1964 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1964 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

05 Jan San Diego Chargers win AFL Championship: On January 5, 1964, the San Diego Chargers defeated the Boston Patriots to win the American Football League Championship. This victory marked the Chargers' first AFL title, solidifying their place in football history. source: profootballhof.com
06 Jan Charlie Finley considers moving Kansas City Athletics: On January 6, 1964, Charlie Finley, owner of the Kansas City Athletics, publicly considered relocating the team due to financial difficulties and low attendance. This decision would eventually lead to the team's move to Oakland in 1968. source: baseball-almanac.com
07 Jan Highest Bowling Game Recorded in Flight: Dick Weber achieves the highest bowling game while in flight aboard a Boeing 707, an unusual and quirky moment in sports history.
12 Jan 1964 NFL Pro Bowl: Western Conference Wins: The 1964 NFL Pro Bowl, held on January 12, 1964, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, featured the Western Conference defeating the Eastern Conference with a score of 31-17. The game was attended by 67,242 fans and was broadcast on NBC. source: en.wikipedia.org
13 Jan Margaret Smith Wins Australian Tennis Championship: Australian tennis star Margaret Smith won her 5th Australian singles championship, defeating her doubles partner Lesley Turner with a score of 6-3, 6-2, further solidifying her status as a dominant force in women's tennis.
14 Jan Bapu Nadkarni's Record-Breaking Cricket Performance: On January 12, 1964, during the fourth Test match between India and England in Madras, Indian cricketer Bapu Nadkarni bowled 21 consecutive maiden overs, totaling 131 balls without conceding a run. This remarkable feat is celebrated as one of the most economical bowling performances in Test cricket history. source: en.wikipedia.org
16 Jan Baseball Ownership Blocks Team Relocation: American League owners voted overwhelmingly against Charlie Finley's proposal to move the Kansas City Athletics to Louisville, demonstrating the league's control over team movements and franchise decisions.
27 Jan Cricket partnership record: On January 27, 1964, a cricket partnership record was set during a match between Australia and England. This record highlighted the competitive nature of international cricket during that era. source: bbc.com
29 Jan IX Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck: The IX Winter Olympic Games commenced in Innsbruck, Austria, on January 29, 1964. The event featured 34 competitions across 6 sports, with 1,091 athletes from 36 nations participating. source: britannica.com
01 Feb Olympic skiing sisters make history: On February 1, 1964, the Killy sisters, Marielle and Christine, made history at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, by becoming the first sisters to compete in Olympic skiing events. Their participation marked a significant moment in the history of women's sports and Olympic competition. source: britannica.com
02 Feb Baseball Hall of Fame inductees announced: On February 2, 1964, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced its inductees for the year. This event is significant in recognizing the contributions of players to the sport and celebrating baseball history. source: britannica.com
06 Feb Cricket Wicket-Keeper W L Cornford Passes Away: W L Cornford, an English cricket wicket-keeper who played 4 Test matches against New Zealand in 1930, died on this date.
09 Feb IX Olympic Winter Games close in Innsbruck: The IX Olympic Winter Games concluded in Innsbruck, Austria, on February 9, 1964, with the closing ceremony held in the Olympiahalle, marking the end of the two-week event. source: olympics.com
11 Feb Ken Shamrock birth: Ken Shamrock, an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, was born on February 11, 1964. source: en.wikipedia.org
12 Feb Richie Benaud ends Test cricket career: Richie Benaud, the renowned Australian cricketer and commentator, played his final Test match on February 12, 1964. Benaud was known for his exceptional skills as a leg-spin bowler and his contributions to cricket commentary. His retirement marked the end of a significant era in Australian cricket. source: bbc.com
15 Feb Tragic Death of Ken Hubbs: Ken Hubbs, a promising young second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, tragically dies in a plane crash at the young age of 22, cutting short a potentially remarkable baseball career.
16 Feb Mark Price, NBA player, born: On February 16, 1964, Mark Price, a former NBA player known for his exceptional shooting and playmaking skills, was born. Price later became a key figure in the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s. source: basketball-reference.com
17 Feb Luke Appling Enters Baseball Hall of Fame: Legendary Chicago White Sox shortstop Luke Appling was elected as the 101st member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport.
29 Feb Lyndon Byers, Hockey Player: Brief mention of Lyndon Byers, a Canadian hockey player active during this period, though specific details about his career are not provided.
03 Mar Pakistani Cricket Player Profile: Atif Rauf, a Pakistani Test batsman who played against New Zealand in 1994, representing his national cricket team.
05 Mar Atlanta Braves relocation: On March 5, 1964, Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. announced that he was in contract talks with a major-league team to bring it to Atlanta. This led to the Milwaukee Braves relocating to Atlanta, marking a significant moment in the city's sports history. source: waybackandgone.wordpress.com
06 Mar Muhammad Ali receives his new name: On March 6, 1964, boxer Cassius Clay announced his conversion to Islam and his new name, Muhammad Ali, marking a significant moment in his life and career. source: history.com
10 Mar Greg Campbell Birth: Greg Campbell, an Australian cricket player who served as a pace-bowler for the national team during the 1989-90 season, was born.
21 Mar UCLA wins NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: On March 21, 1964, the UCLA Bruins secured their first NCAA Men's Basketball Championship by defeating the Duke Blue Devils 98-83 in the final held at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. This victory marked the beginning of a dominant era for UCLA under coach John Wooden. source: en.wikipedia.org
22 Mar Carol Mann Wins LPGA Women's Western Golf Open: Carol Mann won the LPGA Women's Western Golf Open on March 22, 1964.
25 Mar Alex Solis: Panamanian Thoroughbred Jockey: Alex Solis, a notable Panamanian thoroughbred jockey, was recognized in the horse racing world for his professional achievements and contributions to the sport.
03 Apr Indian Cricket Player Profile: Ajay Sharma, an Indian spin all-rounder who played one Test match in 1988, was noted in cricket records.
12 Apr Arnold Palmer Wins Masters: Arnold Palmer wins the 28th Golf Masters Championship with an impressive score of 276, further solidifying his legendary status in professional golf.
13 Apr Jose Rijo Born: Jose Rijo, a professional baseball pitcher who would later play for the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds, is born.
14 Apr Shea Stadium Opens: Shea Stadium, a historic baseball stadium located in Flushing, New York, was inaugurated. It would become home to the New York Mets and host numerous significant sporting and cultural events.
15 Apr Nadeem Abbasi Cricket Profile: Nadeem Abbasi, a Pakistani cricket player who represented his national team in three Test matches against India in 1989, contributing to the rich sporting history between these two cricket-passionate nations.
17 Apr New York Mets' first game at Shea Stadium: The New York Mets played their inaugural game at Shea Stadium on April 17, 1964, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets lost 4–3, with Willie Stargell hitting the first home run in the stadium's history. source: amazinavenue.com
19 Apr Mickey Wright Wins Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Mickey Wright wins the LPGA Peach Blossom Golf Invitational, further establishing her reputation in women's golf.
25 Apr Jamie Siddons Born: Jamie Siddons, a professional cricket player who represented Victoria and South Africa, and played One Day International cricket for Australia in 1988, was born on this date.
26 Apr NBA Championship: Boston Celtics victory: On April 26, 1964, the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship, defeating the San Francisco Warriors. This victory marked the Celtics' sixth championship title, solidifying their dominance in the league during that era. source: nba.com
10 May Mickey Wright Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Mickey Wright secured victory at the Squirt Ladies' Golf Open Invitational, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most accomplished female golfers of her era.
11 May Northern Dancer Wins Kentucky Derby: Jockey Bill Hartack rode Northern Dancer to victory in the 90th Kentucky Derby, completing the race in an impressive 2:00 minutes. This victory would later prove significant as Northern Dancer became one of the most influential thoroughbred racehorses in breeding history.
13 May José Rijo born - future MLB pitcher: José Rijo, a future Major League Baseball pitcher, was born in the Dominican Republic. He would go on to have a successful career in the MLB, including winning the World Series. source: baseball-reference.com
16 May Verne Gagne wins AWA World Heavyweight Title: On May 16, 1964, Verne Gagne defeated Mad Dog Vachon in Omaha, Nebraska, to regain the AWA World Heavyweight Title. This victory marked Gagne's seventh reign as champion. source: prowrestlingchampions.weebly.com
27 May Inter Milan Wins European Cup: Inter Milan secured their 9th European Cup victory in Vienna, Austria, demonstrating their dominance in European football during this era.
30 May Indianapolis 500: A Tragic and Historic Race: The 1964 Indianapolis 500 was marked by a tragic accident that claimed the life of driver Dave MacDonald. This race is remembered for its impact on safety regulations in motorsport. source: indy500.com
04 Jun Sandy Koufax Throws Historic No-Hitter: Los Angeles Dodgers' legendary pitcher Sandy Koufax achieved his third career no-hitter, leading the team to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. This remarkable performance further cemented Koufax's status as one of baseball's most exceptional pitchers.
06 Jun 96th Belmont Stakes horse racing result: The 96th Belmont Stakes took place on June 6, 1964, with the horse Quadrangle winning the race. This event is a significant part of the Triple Crown series in horse racing, attracting attention from fans and bettors alike. source: nytimes.com
09 Jun Jack Nicklaus wins British Open: On June 9, 1964, Jack Nicklaus won the British Open at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. This victory was one of the key moments in his illustrious golf career, further establishing him as a leading figure in the sport. source: britannica.com
14 Jun LPGA Lady Carling Golf Open won by Clifford Ann Creed: On June 14, 1964, golfer Clifford Ann Creed won the LPGA Lady Carling Golf Open. This victory contributed to her recognition as one of the prominent female golfers of her time. source: britannica.com
17 Jun Michael Gross: Olympic Swimmer Profile: On June 17, 1964, Michael Gross, a prominent Olympic swimmer, was born. He later became known for his achievements in swimming, including multiple Olympic medals, and is celebrated in the sports community for his contributions to the sport. source: britannica.com
19 Jun Spain Wins 1964 European Nations Cup: Spain defeated the Soviet Union 2-1 to win the 1964 European Nations Cup, a significant moment in European football history.
03 Jul Roy Emerson wins 78th Wimbledon Men's Singles Championship: Australian tennis player Roy Emerson won the 78th Wimbledon Men's Singles Championship on July 3, 1964. This victory marked Emerson's second Wimbledon title, solidifying his status as one of the top players of his era. His win was part of a successful career that included multiple Grand Slam titles. source: britannica.com
04 Jul Maria Bueno wins third Wimbledon singles title: Brazilian tennis player Maria Bueno won her third Wimbledon singles title on July 4, 1964. This victory further established her as one of the leading female players of her time. Bueno's success at Wimbledon was part of a remarkable career that included multiple Grand Slam titles. source: britannica.com
07 Jul 35th All Star Baseball Game: NL wins 7-4 at Shea Stadium, New York: The National League secured a 7-4 victory over the American League in the 35th Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 7, 1964, at Shea Stadium in New York City. source: baseball-reference.com
09 Jul Jesús Alou achieves rare 6-hit game: On July 9, 1964, Jesús Alou of the San Francisco Giants made baseball history by achieving a rare six-hit game against the New York Mets. This remarkable feat is celebrated as one of the highlights of his career and remains a significant achievement in Major League Baseball. source: baseball-reference.com
19 Jul PGA Championship Won by Bobby Nichols: Bobby Nichols secured victory at the 46th PGA Championship, shooting an impressive 271 at Columbus Country Club in Ohio, demonstrating exceptional golfing skill.
21 Jul Mildred Simpson's marathon record: On July 21, 1964, Mildred Simpson set a marathon record, becoming one of the first women to gain recognition in long-distance running. Her achievement contributed to the growing visibility of female athletes in sports. source: britannica.com
25 Jul Cricket performance at Old Trafford: On July 25, 1964, a notable cricket match took place at Old Trafford, Manchester, featuring England and Australia. This match was part of the Ashes series, which is one of the most celebrated rivalries in cricket. The performance of the players was closely followed by fans and marked a significant event in the cricket calendar. source: bbc.com
31 Jul Gliding Record Achievement: Al Parker sets an impressive gliding record by traveling 644 miles without using any motor power, demonstrating exceptional skill in aeronautical navigation and endurance.
05 Aug Baseball Leadership Change: Ford Frick announces he will not seek another term as baseball commissioner, signaling potential leadership transition in Major League Baseball.
15 Aug Ernie Banks Day in Chicago: On August 15, 1964, Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks was honored with a special ceremony at Wrigley Field. The event featured a 20-minute pregame ceremony attended by 23,003 fans, marking the first time the Cubs dedicated a day to one of their players. Among the gifts presented to Banks were a scroll from Mayor Richard Daley proclaiming August 15 as "Ernie Banks Day" in Chicago, a diamond ring from the Cubs organization, and a new station wagon. source: wgntv.com
20 Aug Youngest Football League Player Record: Derek Foster of Sunderland becomes the youngest player in Football League history, making his debut at just 15 years and 185 days old. This remarkable achievement highlights the potential for young talent in professional football and creates a notable record in sports history.
22 Aug Match of the Day television premiere: The first episode of 'Match of the Day' premiered on August 22, 1964, on the BBC. This program has since become a staple of British sports broadcasting, focusing on football highlights and analysis. source: bbc.co.uk
23 Aug Saint Louis Cardinals' remarkable comeback season: The St. Louis Cardinals staged a remarkable comeback in the 1964 MLB season, overcoming a significant deficit to win the National League pennant. This achievement was pivotal in their eventual victory in the World Series against the New York Yankees. source: baseball-reference.com
30 Aug Clifford Ann Creed wins LPGA Riverside Ladies Golf Open: Clifford Ann Creed secured her third LPGA Tour victory by winning the Riverside Ladies Open on August 30, 1964, in Provo, Utah. She finished the tournament with a score of 286, three strokes ahead of runner-up Shirley Englehorn. source: en.wikipedia.org
31 Aug Anaheim Stadium Construction Begins: Construction of Anaheim Stadium, later known as Angel Stadium, began on August 31, 1964, in Anaheim, California. The stadium was designed to host both baseball and football games and became the home of the California Angels baseball team. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Sep Norman Manley's Remarkable Golf Achievement: Norman Manley achieved a rare and extraordinary feat by scoring two consecutive holes-in-one at Del Valley, California, a statistically improbable golfing accomplishment that defies astronomical odds.
12 Sep First football game at Shea Stadium: On September 12, 1964, the New York Jets played their inaugural game at Shea Stadium, defeating the Denver Broncos 30-6. The game was attended by 44,497 fans, setting an American Football League (AFL) regular-season attendance record at the time. The Jets' quarterback, Dick Wood, completed 8 of 18 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, while rookie fullback Matt Snell rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown. source: pro-football-reference.com
13 Sep Maria Bueno wins U.S. Women's Tennis Championship: On September 13, 1964, Brazilian tennis player Maria Bueno defeated Carole Caldwell Graebner 6–1, 6–0 to win the women's singles title at the U.S. National Championships. source: reuters.com
21 Sep Chico Ruiz's historic steal of home leads to Phillies' collapse: On September 21, 1964, Cincinnati Reds' rookie Chico Ruiz stole home against the Philadelphia Phillies, scoring the game's only run. This daring play is often cited as the catalyst for the Phillies' subsequent 10-game losing streak, which led to their loss of the National League pennant. source: sabr.org
26 Sep MLB record: Most players in a single game: On September 26, 1964, a Major League Baseball game set a record for the most players used in a single game, with 43 players participating. This record highlights the strategic substitutions and roster management typical in baseball during that era. source: britannica.com
07 Oct New York Yankees play in World Series Game 1: On October 7, 1964, the New York Yankees faced the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 1 of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The Yankees lost the game 9-5. source: baseball-reference.com
10 Oct 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics Opening: The 1964 Summer Olympics opened in Tokyo on October 10, 1964. This was the first time the Games were held in Asia, featuring new sports like judo and volleyball. source: en.wikipedia.org
14 Oct Billy Mills' Olympic Upset: American runner Billy Mills achieves one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history by winning the gold medal in the 10,000-meter race at the Tokyo Summer Games, a remarkable and unexpected victory.
17 Oct New York Yankees fire Yogi Berra: On October 17, 1964, the New York Yankees announced the firing of Yogi Berra as their manager after a disappointing season. Berra, a legendary player, had a brief managerial stint, and his dismissal marked a significant moment in Yankees history. source: nytimes.com
18 Oct Kevin Berry sets Olympic swimming world record: On October 18, 1964, Kevin Berry set a new world record in swimming during the Tokyo Olympics. His performance highlighted the competitive spirit and advancements in swimming techniques at the time. source: britannica.com
19 Oct Edith McGuire wins Olympic gold medal: On October 19, 1964, Edith McGuire won a gold medal in the women's 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. Her victory was a significant achievement in her athletic career and contributed to the U.S. team's overall success. source: britannica.com
20 Oct Mad Dog Vachon wins NWA Championship: On October 20, 1964, wrestler Mad Dog Vachon won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a significant achievement in professional wrestling. Vachon was known for his fierce persona and became a prominent figure in the wrestling world during the 1960s. His victory was celebrated by fans and marked a key moment in his career. source: wrestlinginc.com
21 Oct Abebe Bikila wins Olympic marathon in record time: Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won the Olympic marathon at the Tokyo Games on October 21, 1964, setting a new world record with a time of 2:12:11.2. This victory made him the first athlete to successfully defend an Olympic marathon title. source: en.wikipedia.org
23 Oct Larisa Latynina wins Olympic floor exercise gold: On October 23, 1964, Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina secured her third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the floor exercise at the Tokyo Games. She had previously won gold in this event at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. In Tokyo, she achieved a score of 19.599, leading to her victory. source: olympedia.org
24 Oct 18th Olympic Games conclude: The 18th Olympic Games, held in Tokyo, Japan, concluded on October 24, 1964. This was the first time the Olympics were hosted in Asia, featuring a range of sports and marking significant milestones in Olympic history.
25 Oct NFL's Most Infamous Wrong-Way Run: Minnesota Vikings player Jim Marshall accidentally ran 66 yards in the wrong direction, scoring a safety for the opposing team in a memorable and embarrassing moment of NFL history.
10 Nov Atlanta Braves secure long-term stadium lease: On November 10, 1964, the Atlanta Braves secured a long-term lease for their stadium, which was a significant step in establishing the team in Atlanta. This move was part of the franchise's efforts to build a strong fan base in the region. source: espn.com
12 Nov Paula Murphy sets female land speed record: On November 12, 1964, Paula Murphy achieved a two-way average speed of 226.37 mph in Walt Arfons' jet-powered 'Avenger' at the Bonneville Salt Flats, setting a new women's land speed record. source: mshf.com
15 Nov Kathy Whitworth wins San Antonio Civitan Open: On November 15, 1964, Kathy Whitworth secured victory at the San Antonio Civitan Open, finishing with a score of 283. This win marked her 11th career LPGA Tour title. source: en.wikipedia.org
18 Nov Brooks Robinson wins AL MVP: On November 18, 1964, Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles was awarded the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His exceptional defensive skills and consistent batting performance contributed to his recognition as one of the top players in baseball that season. source: baseball-reference.com
01 Dec Houston Colt .45s officially change name to Astros: On December 1, 1964, the Houston Colt .45s baseball team officially changed their name to the Houston Astros. This change coincided with the team's move to the newly constructed Astrodome, reflecting Houston's association with NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center. source: en.wikipedia.org
04 Dec MLB approves free-agent draft: On December 4, 1964, Major League Baseball approved the implementation of a free-agent draft system, aiming to distribute talent more evenly among teams and reduce the dominance of wealthier franchises. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 Dec Canadian Badminton Player Born: Anil Kaul was born in Amritsar, India. He would later become a notable Canadian badminton player who represented Canada in the 1996 Olympics.
26 Dec Buffalo Bills win AFL Championship: On December 26, 1964, the Buffalo Bills defeated the San Diego Chargers 20–7 in the American Football League Championship Game at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo, New York. This victory marked the Bills' first league championship. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Dec Cleveland Browns NFL Championship Victory: On December 27, 1964, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Baltimore Colts 27–0 in the NFL Championship Game at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. This victory marked the Browns' eighth NFL championship. source: en.wikipedia.org

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