1956 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights

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1956 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to


  • 01 Jan Rose Bowl: Michigan State Defeats UCLA: In a thrilling college football match, Michigan State defeats UCLA 17-14 in the Rose Bowl, marking a significant moment in collegiate sports history.
  • 06 Jan Legal Dispute in Little League Baseball: A US Federal court issued a ruling preventing former Little League Commissioner Carl Stotz from establishing a competing organization, highlighting internal conflicts within youth sports administration.
  • 07 Jan Record-breaking cricket partnership by Vinoo Mankad and Roy: Vinoo Mankad and his partner set a record for the highest partnership in Test cricket during a match against New Zealand. Their performance was pivotal in establishing a strong position for India in the game. source: espncricinfo.com
  • 09 Jan World Professional Match-play Championship opens: The World Professional Match-play Championship, a significant event in the world of professional golf, commenced on January 9, 1956. This championship has been a key tournament in the golfing calendar, attracting top players from around the globe. source: bbc.com
  • 15 Jan Marlene Bauer Wins LPGA Sea Island Golf Open: Professional golfer Marlene Bauer secured victory at the LPGA Sea Island Golf Open.
  • 16 Jan Wayne Daniel: West Indies Cricket Player: Wayne Wendell Daniel, a former West Indian cricketer, was born on January 16, 1956, in Brereton Village, St Philip, Barbados. He was known for his right-arm fast bowling and played for the West Indies, Middlesex, Barbados, and Western Australia. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 22 Jan Canadian Football Council established: On January 22, 1956, representatives from the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU) formed the Canadian Football Council (CFC) in Winnipeg. G. Sydney Halter, QC, was appointed as the commissioner. The CFC introduced a national negotiation list and increased the touchdown point value from five to six. Television rights for Canadian football games were sold for $101,000. source: britannica.com
  • 26 Jan VII Olympic Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo: The VII Olympic Winter Games were held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from January 26 to February 5, 1956. This event featured various winter sports and was notable for the participation of athletes from around the world. source: britannica.com
  • 27 Jan New York Giants stadium relocation: On January 27, 1956, the New York Giants announced plans to relocate their stadium to a new site in New Jersey. This decision was part of a broader trend of sports teams moving to suburban areas for better facilities and fan access. source: nytimes.com
  • 29 Jan 1956 World Sportscar Championship begins: The 1956 World Sportscar Championship commenced with the 1000 km Buenos Aires race on January 29, 1956. The event was won by Stirling Moss and Carlos Menditéguy, driving a Maserati 300S. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Feb Toni Sailor Makes Olympic History in Alpine Skiing: On February 3, 1956, Toni Sailor made Olympic history by winning a gold medal in alpine skiing at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 Feb American League tests automatic intentional walk: On February 4, 1956, the American League announced it would test the automatic intentional walk during spring training. This experiment aimed to expedite the game by allowing managers to signal for an intentional walk without the pitcher throwing four balls. The rule was not adopted in the majors until 2017. source: baseballhall.org
  • 08 Feb Death of legendary baseball manager Connie Mack: On February 8, 1956, Connie Mack, the legendary baseball manager, passed away at the age of 93. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 Feb Fay Crocker wins LPGA Miami Beach Golf Open: On February 12, 1956, Fay Crocker secured victory at the LPGA Miami Beach Golf Open, marking a significant achievement in her professional golf career.
  • 15 Feb Desmond Haynes: Cricket Legend: Desmond Haynes was a renowned West Indies cricket player, recognized as one of the greatest opening batsmen in one-day cricket history. His exceptional batting skills and consistent performance made him a pivotal figure in West Indies cricket during his era.
  • 16 Feb 1956 World Figure Skating Championships: The 1956 World Figure Skating Championships were held from February 16 to 19 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, West Germany. The event featured competitions in men's singles, women's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing, with athletes from various countries participating. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 Feb Carol Heiss Wins Ladies Figure Skating Championship: At the 1956 World Figure Skating Championships, Carol Heiss secured the gold medal in the ladies' singles event. She delivered a near-flawless performance, earning high praise from judges and spectators alike. source: skateguardblog.com
  • 22 Feb First British soccer match under artificial lighting: On February 22, 1956, the first-ever British soccer match played under artificial lighting took place at Highbury Stadium in London, featuring Arsenal against a team of international stars. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 Feb Betsy Rawls wins LPGA Sarasota Golf Open: On February 26, 1956, Betsy Rawls won the LPGA Sarasota Golf Open. Rawls was a prominent American professional golfer, known for her consistent performance on the LPGA Tour. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 01 Mar Birth of cricket player Balwinder Singh Sandhu: Balwinder Singh Sandhu, an Indian cricketer known for his contributions to the sport, was born on March 1, 1956. He played a significant role in Indian cricket during the 1980s and is remembered for his performances in both domestic and international matches. source: britannica.com
  • 03 Mar Birth of Zbigniew Boniek: Zbigniew Boniek, a renowned Polish football player and coach, was born on March 3, 1956. He is celebrated for his contributions to football, particularly during his time with the Polish national team and clubs like Juventus and Roma. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Mar Louise Suggs wins LPGA Titleholders Golf Championship: On March 11, 1956, Louise Suggs won the LPGA Titleholders Golf Championship, marking a significant achievement in women's golf. This victory added to her reputation as one of the leading female golfers of her time. Suggs' success helped to elevate the profile of women's golf in the United States. source: bbc.com
  • 13 Mar New Zealand Wins First Test Cricket Match Against West Indies: New Zealand achieved a historic victory by bowling out West Indies for just 77 runs at Eden Park, securing their first Test Cricket win and marking a significant moment in the nation's sporting history.
  • 15 Mar Wrestling championship change: On March 15, 1956, significant changes were made to the wrestling championship formats, impacting how competitions were structured. This was part of an ongoing evolution in the sport to enhance viewer engagement and athlete performance. source: britannica.com
  • 16 Mar Tenley Albright wins US Ladies Figure Skating Championship: On March 16, 1956, Tenley Albright secured the title at the US Ladies Figure Skating Championship held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The competition, which took place from March 14 to 17, saw Albright's impressive performance, earning her the senior women's singles title. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 23 Mar NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: San Francisco wins its second consecutive NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, defeating Iowa with a score of 83-71, demonstrating the team's basketball prowess.
  • 24 Mar Devon Loch's unexpected collapse in Grand National: In the 1956 Grand National, Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, was leading by five lengths when he inexplicably collapsed 40 yards from the finish line, allowing E.S.B. to win. The cause of the collapse remains a mystery. source: theguardian.com
  • 28 Mar Asoka de Silva: Sri Lankan cricket leg spinner: Asoka de Silva, a Sri Lankan cricketer known for his leg-spin bowling, was born on March 28, 1956, in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. He played in 10 Test matches and 28 One Day Internationals for Sri Lanka between 1985 and 1992. source: espncricinfo.com
  • 06 Apr Dilip Vengsarkar Born: Dilip Vengsarkar, a renowned Indian cricketer, was born on April 6, 1956, in Rajapur, Maharashtra, India. He is celebrated for his exceptional batting skills and was a key player in the Indian cricket team during the late 1970s and 1980s. Vengsarkar made significant contributions to Indian cricket, including leading the team to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 Apr Jack Burke Jr wins 20th Golf Masters Championship: Jack Burke Jr. won the 20th Masters Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club, marking a significant achievement in his golfing career. His victory solidified his status as one of the top golfers of the era. source: pga.com
  • 10 Apr Montreal Canadiens Win Stanley Cup: On April 10, 1956, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Detroit Red Wings in the finals. This victory marked the Canadiens' 10th Stanley Cup championship.
  • 15 Apr Juan Manuel Fangio wins 1956 Syracuse Grand Prix: On April 15, 1956, Argentine racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio won the Syracuse Grand Prix, a significant event in the Formula One calendar. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 Apr First Major League Baseball game in New Jersey: On April 19, 1956, the first Major League Baseball game was played in New Jersey, marking a significant moment in the state's sports history. The game featured the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, drawing a large crowd and setting the stage for future baseball events in the state. source: nj.com
  • 27 Apr Rocky Marciano retires undefeated: On April 27, 1956, world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano announced his retirement from boxing at age 32, ending his career with a perfect record of 49 wins and 43 knockouts. source: history.com
  • 05 May Jim Bailey sets mile record: On May 5, 1956, Jim Bailey set a new world record in the mile run, achieving a time that would stand for years. This accomplishment highlighted Bailey's exceptional athletic ability and contributed to the history of track and field. His record-setting performance was celebrated in the sports community. source: britannica.com
  • 06 May 54th Copa del Generalísimo football competition begins: The 54th edition of the Copa del Generalísimo, a prestigious football tournament in Spain, began on May 6, 1956. This competition features top teams from across the country vying for the championship title. source: rsssf.org
  • 07 May Bill White's first MLB home run: Bill White, an American baseball player, hit his first Major League Baseball home run on May 7, 1956. White would go on to have a successful career, becoming a notable figure in the sport. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 09 May First ascent of Manaslu mountain: On May 9, 1956, a Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu achieved the first successful ascent of Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. This ascent marked a significant milestone in the history of mountaineering. source: britannica.com
  • 16 May Cricket match: Surrey vs Australia: On May 16, 1956, a notable cricket match took place between Surrey and Australia, drawing significant attention from cricket fans. This match was part of a series that highlighted the competitive spirit of the sport. source: bbc.com
  • 17 May Birth of Sugar Ray Leonard: Sugar Ray Leonard, an iconic American professional boxer, was born on May 17, 1956. He became a prominent figure in boxing, known for his speed, skill, and charisma, and went on to win world titles in multiple weight classes. source: biography.com
  • 18 May Death of Maurice Tate, English Cricket Player: Maurice Tate, a notable English cricket player who represented England in 39 Test matches and took 155 wickets, passed away on this date.
  • 19 May 82nd Preakness Stakes highlights: The 82nd Preakness Stakes took place on May 19, 1956, featuring a competitive field of thoroughbreds. This race is part of the Triple Crown series and is known for its rich history in horse racing. source: preakness.com
  • 20 May Andrew Hilditch born in Adelaide, Australia: Andrew Hilditch, former Australian cricketer, was born in Adelaide, South Australia, on May 20, 1956. He played 18 Test matches and eight One Day Internationals for Australia between 1979 and 1985. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 May Death of baseball great Al Simmons: Al Simmons, a Hall of Fame baseball player known for his exceptional hitting and outfield play, passed away on May 26, 1956. He was celebrated for his time with the Philadelphia Athletics and the Chicago White Sox, leaving a lasting legacy in Major League Baseball. source: nytimes.com
  • 28 May Jeff Dujon born in Kingston, Jamaica: Jeff Dujon, renowned West Indian cricketer, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on May 28, 1956. He was a key wicket-keeper and lower-order batsman for the West Indies during the 1980s. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 30 May Mickey Mantle's home run at Yankee Stadium: On May 30, 1956, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees hit a home run that came within 18 inches of leaving Yankee Stadium. The ball struck the right-field facade, 18 inches above the level of the roof. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 03 Jun Marlene Bauer Hagge Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Marlene Bauer Hagge secures victory at the LPGA Pittsburgh Golf Open, highlighting women's achievements in professional sports
  • 06 Jun Birth of Björn Borg: Björn Borg, the renowned Swedish tennis player, was born on June 6, 1956. He is celebrated for his achievements in tennis, including winning 11 Grand Slam singles titles. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Jun Joe Montana birth: Joe Montana, the renowned American football quarterback, was born on June 11, 1956, in New Eagle, Pennsylvania. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, known for his success with the San Francisco 49ers. source: pro-football-reference.com
  • 13 Jun Real Madrid wins first European Cup: On June 13, 1956, Real Madrid won the inaugural European Cup, defeating Stade de Reims. This victory marked the beginning of Real Madrid's dominance in European football. source: bbc.com
  • 16 Jun 88th Belmont Stakes Horse Race: The 88th Belmont Stakes took place on June 16, 1956, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The race was won by the horse, Needles, who became the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Citation in 1948. source: britannica.com
  • 24 Jun Marlene Hagge Wins 2nd LPGA Championship: On June 24, 1956, Marlene Hagge secured her second LPGA Championship title. At 22, she triumphed over Patty Berg in a sudden-death playoff, marking a significant achievement in women's golf. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 01 Jul 1956 French Grand Prix at Reims: The 1956 French Grand Prix took place at the Reims-Gueux circuit, featuring notable drivers and teams. This race was part of the Formula One World Championship and contributed to the season's competitive narrative. source: formula1.com
  • 06 Jul Lew Hoad defeats Ken Rosewall in 70th Wimbledon Men's Singles Final: Australian tennis player Lew Hoad defeated compatriot Ken Rosewall in the men's singles final at the 70th Wimbledon Championships, held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 Jul Joyce Ziske wins LPGA Syracuse Golf Open: On July 8, 1956, Joyce Ziske secured victory at the Syracuse Open, a golf tournament held at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse, New York. This event was part of the LPGA Tour and marked Ziske's first win in the tournament. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 Jul Claude Giroux Birth: Claude Giroux was born, who would later become a notable Canadian professional wrestler contributing to the wrestling entertainment industry.
  • 14 Jul Juan Manuel Fangio wins 1956 British Grand Prix: On July 14, 1956, Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio secured victory at the British Grand Prix held at Silverstone Circuit. Driving for Ferrari, Fangio completed the 101-lap race in 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 47 seconds, finishing ahead of teammates Alfonso de Portago and Peter Collins. source: formula1.com
  • 20 Jul Whitey Ford ties American League record with six consecutive strikeouts: On July 20, 1956, New York Yankees pitcher Whitey Ford tied the American League record by striking out six consecutive batters during a game against the Kansas City Athletics at Yankee Stadium. source: joanne16.com
  • 21 Jul Melbourne's Football Winning Streak Broken: On July 21, 1956, Melbourne's football team had its winning streak ended, marking a significant moment in Australian rules football history. The team had been dominant in the league, and this loss was unexpected, impacting their season's momentum. source: theage.com.au
  • 22 Jul Michael Spinks - Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer: On July 22, 1956, Michael Spinks, an American boxer, won the Olympic gold medal in boxing. His victory was a significant achievement in his career, leading to a successful professional boxing journey. source: olympic.org
  • 23 Jul Baseball Hall of Fame Induction: Joe Cronin and Hank Greenberg, two legendary baseball players, were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the sport and their significant impact on baseball history.
  • 24 Jul Dodgers Baseball Game in Jersey City: The Dodgers lose to the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 in a baseball game played in Jersey City.
  • 29 Jul Ecurie Ecosse triumphs at 24 Hours of Le Mans: On July 29, 1956, the Ecurie Ecosse team won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race, marking a significant achievement in motorsport history. This victory highlighted the prowess of Scottish racing and the performance of their Jaguar cars. source: britannica.com
  • 31 Jul Jim Laker's record-breaking cricket performance: On July 31, 1956, English cricketer Jim Laker achieved a remarkable feat by taking 19 wickets in a single match against Australia at Old Trafford. This performance remains one of the greatest in cricket history. source: bbc.com
  • 05 Aug Juan Manuel Fangio wins 1956 German Grand Prix: Juan Manuel Fangio secured victory at the 1956 German Grand Prix, further solidifying his reputation as a leading Formula One driver.
  • 25 Aug Yankees Baseball Roster Change: The New York Yankees released player Phil Rizzuto to make room for Enos Slaughter, reflecting typical roster management in professional baseball during the 1950s.
  • 27 Aug Curt Robert's remarkable baseball performance: On August 27, 1956, Curt Roberts made history as the first African American player to appear in a game for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His debut was a significant moment in Major League Baseball, contributing to the gradual integration of the sport. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 18 Sep Mickey Mantle Hits 50 Home Runs in a Season: On September 18, 1956, Mickey Mantle became the eighth player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs in a single season, achieving this milestone with a game-winning home run in the 11th inning against the Chicago White Sox. source: baseballhall.org
  • 20 Sep Tom Gastall's fatal plane crash: On September 20, 1956, Tom Gastall, a 24-year-old catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, died when the ERCO Ercoupe aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Chesapeake Bay. He had taken off from Easton, Maryland, and radioed the control tower reporting engine trouble before the crash. His body was found five days later off Riviera Beach, Maryland. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 27 Sep Death of Babe Didrikson Zaharias: Babe Didrikson Zaharias, an American athlete known for her achievements in track and field, basketball, and golf, passed away on September 27, 1956. She was widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in history. source: britannica.com
  • 29 Sep Port Adelaide wins South Australian Football League premiership: On September 29, 1956, Port Adelaide Football Club secured the premiership title in the South Australian Football League. This victory added to the club's rich history and tradition in Australian rules football, further establishing its dominance in the league. source: portadelaidefc.com.au
  • 30 Sep Youngest MLB starting pitcher in history: On September 30, 1956, a significant record was set when a 15-year-old pitcher became the youngest starting pitcher in Major League Baseball history. This event highlighted the increasing trend of young talent entering professional sports at an early age. source: nytimes.com
  • 03 Oct 1956 World Series Opening Game: Dodgers Triumph Over Yankees: In the opening game of the 1956 World Series on October 3, 1956, the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 6-3 at Ebbets Field. Dodgers pitcher Sal 'The Barber' Maglie outpitched Yankees ace Whitey Ford, allowing three runs in a complete game. The Dodgers' offense was led by Gil Hodges, who hit a three-run homer in the third inning, and Jackie Robinson, who also homered in the game. source: mlb.com
  • 07 Oct Paris–Tours Cycle Race held: The Paris–Tours cycle race took place on October 7, 1956. This annual road cycling race is known for its scenic route and competitive field. It has been a significant event in the cycling calendar since its inception. source: britannica.com
  • 09 Oct 10th NHL All-Star Game in Montreal: The 10th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held at the Montreal Forum on October 9, 1956. The Montreal Canadiens, fresh off their Stanley Cup victory, faced a team of All-Stars, resulting in a 1–1 tie. The game was attended by 13,095 spectators. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 Oct Fazal Mahmood's Historic Performance: On October 10, 1956, Pakistani cricketer Fazal Mahmood delivered a remarkable performance against Australia in Karachi, taking 13 wickets for 114 runs. This match remains one of the most outstanding bowling performances in Test cricket history. source: espncricinfo.com
  • 11 Oct First Test Cricket Match between Pakistan and Australia: On October 11, 1956, Pakistan and Australia played their inaugural Test cricket match in Karachi. Pakistan achieved a historic victory, with Fazal Mahmood taking 13 wickets for 114 runs, leading to a decisive win. source: espncricinfo.com
  • 14 Oct Patty Berg wins LPGA Arkansas Golf Open: Patty Berg secured victory at the Arkansas Open, a one-time LPGA Tour event held at the Country Club of Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She finished with a score of 287, earning $880 in prize money. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 24 Oct Birdie Tebbets named NL Manager of the Year: On October 24, 1956, Birdie Tebbets was named the National League Manager of the Year. This recognition highlighted his successful management of the Cincinnati Reds during the season. Tebbets' leadership was instrumental in the team's performance, earning him accolades from the baseball community. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 25 Oct Chicago White Sox managerial change: On October 25, 1956, the Chicago White Sox announced a managerial change, parting ways with their current manager. This decision was made in light of the team's performance during the season, as they sought to improve their standings in the league. The change aimed to bring new strategies and leadership to the team. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 21 Nov Don Newcombe wins historic baseball awards: On November 21, 1956, Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe was named the National League Most Valuable Player, becoming the first pitcher to win both the MVP and the inaugural Cy Young Award in the same season. He achieved a 27–7 record with a 3.06 ERA and 139 strikeouts. source: mlb.com
  • 22 Nov XVI Olympic Games in Melbourne: The XVI Olympic Games were held in Melbourne, Australia, from November 22 to December 8, 1956. This was the first time the Olympics were held in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring 4,738 athletes from 67 nations competing in 151 events across 17 sports. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 23 Nov Shane Gould born in Sydney, Australia: Shane Elizabeth Gould, an Australian former competition swimmer, was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on November 23, 1956. She gained international recognition for her achievements in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where she won three gold medals, a silver, and a bronze. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 30 Nov Floyd Patterson Wins Heavyweight Boxing Title: Floyd Patterson dramatically knocked out Archie Moore in the 5th round to claim the world heavyweight boxing championship, marking a significant moment in boxing history. Patterson became the youngest heavyweight champion at the time and would go on to be a pivotal figure in the sport during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
  • 01 Dec Dawn Fraser sets world record: On December 1, 1956, Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser set a new world record in the women's 100-meter freestyle event. Her achievement was a significant milestone in swimming history and contributed to her reputation as one of the sport's greatest athletes. source: britannica.com
  • 04 Dec Pat McCormick's Olympic Diving Triumph: On December 4, 1956, American diver Pat McCormick won the gold medal in the women's 3-meter springboard event at the Melbourne Olympics. This victory marked her second consecutive Olympic gold in this event, as she had also won in 1952. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 07 Dec Larry Bird born in West Baden Springs, Indiana: Larry Bird, an American professional basketball player, was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, known for his time with the Boston Celtics in the NBA. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 Dec XVI Olympic Games close in Melbourne, Australia: The XVI Olympic Games concluded in Melbourne, Australia, on December 8, 1956. The games featured athletes from around the world competing in various sports, marking a significant event in the history of the Olympic movement. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 Dec Jackie Robinson traded and retires from Major League Baseball: On December 13, 1956, Jackie Robinson was traded from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the New York Giants, but he chose to retire instead. Robinson was a pivotal figure in breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. source: nytimes.com
  • 17 Dec NFL Championship Game: Bears triumph over Giants: On December 17, 1956, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game, securing their eighth title. The game was notable for its competitive play and significant attendance, marking a high point in the NFL's popularity during that era. source: pro-football-reference.com
  • 18 Dec Phil Rizzuto Becomes Yankees Announcer: Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto signed on as a radio and television announcer for the New York Yankees on December 18, 1956, transitioning from his legendary playing career to broadcasting.
  • 27 Dec Bill Sharman's historic NBA free throw streak ends: On December 27, 1956, NBA player Bill Sharman's remarkable free throw streak came to an end. His achievement was notable in the history of basketball, highlighting his skill and consistency as a player. source: nba.com
  • 30 Dec NFL Championship: New York Giants Triumph Over Chicago Bears: On December 30, 1956, the New York Giants defeated the Chicago Bears in the NFL Championship game, securing the league title for that season. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 31 Dec Alpine Club of Canada Toronto Section Founded: The Toronto section of the Alpine Club of Canada is established, promoting mountaineering, outdoor recreation, and alpine conservation in the region.