lou Boudreau to a two-year player contract. Boudreau, a notable baseball player and manager, would continue to contribute to the sport's rich history through this professional engagement.
- 11 Dec Baseball Commissioner contract not renewed: On December 11, 1950, during the winter meetings, Major League Baseball owners voted against renewing Commissioner Happy Chandler's contract, with a vote of 9 in favor and 7 against. source: sabr.org
- 12 Dec Vic Janowicz Wins Heisman Trophy: Vic Janowicz, a standout player from Ohio State University, won the Heisman Trophy on December 12, 1950. This prestigious award is given annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Janowicz's performance during the season was instrumental in earning him this honor, highlighting his skills and contributions to the sport. source: nytimes.com
- 15 Dec Ezzard Charles retains heavyweight boxing title: On December 15, 1950, Ezzard Charles successfully defended his World Heavyweight Boxing Championship title by defeating challenger Jersey Joe Walcott in a 15-round unanimous decision. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Dec NFL Championship Game: Cleveland Browns victory: On December 24, 1950, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Los Angeles Rams 30-28 in the NFL Championship Game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The game was tied 28-28 when Lou 'The Toe' Groza kicked a 16-yard field goal with 28 seconds left, securing the Browns' first NFL title in their inaugural season. source: en.wikipedia.org
What happened in 1950?
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