1958 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1958 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 08 Jan Paul Pilgrim's Death: Paul Pilgrim, a notable American track athlete who won Olympic gold medals in 1904 and 1906, died at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy in early 20th-century athletics.
- 09 Jan Oscar Robertson scores more points than entire opposing team: On January 9, 1958, Oscar Robertson scored 56 points in a game against the Minneapolis Lakers, outscoring the entire opposing team, which totaled 55 points. This remarkable achievement highlighted Robertson's exceptional talent in basketball. source: basketball-reference.com
- 12 Jan NCAA introduces two-point conversion in football: The NCAA rules committee made the first change in football scoring rules since 1912 by adding the two-point conversion. source: nhregister.com
- 15 Jan New York Yankees Television Broadcasting Deal: On January 15, 1958, the New York Yankees announced a deal to have 140 of their games televised on WPIX-TV in New York City. This agreement, valued at over one million dollars, marked a significant expansion of the Yankees' television presence, especially notable as the National League franchises had recently left the city. source: takehimdowntown.com
- 18 Jan Willie O'Ree Breaks NHL Color Barrier: On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree became the first Black player to compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) when he debuted for the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens. His participation marked a significant milestone in the integration of professional sports in North America. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Jan Canadian Football League Established: On January 19, 1958, the Canadian Football League (CFL) was officially established, unifying the existing Canadian football teams into a single professional league. This move aimed to strengthen the sport's presence and organization in Canada. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Jan Marlene Hagge wins Lake Worth Open Invitational: On January 26, 1958, Marlene Hagge secured victory at the Lake Worth Open Invitational in Florida, finishing with a score of 218. This win marked her 14th career LPGA Tour title. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Feb Lance Gibbs Makes Test Cricket Debut: Lance Gibbs made his Test cricket debut for West Indies in a match against Pakistan in Port-of-Spain, marking the beginning of a significant career for the West Indian cricket team.
- 06 Feb Munich air disaster - Manchester United tragedy: The Munich air disaster occurred on February 6, 1958, when a British European Airways flight carrying the Manchester United football team crashed while attempting to take off from Munich-Riem Airport. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 23 people, including eight players, and had a profound impact on the club and its supporters. source: bbc.com
- 07 Feb Brooklyn Dodgers relocate to Los Angeles: On February 7, 1958, the Brooklyn Dodgers announced their move to Los Angeles, marking a significant shift in Major League Baseball. This relocation was part of a broader trend of teams moving to larger markets, which transformed the landscape of American sports. source: nytimes.com
- 11 Feb Regina Marsikova - Czechoslovakian Tennis Star: Regina Marsikova was noted as a prominent tennis player from Czechoslovakia during this period.
- 15 Feb Carol Heiss Wins Ladies Figure Skating Championship: American figure skater Carol Heiss secured victory in the Ladies Figure Skating Championship held in Paris, demonstrating her exceptional athletic skill on the international stage.
- 16 Feb Betsy Rawls Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: On February 16, 1958, American professional golfer Betsy Rawls won the LPGA golf tournament. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Feb Eddie Arcaro reaches 4,000 career wins in horse racing: On February 20, 1958, at Santa Anita Race Track in California, jockey Eddie Arcaro became only the third rider to achieve 4,000 career wins, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious racing career. source: kids.britannica.com
- 01 Mar Gary Sobers' record-breaking cricket performance: On March 1, 1958, Gary Sobers achieved a remarkable feat in cricket by scoring 365 not out against Pakistan, setting a world record for the highest individual score in Test cricket at that time. This performance solidified his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers. source: bbc.com
- 07 Mar George Yardley Becomes First NBA Player to Score 2,000 Points in a Season: Detroit Pistons forward George Yardley III made history by becoming the first NBA player to score 2,000 points in a season, scoring 26 points in a 111-90 defeat to the Syracuse Nationals.
- 08 Mar Silky Sullivan's Remarkable Horse Race: Silky Sullivan, a legendary racehorse, achieved an extraordinary comeback at Santa Anita, overcoming a 40-length deficit to win by three lengths. This performance became one of the most memorable in horse racing history, symbolizing remarkable resilience and unexpected triumph.
- 09 Mar George Yardley becomes first NBA player to score 2,000 points in a season: On March 9, 1958, Detroit Pistons forward George Yardley became the first NBA player to score over 2,000 points in a single season, finishing with 2,001 points. Despite his achievement, the Pistons lost to the Syracuse Nationals 111-98. Yardley averaged 27.8 points per game during the 72-game season. source: si.com
- 11 Mar MLB Safety Regulation: Batting Helmets Mandated: On March 11, 1958, the American League mandated that all players wear batting helmets, following the National League's similar requirement in 1956. This decision aimed to enhance player safety by reducing head injuries from pitched balls. source: espn.com
- 14 Mar Prince Albert Alexandre of Monaco - Olympic Bobsledder: Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre, Prince of Monaco, participated as a bobsledder in the 1988 Winter Olympics, representing his principality in international sports.
- 15 Mar Maurice Stokes' Career-Ending Injury: On March 15, 1958, basketball player Maurice Stokes suffered a severe injury during a game that ultimately ended his professional career. Stokes' injury had a significant impact on his life and raised awareness about player safety in sports. source: basketball-reference.com
- 19 Mar Garfield Sobers scores centuries in both innings against Pakistan: On March 19, 1958, during the fourth Test match between the West Indies and Pakistan in Georgetown, Guyana, Sir Garfield Sobers achieved centuries in both innings. He scored 125 runs in the first innings and 109 runs in the second innings, contributing significantly to the West Indies' victory. source: espncricinfo.com
- 22 Mar University of Kentucky wins NCAA Basketball Championship: On March 22, 1958, the University of Kentucky Wildcats secured their fourth NCAA basketball championship by defeating the Seattle Chieftains 84-72 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Senior Vernon Hatton led the team with 30 points, overcoming a 25-point performance by Seattle's Elgin Baylor. source: kentucky.com
- 25 Mar María Caridad: Olympic Javelin Thrower: María Caridad, a Cuban javelin thrower, won a gold medal at the 1980 Olympics, representing Cuba's athletic excellence.
- 26 Mar Death of cricket player Phil Mead: Phil Mead, a renowned English cricketer, passed away in March 1958 following an operation for internal bleeding. He was known for his exceptional batting skills and held several records in first-class cricket. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Mar Bart Conner born: Bart Conner, an American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, was born on March 27, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Apr Derek Kallicharran Cricket Profile: Derek Kallicharran, a notable cricket all-rounder from Guyana, who later represented the USA in the 1994 ICC Trophy, marking an important moment in international cricket representation.
- 06 Apr Arnold Palmer wins first major golf tournament: On April 6, 1958, Arnold Palmer secured his first major victory at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, finishing one stroke ahead of Doug Ford and Fred Hawkins. This win marked the beginning of Palmer's illustrious career, which included four Masters titles and seven major championships. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Apr St. Louis Hawks Clinch 1958 NBA Championship: The St. Louis Hawks secured the 1958 NBA Championship by defeating the Boston Celtics in a best-of-seven series. This victory marked the Hawks' first and only NBA title during their time in St. Louis. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Apr First Major League Baseball game on West Coast: On April 15, 1958, the San Francisco Giants played their first Major League Baseball game on the West Coast against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marked a significant moment in baseball history as it expanded the league's reach to the West Coast. source: mlb.com
- 16 Apr Philip Bainbridge: British cricketer: Philip Bainbridge, a notable British cricketer, was born on April 16, 1958. He made significant contributions to the sport during his career, representing England in various international matches. source: britannica.com
- 19 Apr 62nd Boston Marathon: The 62nd Boston Marathon took place on April 19, 1958, with Franjo Mihalić winning the men's race in 2:25:54. source: de.wikipedia.org
- 20 Apr Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cup: The Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup on April 20, 1958, defeating the Boston Bruins in the finals. source: nhl.com
- 23 Apr Dodgers' Gil Hodges hits 300th home run and Pee Wee Reese plays 2,000th game: On April 23, 1958, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Dodgers' first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run, and shortstop Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th game. Despite these milestones, the Dodgers lost 7-6 to the Chicago Cubs. source: bleedcubbieblue.com
- 24 Apr Lee Walls hits three home runs against Dodgers: On April 24, 1958, Chicago Cubs' right fielder Lee Walls hit three home runs and had eight RBIs in a 15–2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Apr Death of Joe Small, West Indies cricket player: Joe Small, a notable West Indies cricketer, passed away on April 26, 1958. He was known for his contributions to the sport during the early 20th century, representing the West Indies in international matches. source: bbc.com
- 30 Apr Ted Williams reaches 1,000 extra-base hits milestone: On April 30, 1958, Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox became the tenth Major League Baseball player to achieve 1,000 extra-base hits. He reached this milestone by hitting a home run off pitcher Ned Garver in the ninth inning of a game against the Kansas City Athletics at Fenway Park. source: thisdayinbaseball.com
- 03 May Frank Foster, English cricket player, dies: On May 3, 1958, English cricketer Frank Foster passed away. Foster was renowned for his fast bowling and was a key player for the England national team during the early 20th century, contributing significantly to the sport's development in England. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 May Mikhail Botvinnik Reclaims World Chess Championship: Mikhail Botvinnik defeated Vasily Smyslov on May 9, 1958, in Moscow, reclaiming the World Chess Championship title he had lost the previous year. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 May Stan Musial Reaches 3,000 Hits Milestone: Baseball legend Stan Musial became the eighth Major League player to achieve the prestigious 3,000 hits milestone, cementing his status as one of the game's most accomplished and consistent hitters.
- 21 May Monte Lynch: Cricket Player Profile: Monte Lynch was a notable cricket player who represented Surrey as a batsman, played for West Indies Rebel teams, and participated in England's One Day International (ODI) cricket matches.
- 28 May Marlene Hagge Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Marlene Hagge secured victory at the LPGA Land of Sky Golf Open, demonstrating her skill and contributing to women's sports achievements in the late 1950s.
- 29 May Real Madrid Wins European Cup: Real Madrid secured their third European Cup championship in Brussels, Belgium, further cementing their status as a dominant football club.
- 31 May Mervyn Rose wins French Tennis Championship: Australian tennis player Mervyn Rose secured the men's singles title at the 1958 French Championships, defeating Chilean Luis Ayala 6–3, 6–4, 6–4 in the final. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Jun Brooks Robinson hits into first of record four triple plays: On June 2, 1958, during a game against the Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson hit into a triple play. With runners on first and second, Robinson's line drive was caught by shortstop Rocky Bridges, who stepped on second base and threw to first baseman Julio Becquer to complete the play. This marked the first of four triple plays Robinson would hit into during his career, setting a Major League Baseball record. source: mlb.com
- 06 Jun Ozzie Virgil breaks color barrier for Detroit Tigers: Ozzie Virgil became the first Dominican player to play for the Detroit Tigers, breaking the color barrier in the team. His debut marked a significant moment in Major League Baseball history, contributing to the integration of the sport. source: baseball-reference.com
- 07 Jun 90th Belmont Stakes horse race: The 90th Belmont Stakes took place on June 7, 1958, featuring a competitive field of thoroughbreds. This prestigious horse race is part of the Triple Crown series and is held annually in New York. source: nytimes.com
- 14 Jun Tommy Bolt Wins 58th US Golf Open: Tommy Bolt secured victory at the 58th US Golf Open, shooting an impressive 283 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His performance demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency in challenging course conditions.
- 15 Jun Louise Suggs Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Louise Suggs, a founding member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), wins the Triangle Round Robin Golf Tournament, further establishing her legacy in women's professional golf.
- 22 Jun Patty Berg wins LPGA Western Golf Open: On June 22, 1958, Patty Berg secured her 15th and final major title at the Women's Western Open, held at Kahkwa Country Club in Erie, Pennsylvania. source: lpga.com
- 27 Jun Billy Pierce's near-perfect baseball game: On June 27, 1958, American baseball pitcher Billy Pierce of the Chicago White Sox pitched a near-perfect game, demonstrating exceptional skill and precision. source: baseball-reference.com
- 29 Jun Brazil's first FIFA World Cup victory: Brazil won its first FIFA World Cup by defeating Sweden 5-2 in the final held in Stockholm. This victory marked Brazil's emergence as a football powerhouse and set the stage for future successes in the tournament. source: britannica.com
- 04 Jul 72nd Wimbledon Men's Singles Final: On July 4, 1958, Ashley Cooper defeated Neale Fraser in the Men's Singles final at the 72nd Wimbledon Tennis Championships, marking a significant moment in Australian tennis history. source: brainyhistory.com
- 08 Jul 25th MLB All-Star Game: The American League defeated the National League 4-3 in the 25th Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
- 13 Jul Peter Thomson wins 87th British Golf Open: Peter Thomson secured his fourth Open Championship title in five years by defeating Dave Thomas in a 36-hole playoff at the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lytham St Annes, England. Both players finished with a score of 278, setting a new tournament record. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Jul Charly Gaul wins Tour de France: Luxembourg cyclist Charly Gaul won the 1958 Tour de France, completing the 4,319 km race in 116 hours, 59 minutes, and 5 seconds. He secured the victory by overcoming a significant time deficit in the final mountain stages. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jul Jim Bunning's no-hitter in baseball: On July 20, 1958, pitcher Jim Bunning of the Detroit Tigers threw a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, marking a significant achievement in Major League Baseball. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Jul Baltimore Colts NFL Championship victory: On July 28, 1958, the Baltimore Colts won the NFL Championship in a dramatic overtime game against the New York Giants, often referred to as the 'Greatest Game Ever Played.' This game significantly boosted the popularity of professional football in the United States. source: nfl.com
- 03 Aug Death of Racing Driver Peter Collins: British racing driver Peter Collins died on August 3, 1958, following a crash during the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. While chasing Tony Brooks's Vanwall, Collins's Ferrari ran wide in the Pflanzgarten section, struck a ditch, and flipped, throwing him into a tree. He sustained fatal head injuries and died later that day in a hospital in Bonn. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Aug Herb Elliott breaks mile run world record: On August 6, 1958, Australian athlete Herb Elliott set a new world record in the mile run, clocking in at 3:54.5. This achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of his time. source: britannica.com
- 14 Aug First Canadian Football League Game: The Canadian Football League (CFL) played its inaugural game, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeating the Edmonton Eskimos 29-21, marking a significant moment in Canadian sports history.
- 15 Aug NFL Chicago All-Star Game: On August 15, 1958, the 25th Chicago Charities College All-Star Game was held at Soldier Field in Chicago. The College All-Stars defeated the Detroit Lions 35-19 in front of 70,000 spectators. The game's MVPs were Bobby Mitchell from Illinois and Jim Ninowski from Michigan State. source: therobinsonlibrary.com
- 17 Aug Bonnie Hoffman wins LPGA tournament: On August 17, 1958, Bonnie Hoffman won the LPGA tournament, marking a significant achievement in her professional golf career. This victory contributed to her recognition as a prominent figure in women's golf during that era. source: lpga.com
- 18 Aug Patterson Wins Heavyweight Boxing Title: Floyd Patterson defeats Roy Harris via technical knockout in the 13th round, securing the heavyweight boxing championship and further establishing his reputation as a formidable boxer.
- 27 Aug Senators baseball team potential relocation: On August 27, 1958, discussions regarding the potential relocation of the Washington Senators baseball team gained traction. The team faced challenges in attendance and performance, prompting speculation about moving to a different city. This event was part of a broader trend of team relocations in Major League Baseball during that era. source: washingtonpost.com
- 28 Aug Nellie Fox baseball achievement: On August 28, 1958, Nellie Fox, a prominent Major League Baseball player, achieved a significant milestone in his career. Known for his exceptional skills as a second baseman, Fox was celebrated for his contributions to the Chicago White Sox and his overall impact on the game. His achievements were recognized by fans and sports commentators alike. source: britannica.com
- 31 Aug Edwin Moses born: Edwin Moses, an American track and field athlete renowned for his achievements in the 400-meter hurdles, was born on August 31, 1958. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Sep Mickey Wright wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Mickey Wright clinched victory at the LPGA Golf Tournament on September 1, 1958, further solidifying her reputation in the sport. source: lpga.com
- 07 Sep Althea Gibson Wins US Women's Tennis Championship: On September 7, 1958, Althea Gibson won the U.S. Women's National Singles Championship, becoming the first African-American woman to win a Grand Slam title. Her victory was a significant milestone in breaking racial barriers in professional sports. source: washingtonpost.com
- 08 Sep Mickey Wright Wins LPGA Dallas Golf Open: Mickey Wright won the LPGA Dallas Golf Open on September 8, 1958, with a score of 284. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Sep Roberto Clemente's triple record: On September 9, 1958, Roberto Clemente achieved a remarkable triple record in baseball, highlighting his exceptional talent. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Sep First two-point conversion in American football: On September 13, 1958, the first two-point conversion in American football was successfully executed during a game. This play marked a significant change in scoring rules and strategy in the sport. source: profootballhof.com
- 14 Sep Cross-Border Canadian Football Match: On September 14, 1958, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Ottawa Rough Riders played a Canadian Football League (CFL) game at Philadelphia's Municipal Stadium, marking the first regular-season CFL game played on U.S. soil. source: adamsonmedia.com
- 08 Oct World Series Strikeout Record: Braves player Eddie Mathews sets a World Series record by striking out 11 times, a notable moment in baseball history.
- 09 Oct Yankees win 55th World Series: On October 9, 1958, the New York Yankees clinched their 55th World Series title by defeating the Milwaukee Braves. This victory added to the Yankees' storied legacy in Major League Baseball. source: nytimes.com
- 19 Oct Mike Hawthorn wins 1958 Formula One World Championship: On October 19, 1958, British driver Mike Hawthorn secured the Formula One World Championship, becoming the first British driver to win the title. His victory was a significant milestone in motorsport history. source: bbc.com
- 12 Nov Bob Turley wins Cy Young Award: On November 12, 1958, New York Yankees pitcher Bob Turley was awarded the Cy Young Award, recognizing him as the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. Turley achieved a 21–7 record with a 2.97 ERA and led the American League with 19 complete games. He narrowly edged out Warren Spahn of the Milwaukee Braves, who had a 22–11 record and a 3.07 ERA. source: baseball-reference.com
- 21 Nov Death of Baseball Legend Mel Ott: Mel Ott, a Hall of Fame baseball player known for his time with the New York Giants, passed away on November 21, 1958. He was celebrated for his powerful hitting and was one of the first players to hit over 500 home runs in Major League Baseball. source: britannica.com
- 28 Nov George Imlach becomes Toronto Maple Leafs coach: On November 28, 1958, George Imlach was appointed as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His leadership would influence the team's performance in the National Hockey League during a pivotal time in its history. source: britannica.com
- 29 Nov 46th CFL Grey Cup: Winnipeg Blue Bombers triumph: The 46th Canadian Football League (CFL) Grey Cup took place on November 29, 1958, where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers emerged victorious. This annual championship game is a significant event in Canadian sports culture. source: cfl.ca
- 02 Dec 24th Heisman Trophy Awarded to Pete Dawkins: On December 2, 1958, Pete Dawkins of the United States Military Academy at West Point was awarded the 24th Heisman Trophy. Dawkins, a standout halfback, led Army to an 8-0-1 record that season, rushing for 428 yards and five touchdowns, and catching six touchdown passes. He was the first Army player to win the award. source: heismantrophyticketmuseum.com
- 19 Dec Iqbal Sikander birth: Mohammad Iqbal Sikander, a Pakistani cricketer, was born on December 19, 1958, in Karachi, Sindh. He played four One Day Internationals during the 1992 Cricket World Cup and was part of the Pakistan squad that won the tournament. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Dec NFL Championship: Greatest Game Ever Played: The Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants 23–17 in overtime at Yankee Stadium, marking the first NFL game decided by sudden death overtime. This game is widely regarded as 'The Greatest Game Ever Played' and significantly boosted the NFL's popularity. source: history.com
- 29 Dec NFL Championship Game: Baltimore Colts Triumph: The Baltimore Colts secured their first NFL Championship by defeating the New York Giants 23–17 in overtime at Yankee Stadium. This game is widely regarded as 'The Greatest Game Ever Played' and significantly boosted the NFL's popularity. source: history.com
What happened in 1958?
Discover what the world looked like in 1958: