1968 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1968 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Davor Šuker born: Davor Šuker, a Croatian footballer and former president of the Croatian Football Federation, was born on January 1, 1968, in Osijek, Yugoslavia. source: en.wikipedia.org
13 Jan Minnesota North Stars player Bill Masterton fatal injury: On January 13, 1968, Bill Masterton of the Minnesota North Stars suffered a fatal injury during an NHL game. His death led to significant changes in player safety regulations in professional hockey. source: britannica.com
14 Jan Super Bowl II: Green Bay Packers Triumph: On January 14, 1968, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II, held at the Miami Orange Bowl. The Packers secured their second consecutive championship, winning 33-14, and solidifying their legacy in NFL history. source: nfl.com
15 Jan Bill Masterson NHL Tragedy: On January 15, 1968, NHL player Bill Masterton tragically died after suffering a head injury during a game. His death led to increased awareness and changes in safety regulations regarding head injuries in hockey. source: nhl.com
16 Jan 21st NHL All-Star Game: The 21st National Hockey League All-Star Game was held at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, where the host Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the NHL All-Stars 4-3. This was the last time Maple Leaf Gardens hosted the event and the final game under the Stanley Cup champions-versus-NHL All-Stars format. source: en.wikipedia.org
20 Jan Houston ends UCLA's 47-game basketball winning streak: On January 20, 1968, the University of Houston defeated UCLA 71-69 at the Houston Astrodome, ending the Bruins' 47-game winning streak. The game, known as the "Game of the Century," was attended by 52,693 spectators and featured standout performances from Elvin Hayes of Houston and Lew Alcindor of UCLA. source: espn.com
21 Jan AFL Pro Bowl: The AFL Pro Bowl takes place with the East team defeating the West team 25-24, a notable sporting event in the year's professional football calendar.
22 Jan Frank Lebœuf Birth: Frank Lebœuf, a notable French professional footballer, is born. He would later become a World Cup champion with France in 1998 and play for clubs like Chelsea and Marseille.
31 Jan Cricket Performance: Australian cricketer Bobby Simpson achieves an impressive bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for 59 runs against India in his last Test match for a decade.
06 Feb X Olympic Winter Games in Grenoble, France: The X Olympic Winter Games were held in Grenoble, France, from February 6 to 18, 1968. Thirty-seven countries participated in 35 events across six sports. Norway led the medal tally with 14 medals, including six golds, while the Soviet Union secured five golds and 13 medals in total. source: britannica.com
08 Feb Ron Goetz born, American gridiron football player: Ron Goetz, an American gridiron football linebacker, was born on February 8, 1968. He played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the World League of American Football (WLAF). Goetz was named second-team All-WLAF in his first year after making 50 tackles with four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 Feb Jean-Claude Killy wins Olympic downhill: On February 9, 1968, French skier Jean-Claude Killy won the gold medal in the downhill event at the Winter Olympics held in Grenoble, France. His victory contributed to his status as one of the top skiers of the era. source: britannica.com
11 Feb Peggy Fleming wins Olympic gold in figure skating: American figure skater Peggy Fleming won the gold medal in women's singles at the 1968 Winter Olympics held in Grenoble, France. Her performance was noted for its artistry and technical skill, marking a significant moment in Olympic history for figure skating. source: olympic.org
12 Feb Jean Claude-Killy achieves alpine skiing triple crown: French skier Jean Claude-Killy won the triple crown in alpine skiing at the 1968 Winter Olympics, securing gold medals in the downhill, slalom, and giant slalom events. His remarkable achievement solidified his status as one of the sport's greats. source: britannica.com
14 Feb Birth of cricket player Chris Lewis: Chris Lewis, a former English cricketer, was born on February 14, 1968. He played for the England national team and is known for his contributions to the sport during the 1990s. source: britannica.com
17 Feb Soviet Union wins Olympic ice hockey gold: On February 17, 1968, the Soviet Union secured their third Olympic gold medal in men's ice hockey at the Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, defeating Canada 5-0 in the final game. source: en.wikipedia.org
22 Feb Johanne Samarasekera Birth: Johanne Samarasekera was born in the United Arab Emirates. He would later become a notable cricket player, serving as an opening bowler and representing his team in the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
23 Feb Wilt Chamberlain reaches 25,000 point milestone: On February 23, 1968, Wilt Chamberlain became the first player in NBA history to score 25,000 points during a game against the Chicago Bulls. This milestone solidified his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. source: nba.com
29 Feb MLB Minimum Salary Increase: Major League Baseball establishes a new minimum player salary of $10,000, reflecting growing professionalization of sports.
01 Mar Sanjeeva Weerasinghe: Young Cricket Talent: Sanjeeva Weerasinghe made history as a remarkably young cricket player, representing Sri Lanka in a Test match against India at just 17 years old.
02 Mar World Men's Figure Skating Championship: The World Men's Figure Skating Championship was held in Geneva, Switzerland, with Emmerich Danzer from Austria emerging as the champion.
03 Mar Jean Beliveau reaches NHL milestone: On March 3, 1968, Jean Beliveau scored a goal in a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the second player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career points, joining Gordie Howe. source: thehockeywriters.com
04 Mar Nino Benvenuti regains middleweight title: On March 4, 1968, Italian boxer Nino Benvenuti defeated Emile Griffith by unanimous decision in a 15-round bout at Madison Square Garden, reclaiming the WBA, WBC, and The Ring middleweight titles. This victory marked the conclusion of their trilogy, with Benvenuti having previously won and lost to Griffith in 1967. source: britannica.com
21 Mar Kansas City Royals franchise established: On January 11, 1968, Ewing Kauffman was awarded an expansion team that became the Royals. The team was founded as an expansion franchise in 1969. source: kmbc.com
23 Mar Mike Atherton born: Michael Andrew Atherton was born on March 23, 1968, in Failsworth, Lancashire, England. source: en.wikipedia.org
26 Mar Jose Vizcaino Birth: Jose Vizcaino, a former professional baseball player, was born on March 26, 1968, in the Dominican Republic. He played in Major League Baseball for several teams, including the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants, and is known for his contributions to the sport during the 1990s. source: baseball-reference.com
28 Mar Birth of Nasser Hussain, English cricketer: Nasser Hussain, an English cricketer who captained the England cricket team from 1999 to 2003, was born on March 28, 1968, in Madras, India. He had an international career from 1990 to 2004. source: en.wikipedia.org
30 Mar 122nd Grand National Horse Race: The 122nd Grand National horse race took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on March 30, 1968. The nine-year-old horse Red Alligator, ridden by jockey Brian Fletcher, won the race by 20 lengths. source: en.wikipedia.org
31 Mar J.R. Reid NBA Player Born: J.R. Reid, future NBA forward who would play for the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, is born.
04 Apr AEK Athens wins European Basketball Cup: On April 4, 1968, AEK Athens won the European Basketball Cup, marking a significant achievement in the history of Greek basketball. This victory was celebrated as a major milestone for the sport in Greece. source: euroleague.net
07 Apr Death of Jim Clark: Tragic Loss of Racing Legend: On April 7, 1968, Scottish racing driver Jim Clark, a two-time Formula One World Champion, tragically died during the Deutschland Trophäe race at the Hockenheimring in West Germany. His untimely death was a significant loss to the motorsport community. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 Apr Historic Stanley Cup Penalty Shot Scored: Wayne Connelly of the Minnesota North Stars made NHL history by becoming the first player to successfully score on a penalty shot during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
14 Apr 32nd Golf Masters Championship: Bob Goalby won the 32nd Golf Masters Championship at Augusta National Golf Club, shooting an impressive total score of 277.
17 Apr Roger Twose born in Torquay, England: Roger Twose, a New Zealand cricketer, was born in Torquay, England, on April 17, 1968. He played 16 Test matches and 87 One Day Internationals for New Zealand between 1995 and 2001. source: en.wikipedia.org
18 Apr First ABA Basketball Championship: The inaugural American Basketball Association (ABA) championship tournament commenced, marking a significant moment in professional basketball history.
19 Apr Boston Marathon Victory by Amby Burfoot: On April 19, 1968, Amby Burfoot won the Boston Marathon, becoming the first American male to win the race since 1957. source: runnersworld.com
22 Apr Jo Angel - Australian Cricket Fast Bowler: Jo Angel, born on April 22, 1968, is a former Australian cricketer who played in four Test matches and three One Day Internationals between 1993 and 1995. A giant fast bowler standing 6ft 6in tall, Angel took 485 first-class wickets, including 445 in Australian domestic cricket for Western Australia. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Apr Jimmy Ellis wins WBA heavyweight title: On April 27, 1968, Jimmy Ellis defeated Jerry Quarry by a 15-round split decision in Oakland, California, to win the vacant WBA Heavyweight Championship. This victory marked the beginning of his reign as world champion. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 May 22nd NBA Championship: The Boston Celtics won their 22nd NBA Championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2, further solidifying their dominance in professional basketball during the 1960s.
04 May Pittsburgh Pipers win inaugural ABA Championship: On May 4, 1968, the Pittsburgh Pipers defeated the New Orleans Buccaneers 122-113 in Game 7 of the ABA Finals at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, clinching the first-ever ABA Championship. source: barstoolsports.com
12 May Mickey Wright Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Mickey Wright won the Tall City Golf Open in the LPGA tour, further establishing her reputation in women's professional golf.
15 May First American League game in Milwaukee: On May 15, 1968, the Chicago White Sox played their first American League game in Milwaukee at County Stadium, marking the return of Major League Baseball to the city. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 May LPGA Golfer Profile: Debbi Miho Koyama competed in the 1995 US Women's Open, finishing in 28th place, representing the growing diversity and competitive spirit of women's professional golf.
26 May Kathy Whitworth's Golf Victory: Professional golfer Kathy Whitworth won the LPGA Dallas Civitan Golf Open, further establishing her reputation as a dominant female golfer of her era.
27 May San Diego Padres franchise established: On May 27, 1968, the National League officially awarded a Major League Baseball franchise to San Diego, marking the establishment of the San Diego Padres. The team commenced play in the 1969 season, becoming the 24th team in Major League Baseball. source: en.wikipedia.org
29 May Manchester United wins European Championship: On May 29, 1968, Manchester United won the European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League, by defeating S.L. Benfica 4-1 in the final. This victory marked Manchester United's first European Cup win. source: en.wikipedia.org
31 May Manchester United wins European Cup: On May 31, 1968, Manchester United won the European Cup, becoming the first English club to achieve this feat. The victory was a significant milestone in the club's history and marked a turning point in English football. source: bbc.com
06 Jun Don Drysdale's Scoreless Innings Record: On June 6, 1968, Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers set a Major League Baseball record by pitching 58 consecutive scoreless innings. This achievement solidified his reputation as one of the great pitchers of his era. source: baseball-reference.com
09 Jun French Open men's tennis: Open Era milestone: The 1968 French Open marked the beginning of the Open Era in tennis, allowing professional players to compete in Grand Slam tournaments. This change transformed the sport significantly. source: atptour.com
10 Jun MLB games postponed in honor of Robert F. Kennedy: On June 10, 1968, Major League Baseball postponed all games to honor the memory of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated on June 5. source: history.com
16 Jun Lee Trevino wins U.S. Open at Oak Hill Country Club: On June 16, 1968, golfer Lee Trevino won his first major title at the U.S. Open held at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. Trevino's rounds of 69, 68, 69, and 69 resulted in a total score of 275, four strokes ahead of runner-up Jack Nicklaus. This victory marked the beginning of Trevino's successful career, which included six major championships. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 Jun Sandra Post wins LPGA Championship: Canadian golfer Sandra Post won the LPGA Championship on June 24, 1968, becoming the first Canadian to win a major championship on the LPGA Tour.
25 Jun Bobby Bonds' grand slam debut: On June 25, 1968, Bobby Bonds made a memorable debut in Major League Baseball, hitting a grand slam for the San Francisco Giants. This achievement marked the beginning of a notable career in baseball. source: baseball-reference.com
26 Jun Major League Baseball divisional restructuring: On June 26, 1968, Major League Baseball announced a significant restructuring of its divisional format. This change aimed to enhance competition and fan engagement within the league. source: mlb.com
01 Jul Fortuna Sittard Soccer Team Formed: The Fortuna Sittard soccer team is established in Sittard, Netherlands, adding to the rich soccer culture of the region.
04 Jul Alec Rose completes solo round-the-world yacht voyage: On July 4, 1968, British yachtsman Alec Rose returned to Portsmouth after a 354-day solo circumnavigation aboard his 36-foot yacht, Lively Lady. Departing on July 16, 1967, Rose sailed approximately 28,500 miles, making stops in Melbourne, Australia, and Bluff Harbour, New Zealand, before completing his journey. His return was celebrated by a crowd of over 250,000 people. source: news.bbc.co.uk
06 Jul Billie Jean King wins Wimbledon Ladies' Singles: On July 6, 1968, Billie Jean King won the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles title, marking a significant moment in tennis history. This victory was part of the first year that Wimbledon allowed professional players to compete, highlighting a shift in the sport's landscape. source: bbc.com
09 Jul Birth of Paolo Di Canio: Paolo Di Canio, an Italian former professional footballer and manager, was born in Rome, Italy. He is renowned for his playing career with clubs like Lazio, Juventus, and West Ham United. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Jul Major League Baseball Restructuring: On July 10, 1968, the National League announced its decision to split into two divisions of six teams each for the 1969 season. This move aimed to enhance competition and fan engagement by creating two distinct pennant races within the league. source: sportshistorynetwork.com
11 Jul Earl Weaver Becomes Orioles Manager: On July 11, 1968, the Baltimore Orioles promoted first base coach Earl Weaver to manager, replacing Hank Bauer. Weaver would go on to manage the Orioles for all or parts of 17 seasons, winning four American League pennants and the 1970 World Series. source: en.wikipedia.org
14 Jul Hank Aaron reaches 500 home run milestone: On July 14, 1968, Hank Aaron hit his 500th career home run, becoming the third player in Major League Baseball history to reach this milestone. This achievement solidified Aaron's status as one of the greatest hitters in the sport's history. source: nytimes.com
21 Jul Jan Janssen wins Tour de France: Jan Janssen, a Dutch cyclist, won the Tour de France on July 21, 1968. This victory was notable as it was the first time a Dutch cyclist had won the prestigious race, marking a significant moment in cycling history. source: bbc.com
23 Jul Fred Blassie wins wrestling championship: Fred Blassie won a wrestling championship on July 23, 1968, known for his flamboyant personality and significant impact on professional wrestling. His victory contributed to his legacy as a prominent figure in the wrestling world. source: wwe.com
24 Jul First Ascent of Eiger North Face: Mountaineers completed the first successful ascent of the treacherous north face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps, a landmark achievement in alpine climbing that challenged existing mountaineering limits.
29 Jul Unassisted Triple Play in Washington DC: During a baseball game in Washington DC, Ron Hansen achieved the rare feat of an unassisted triple play against the Cleveland team, a remarkable moment in baseball history.
30 Jul Rare baseball triple play by Ron Hansen: On July 30, 1968, Ron Hansen executed a rare triple play during a game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees. This remarkable defensive play is one of the few recorded in Major League Baseball history. source: nytimes.com
08 Aug Jarry Park Approved for Montreal Expos: Montreal Mayor Jean Drapeau officially approves Jarry Park as an interim stadium for the Montreal Expos baseball team, marking an important moment in Canadian sports history.
10 Aug Shirley Englehorn wins LPGA Concord Open: Shirley Englehorn won the LPGA Concord Open on August 10, 1968, finishing three strokes ahead of Sandra Haynie. source: en.wikipedia.org
18 Aug Kathy Whitworth Wins LPGA Tournament: Professional golfer Kathy Whitworth secured victory at the LPGA Holiday Inn Golf Classic, further establishing her reputation as one of the most successful female golfers of her era.
23 Aug Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees play 19-inning tie: On August 23, 1968, the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees played a 19-inning game that ended in a 3–3 tie due to a 1 a.m. curfew at Yankee Stadium. source: baseball-reference.com
25 Aug Rocky Colavito pitches and homers for Yankees: On August 25, 1968, during a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, outfielder Rocky Colavito pitched 2.2 scoreless innings in relief, earning the win. He also homered in the second game, contributing to the Yankees' 5-4 victory. source: baseball-reference.com
29 Aug First US Open Tennis Match: The inaugural US Open tennis tournament was held, marking a significant milestone in professional tennis history. This event represented a transformation in the sport's professional era and international competitive landscape.
31 Aug US Golf Amateur Championship: Bruce Fleisher wins the 68th US Golf Amateur Championship, marking a significant achievement in his amateur golfing career.
05 Sep US Men's Tennis Championship: Arthur Ashe wins the 88th US Men's Tennis Championship, defeating Tom Okker in a notable match that further cemented Ashe's reputation as a groundbreaking African American tennis player.
07 Sep Virginia Wade wins US Open women's singles title: On September 7, 1968, Virginia Wade defeated defending champion Billie Jean King in the final of the US Open women's singles, with a score of 6–4, 6–2. This victory marked Wade's first major singles title and was significant as it was the first US Open to allow professional players, marking the beginning of the Open Era in tennis. source: usta.com
08 Sep Arthur Ashe wins US Open: On September 8, 1968, Arthur Ashe defeated Tom Okker in the final of the US Open men's singles, with a score of 14–12, 5–7, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3. This victory made Ashe the first African American man to win a Grand Slam event, marking a significant milestone in tennis history. source: usta.com
09 Sep Arthur Ashe's Historic Grand Slam Win: On September 9, 1968, Arthur Ashe won the men's singles title at the U.S. Open, defeating Tom Okker in the final with a score of 14–12, 5–7, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3. This victory made Ashe the first African American man to win a Grand Slam singles title, marking a significant milestone in both tennis history and the civil rights movement. source: en.wikipedia.org
14 Sep Denny McLain's 30th Victory: On September 14, 1968, Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain achieved his 30th win of the season, becoming the first Major League Baseball pitcher to do so since 1934. The Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics 5-4, with McLain striking out 10 batters. source: mlb.com
16 Sep Arthur Ashe makes historic U.S. Open victory: Arthur Ashe made history on September 16, 1968, by becoming the first African American man to win the U.S. Open. His victory was a significant milestone in sports and civil rights, inspiring many across the nation. source: usopen.org
17 Sep Gaylord Perry's No-Hitter Against Cardinals: San Francisco Giants pitcher Gaylord Perry achieved a remarkable no-hitter against the Saint Louis Cardinals, winning the game 1-0 and demonstrating exceptional pitching skill.
22 Sep César Tovar's unique baseball achievement: César Tovar achieved a rare feat in Major League Baseball by playing all nine positions in a single game for the Minnesota Twins. This remarkable accomplishment highlighted his versatility as a player. source: britannica.com
24 Sep Gil Hodges Health Crisis: Gil Hodges, a prominent baseball player and manager, experienced a health crisis on September 24, 1968. His health issues were significant enough to impact his career and led to increased public concern for his well-being. Hodges is remembered as a key figure in baseball history. source: nytimes.com
26 Sep Bob Gibson's historic baseball season: Bob Gibson, a legendary pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, had a remarkable season in 1968, posting a 1.12 ERA. His performance is often cited as one of the greatest in baseball history, leading to changes in the rules regarding pitching. source: baseball-reference.com
28 Sep Birth of Formula 1 driver Mika Häkkinen: Mika Häkkinen, a Finnish racing driver known for his success in Formula 1, was born on September 28, 1968. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Oct Bob Gibson sets World Series strikeout record with 17: In Game 1 of the 1968 World Series, Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals struck out 17 batters, setting a new World Series record. He pitched a one-hit shutout against the Detroit Tigers, leading the Cardinals to a 4–0 victory. source: mlb.com
12 Oct XIX Olympic Games in Mexico City: The XIX Olympic Games were held in Mexico City from October 12 to October 27, 1968. The games featured notable events, including the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal in the 200-meter dash and the iconic Black Power salute during the medal ceremony. source: en.wikipedia.org
14 Oct Jim Hines breaks 10-second barrier in Olympic 100m sprint: On October 14, 1968, Jim Hines became the first sprinter to officially break the 10-second barrier in the Olympic 100m sprint at the Mexico City Olympics. His record time of 9.95 seconds was a significant milestone in track and field history. source: bbc.com
15 Oct American League Expansion Draft: During the American League expansion draft, the Kansas City team selected Roger Nelson, while the Pilots picked Don Mincher as part of the league's expansion efforts.
16 Oct Milwaukee Bucks First Game: The Milwaukee Bucks play their inaugural NBA game, losing 89-84 to the Chicago Bulls, marking the beginning of the franchise's history.
18 Oct Lee Evans sets 400-meter world record: On October 18, 1968, American sprinter Lee Evans set a new world record in the 400-meter event at the Mexico City Olympics. source: en.wikipedia.org
20 Oct Olympic marathon victory: On October 20, 1968, the Olympic marathon was held during the Mexico City Games, where Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia won the gold medal. His victory was notable for the high altitude of Mexico City, which posed challenges for the athletes. source: britannica.com
23 Oct Olympic Gold Medal for Kenyan Runner Kip Keino: Kip Keino won the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics on October 23, 1968. His victory was notable for his remarkable performance at high altitude and is remembered as a significant moment in Olympic history. source: bbc.com
25 Oct Record-Breaking Olympic Field Hockey Match: In an extraordinary Olympic field hockey match, the Netherlands defeated Spain 1-0 after an intense 2 hours and 25 minutes of play, spanning 6 overtime periods. This became the longest field hockey game in Olympic history.
26 Oct George Foreman wins Olympic gold: George Foreman won the gold medal in boxing at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics on October 26, 1968. His victory was a significant moment in his career, paving the way for his future as a professional boxer. source: olympic.org
27 Oct 19th Olympic Games close in Mexico City: The 19th Olympic Games concluded in Mexico City on October 27, 1968. This event was notable for its high altitude and the introduction of new sports, as well as the famous Black Power salute by American athletes on the podium. source: britannica.com
31 Oct Milwaukee Bucks Win First Game: The Milwaukee Bucks win their inaugural NBA game, defeating the Detroit Pistons with a score of 138-118, marking the beginning of the franchise's professional basketball journey.
01 Nov Detroit Tigers Pitcher Wins Cy Young Award: Denny McLain of the Detroit Tigers was unanimously selected as the American League's Cy Young Award winner, recognizing his outstanding pitching performance for the 1968 season.
03 Nov Kathy Whitworth wins LPGA Golf Tournament: On November 3, 1968, Kathy Whitworth secured victory at an LPGA Golf Tournament. Whitworth was a prominent American professional golfer, known for her numerous tournament wins during the 1960s and 1970s. source: lpga.com
05 Nov Denny McLain becomes first AL pitcher to win MVP: In 1968, Denny McLain of the Detroit Tigers became the first pitcher in the American League to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He achieved a remarkable 31–6 win-loss record with a 1.96 ERA and 280 strikeouts, leading the Tigers to the American League pennant. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Nov Judy Rankin wins LPGA golf tournament: On November 10, 1968, Judy Rankin won the LPGA tournament held in New Orleans, marking a significant achievement in her professional golf career. This victory contributed to her reputation as one of the leading female golfers of her time. source: britannica.com
13 Nov Bob Gibson wins NL MVP: Bob Gibson was awarded the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) on November 13, 1968. His outstanding performance during the season, including a remarkable earned run average, contributed to this prestigious recognition. source: baseball-reference.com
19 Nov Stan Bahnsen Wins AL Rookie of the Year: In 1968, Stan Bahnsen, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, was named the American League Rookie of the Year. Bahnsen had an impressive season, posting a 17-12 record with a 2.05 ERA, and was instrumental in the Yankees' pitching rotation during his rookie year. source: baseball-reference.com
23 Nov Milwaukee Bucks first NBA trade: On November 23, 1968, the Milwaukee Bucks made their first trade in NBA history, acquiring player Jim McDaniels. This marked a significant moment in the team's early development in the league. source: nba.com
24 Nov Kathy Whitworth wins LPGA tournament: Kathy Whitworth won an LPGA tournament on November 24, 1968, further establishing her reputation as one of the top female golfers of her time. Her victory added to her impressive career achievements in women's golf. source: lpga.com
26 Nov O.J. Simpson wins Heisman Trophy: O.J. Simpson won the Heisman Trophy on November 26, 1968, while playing for the University of Southern California. This prestigious award is given annually to the most outstanding player in college football in the United States. source: heisman.com
27 Nov Penny Ann Early becomes first woman in major men's basketball league: On November 27, 1968, Penny Ann Early made history by becoming the first woman to play in a major professional men's basketball league. She played for the Kentucky Colonels in an ABA game against the Los Angeles Stars, breaking gender barriers in sports. source: npr.org
03 Dec MLB pitching rules modified to favor hitters: On December 3, 1968, Major League Baseball announced modifications to pitching rules aimed at favoring hitters. This change was a response to the dominance of pitchers during the 1968 season, known as the 'Year of the Pitcher.' source: nytimes.com
06 Dec Major League Baseball dismisses Commissioner William Eckert: On December 6, 1968, Major League Baseball announced the dismissal of Commissioner William Eckert. His tenure was marked by challenges, including labor disputes and the need for modernization in the league. This decision was part of a broader effort to revitalize the leadership within Major League Baseball. source: nytimes.com
12 Dec Laurie Williams, West Indian Cricket Player: Laurie Williams, a West Indian cricket player known for his all-round performance in One Day International matches against New Zealand in 1996, is noted.
28 Dec USA Wins 57th Davis Cup: The United States tennis team defeated Australia in the 57th Davis Cup tournament held in Adelaide, winning with a decisive 4-1 score.
29 Dec AFL Championship: Jets triumph over Raiders: On December 29, 1968, the New York Jets defeated the Oakland Raiders in the AFL Championship game. This victory was significant as it led the Jets to their first Super Bowl appearance, marking a pivotal moment in NFL history. source: nfl.com
31 Dec New York Jets win AFL Championship: The New York Jets won the American Football League (AFL) Championship on December 31, 1968, defeating the Oakland Raiders. This victory secured their place in Super Bowl III, where they would later achieve a historic win against the Baltimore Colts. source: nfl.com

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