1970 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights

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1970 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to


  • 01 Jan National League Leadership Change: Charles "Chub" Feeney succeeds Warren Giles as president of Major League Baseball's National League, taking over after Giles' 18-year tenure and preparing to serve his own 16-year term.
  • 03 Jan James Brown NFL Player: James Brown, a professional tackle for the New York Jets, was active in the NFL during this period.
  • 04 Jan Vikings Defeat Browns in NFC Championship: The Minnesota Vikings secured a decisive victory over the Cleveland Browns with a 27-7 win in the NFC Championship game, advancing towards the Super Bowl.
  • 06 Jan Rent Binken, Dutch Soccer Player: Rent Binken, a soccer player from Volendam, Netherlands, represents a local sporting talent from a small Dutch community.
  • 08 Jan Jon Klemm NHL player born: Jon Klemm, a former professional ice hockey player, was born on January 8, 1970. He played in the NHL for teams such as the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago Blackhawks. Klemm is recognized for his contributions to the sport during his career in the 1990s and early 2000s. source: hockeydb.com
  • 10 Jan Deon Figures born: Deon Figures, an American football player, was born on January 10, 1970. He went on to have a successful career in the National Football League (NFL), contributing to various teams during his time in the league. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Jan Super Bowl IV: Kansas City Chiefs victory: On January 11, 1970, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV, held at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. The Chiefs won 23-7, marking their first Super Bowl title. This game is notable for the Chiefs' strong defense and the performance of quarterback Len Dawson. source: nfl.com
  • 15 Jan Milwaukee Brewers Make First Trade: On January 15, 1970, the Milwaukee Brewers made their first trade, acquiring pitcher Jim Colborn from the Kansas City Royals. source: mlb.com
  • 16 Jan Curt Flood challenges baseball's reserve clause: On January 16, 1970, Major League Baseball player Curt Flood filed a $1 million lawsuit against Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and Major League Baseball, alleging that the reserve clause violated federal antitrust laws. Flood's action was a significant challenge to the longstanding system that bound players to their teams indefinitely. source: mlb.com
  • 20 Jan NFL Player Profile: Deon Figures, a professional cornerback, joins the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, contributing to the franchise's defensive lineup.
  • 21 Jan Ian Salisbury: Cricket Player Profile: Ian Salisbury was a notable leg-spinner who played cricket for Sussex County and represented England's national team between 1992 and 1996. He was a skilled spin bowler during his professional career.
  • 22 Jan Barry Richards Test Cricket Debut: South African cricketer Barry Richards made his Test debut against Australia in Cape Town, scoring 29 and 32 in his first match. source: icc-cricket.com
  • 24 Jan Valeri Muratov sets speed skating world record: On January 24, 1970, Soviet speed skater Valeri Muratov set a world record in the men's 500-meter event at the Medeo rink in the Soviet Union. He completed the distance in 38.99 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 39.09 seconds set by himself earlier that month. Muratov's achievement was part of a series of world records he set in January 1970. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 27 Jan Probir Sen: Cricket Player Dies: Probir Sen, an Indian cricket player with an impressive record of 20 catches, 11 stumpings, and 14 Test matches for India, passed away.
  • 29 Jan Scott Davis, NFL Player: Scott L. Davis, born on January 29, 1970, is a former American football guard who played college football at Iowa. He was drafted in the sixth round (150th overall) by the New York Giants in the 1993 NFL Draft. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 01 Feb Baseball Hall of Fame inductees: On February 1, 1970, several players were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the sport. This annual event celebrates the achievements of baseball legends and their impact on the game. source: britannica.com
  • 05 Feb Barry Richards scores first Test century: On February 5, 1970, Barry Richards scored his first Test century, making 140 runs off 164 balls against Australia in Durban. He was known for his elegant batting style and was later inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. source: espncricinfo.com
  • 07 Feb LSU basketball star Pete Maravich scores 69 points: On February 7, 1970, Pete Maravich, playing for LSU, scored an impressive 69 points in a game against Alabama. This performance remains one of the highest single-game scoring records in college basketball history. Maravich's scoring prowess and style of play have left a lasting legacy in the sport. source: ncaa.com
  • 08 Feb Alonzo Mourning: NBA center: Alonzo Mourning, a prominent NBA center, was born on February 8, 1970. Known for his defensive skills and scoring ability, Mourning had a successful career in the NBA, earning multiple All-Star selections and a championship title. He is regarded as one of the best centers in basketball history. source: nba.com
  • 09 Feb Glenn McGrath: Australian Cricket Legend: Glenn McGrath, born on February 9, 1970, in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, is a renowned Australian cricketer. He is celebrated for his exceptional fast-medium bowling, becoming one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. source: britannica.com
  • 13 Feb Death of Herbert Strudwick: Herbert Strudwick, a notable English cricket player who represented his country in 28 Test matches and achieved 60 catches and 12 stumpings, passes away.
  • 14 Feb Richard Smehlik NHL Career Begins: Richard Smehlik, a professional ice hockey defenseman from Czechoslovakia, was born in Ostrava. He would go on to play for the Czechoslovakian national team and the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL.
  • 15 Feb Ard Schenk becomes world champion skater: On February 15, 1970, Ard Schenk won the world championship in speed skating, marking a significant achievement in his athletic career. Schenk's victory contributed to his reputation as one of the greatest speed skaters of his time. His accomplishments inspired many in the sport. source: olympic.org
  • 16 Feb Joe Frazier wins undisputed heavyweight boxing championship: On February 16, 1970, Joe Frazier defeated Jimmy Ellis to become the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. The fight took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where Frazier won by unanimous decision, solidifying his position as the top contender in the heavyweight division. source: boxingnews24.com
  • 19 Feb Denny McLain suspended for bookmaking allegations: On February 19, 1970, Major League Baseball suspended pitcher Denny McLain due to allegations of involvement in bookmaking. This incident raised concerns about gambling in sports and its impact on the integrity of the game. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 21 Feb Michael Slater Birth: Michael Slater was born, who would later become a renowned Australian cricket player known for his aggressive opening batting style, representing Australia from 1993 onwards and becoming a significant figure in international cricket.
  • 25 Feb Birth of Brian O'Neal, NFL Player: Brian O'Neal, an American former professional football fullback, was born on February 25, 1970, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He played college football at Penn State and later in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 01 Mar Atje Keulen-Deelstra becomes world champion speed skater: Dutch speed skater Atje Keulen-Deelstra won the world championship on March 1, 1970. source: legimi.de
  • 03 Mar Rick Mirer born: Rick Mirer, a former American football quarterback, was born on March 3, 1970. He played in the NFL for several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears. Mirer was known for his strong arm and leadership on the field. source: pro-football-reference.com
  • 04 Mar Jacksonville Basketball Scoring Record: The University of Jacksonville made history by becoming the first college basketball team to average over 100 points per game, a remarkable achievement that demonstrated the team's offensive prowess and innovative playing style during the 1970 season.
  • 06 Mar Robbie Tobeck Born: Robbie Tobeck, future NFL guard and center for the Atlanta Falcons, is born on this date.
  • 07 Mar 1970 World Figure Skating Championships held in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia: The 1970 World Figure Skating Championships took place from March 3 to 8, 1970, at the Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana, SR Slovenia, SFR Yugoslavia. The event featured competitions in men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dance, with notable performances by Timothy Wood and Gabriele Seyfert. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 Mar Rod Smith NFL Player Born: Rod Smith, a professional NFL cornerback who would later play for the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers, was born on this date.
  • 17 Mar Peter O'Malley Becomes Dodgers CEO: Peter O'Malley assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a significant moment in the baseball franchise's leadership transition.
  • 21 Mar Iconic 'Agony of Defeat' moment captured: On March 21, 1970, the famous 'Agony of Defeat' moment was captured during the opening sequence of ABC's Wide World of Sports. This moment became iconic in sports broadcasting, symbolizing the highs and lows of athletic competition. source: espn.com
  • 22 Mar Kathy Whitworth wins Orange Blossom Classic: On March 22, 1970, Kathy Whitworth secured victory at the Orange Blossom Classic in Florida, marking her third consecutive win at this event. She finished with a score of 216 (even par), leading runner-up Carol Mann by one stroke. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 31 Mar Seattle Pilots baseball team sale approved: On March 31, 1970, a federal bankruptcy court approved the sale of the Seattle Pilots to a Milwaukee-based group for $10.8 million. The team relocated to Milwaukee and became the Brewers, marking the only instance of a Major League Baseball team moving after just one season. source: seattletimes.com
  • 01 Apr Milwaukee Brewers purchase Seattle Pilots: On April 1, 1970, the Milwaukee Brewers' parent company, led by Bud Selig, purchased the Seattle Pilots franchise for $10.8 million. The Pilots had been declared bankrupt the previous day, allowing the Brewers to relocate the team to Milwaukee. The Pilots' insignia was removed from uniforms, and the team began play as the Brewers on April 7, 1970. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 Apr Gay Trip wins the Grand National: On April 4, 1970, Gay Trip, ridden by jockey Pat Taaffe, won the 124th Grand National steeplechase at Aintree, England, finishing 20 lengths ahead of the second-place horse. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 Apr FA Cup Final Draw: Chelsea and Leeds United play a thrilling 2-2 draw in the 1970 FA Cup final, necessitating a replay at Old Trafford.
  • 12 Apr Yankees honor baseball legends at ceremony: On April 12, 1970, the New York Yankees held a ceremony to honor several baseball legends. This event celebrated the contributions of these players to the sport and highlighted the Yankees' rich history in Major League Baseball. source: nytimes.com
  • 13 Apr 34th US Masters Golf Championship: Billy Casper won the 34th Golf Masters Championship, shooting an impressive total score of 279, demonstrating exceptional skill and precision in professional golf.
  • 20 Apr Ron Hill wins Boston Marathon, sets US record: On April 20, 1970, British runner Ron Hill won the Boston Marathon, setting a new U.S. record with a time of 2:10:30. His victory was notable for its strategic pacing and consistent performance. source: runnersworld.com
  • 22 Apr Senators vs Yankees Marathon Game: On April 22, 1970, the Washington Senators and New York Yankees played a marathon 18-inning game, with the Senators winning 2–1. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 29 Apr Chelsea wins FA Cup final replay: On April 29, 1970, Chelsea defeated Leeds United 2-1 after extra time in the FA Cup final replay at Old Trafford, securing their first FA Cup title. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 May 96th Kentucky Derby winner: On May 2, 1970, Dust Commander, ridden by jockey Mike Manganello, won the 96th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The horse was trained by Don Combs and owned by Robert E. Lehmann. Dust Commander completed the race in 2:03.4, finishing ahead of My Dad George and High Echelon. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 May New York Knicks win NBA Championship: On May 3, 1970, the New York Knicks secured their first NBA Championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks won 113-99, with Willis Reed playing a pivotal role despite an earlier injury. This victory marked a significant achievement in the franchise's history. source: nba.com
  • 04 May New York Knicks Win NBA Championship: The New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 113-99 in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
  • 06 May First ski descent of Mount Everest: On May 6, 1970, Japanese mountaineer Yuichiro Miura became the first person to ski from the South Col of Mount Everest, descending nearly 6,600 vertical feet. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 May New York Knicks Win NBA Championship: On May 8, 1970, the New York Knicks won the NBA Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 May Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Victory: The Boston Bruins won their first Stanley Cup since 1941, completing a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Blues. Bobby Orr scored the championship-winning goal 40 seconds into overtime, creating an iconic moment in hockey history.
  • 12 May Ernie Banks Joins 500 Home Run Club: On May 12, 1970, Ernie Banks became the 14th member of the 500 Home Run Club. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 May Hank Aaron reaches 3,000 hit milestone: On May 17, 1970, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves achieved his 3,000th career hit with a single off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wayne Simpson at Crosley Field. Aaron became the ninth player in Major League Baseball history to reach this milestone, joining an exclusive club of hitters. source: mlb.com
  • 24 May Donna Caponi Young wins LPGA tournament: On May 24, 1970, Donna Caponi Young secured victory in an LPGA tournament, marking a significant achievement in her golfing career. This win contributed to her reputation as a prominent figure in women's golf during that era. The event is celebrated in the history of the LPGA. source: lpga.com
  • 25 May Indiana Pacers win third ABA Championship: On May 25, 1970, the Indiana Pacers secured their third American Basketball Association (ABA) Championship. The Pacers were a dominant team in the ABA during the late 1960s and early 1970s, contributing to the league's growth and popularity. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 27 May 1970 FIFA World Cup begins: The 1970 FIFA World Cup kicked off on May 27, 1970, in Mexico, marking the ninth edition of the tournament. This World Cup is notable for being the first to be televised live in color and featured iconic matches, including the famous Brazil vs. Italy final. Brazil emerged as the champion, solidifying its status as a football powerhouse. source: britannica.com
  • 28 May Bobby Moore arrested in Colombia: On May 28, 1970, English footballer Bobby Moore was arrested in Colombia for allegedly attempting to steal a bracelet from a shop. The incident occurred just before the 1970 FIFA World Cup, where Moore was the captain of the England national team. He was later released without charges, and the incident became a notable moment in World Cup history. source: bbc.com
  • 30 May MLB restores fan voting for All-Star Game: On May 30, 1970, Major League Baseball reinstated fan voting for the All-Star Game, allowing fans to select eight position players in each league. This decision reversed the previous policy from 1958, when fan voting was suspended due to ballot stuffing incidents. The 1970 All-Star Game was notably held in Cincinnati, the city where the controversy had occurred. To prevent future issues, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn established a special panel to oversee the voting process. source: baseballamerica.com
  • 31 May 1970 FIFA World Cup begins: The 1970 FIFA World Cup commenced on May 31, 1970, in Mexico. This tournament is renowned for its high level of play and is often considered one of the greatest World Cups in history. Teams from around the world competed for the prestigious title, with Brazil ultimately emerging as the champions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 01 Jun MLB Commissioner reprimands Jim Bouton: On June 1, 1970, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn issued a reprimand to pitcher Jim Bouton. The reprimand was related to Bouton's controversial book, 'Ball Four,' which exposed behind-the-scenes details of professional baseball, leading to tensions between the league and the players. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 Jun Brazil Wins 1970 FIFA World Cup: On June 12, 1970, Brazil won the FIFA World Cup, defeating Italy 4-1 in the final held in Mexico City. This victory marked Brazil's third World Cup title, making them the first nation to achieve such a feat. source: fifa.com
  • 15 Jun LPGA Championship won by Shirley Englehorn: On June 15, 1970, Shirley Englehorn secured her only major title by defeating Kathy Whitworth in an 18-hole playoff at the LPGA Championship held at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Massachusetts. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 Jun Brazil triumphs in 1970 FIFA World Cup: On June 17, 1970, Brazil won the FIFA World Cup, defeating Italy 4-1 in the final held in Mexico City. This victory marked Brazil's third World Cup title, solidifying its status as a football powerhouse. source: bbc.com
  • 18 Jun Brazil wins 1970 FIFA World Cup: On June 18, 1970, Brazil secured its third FIFA World Cup title by defeating Italy 4-1 in the final match. This victory is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements in football history. source: bbc.com
  • 19 Jun Baseball No-Hitter Broken Up: Yankees player Horace Clarke breaks up a no-hitter in the 9th inning, the second such occurrence in 28 days.
  • 20 Jun 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico: The 1970 FIFA World Cup, held in Mexico, began on June 20, 1970. This tournament is often regarded as one of the greatest World Cups, featuring legendary players and memorable matches. source: bbc.com
  • 24 Jun Final Game at Crosley Field: The Cincinnati Reds played their final game at historic Crosley Field, defeating the San Francisco Giants 5-4. This event marked the end of an era for the baseball stadium that had been home to the Reds for decades.
  • 25 Jun Birth of Erki Nool, Estonian Olympic decathlete: Erki Nool, an Estonian decathlete and Olympic gold medalist, was born on June 25, 1970. He gained international recognition for his athletic achievements, particularly during the 2000 Sydney Olympics where he won the gold medal in decathlon. source: bbc.com
  • 26 Jun Frank Robinson's historic grand slam performance: On June 26, 1970, Frank Robinson hit a grand slam home run while playing for the Baltimore Orioles against the Chicago White Sox. This performance was notable as it marked Robinson's continued excellence in Major League Baseball and his impact on the game. source: nytimes.com
  • 28 Jun Mary Mills Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Mary Mills secured victory at the Len Immke Buick Golf Open, contributing to the growing recognition of women's professional golf during the early 1970s.
  • 30 Jun First Baseball Game at Riverfront Stadium: The inaugural baseball game is played at Cincinnati's newly constructed Riverfront Stadium, marking a significant moment in the city's sports history.
  • 01 Jul Denny McLain returns to Tigers after suspension: On July 1, 1970, Denny McLain returned to the Detroit Tigers after a three-month suspension for gambling allegations. In his first game back, he pitched 5 innings against the New York Yankees, allowing five earned runs on eight hits, including home runs by Jerry Kenney, Thurman Munson, and Bobby Murcer. The Tigers won the game in extra innings, but McLain's performance signaled a downturn in his career. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Jul California Angels No-Hitter: Clyde Wright of the California Angels pitched a remarkable no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics, winning 8-0.
  • 14 Jul 41st MLB All-Star Game: The 41st Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played on July 14, 1970, at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, resulting in a 5–4 victory for the National League. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 16 Jul 9th British Commonwealth Games begin: The 9th British Commonwealth Games commenced in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 16, 1970. This event marked the first time the Games were held in Scotland and the first time metric units were used in all events. source: bowls.org.hk
  • 19 Jul Judy Rankin wins LPGA Springfield Jaycee Golf Open: On July 19, 1970, Judy Rankin won the LPGA Springfield Jaycee Golf Open, marking a significant achievement in her professional golf career.
  • 20 Jul Bill Singer's No-Hitter Against Philadelphia Phillies: On July 20, 1970, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bill Singer threw a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium, marking the first no-hitter for the Dodgers since Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965. source: mlb.com
  • 26 Jul Johnny Bench hits three consecutive home runs against Steve Carlton: On July 26, 1970, Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds hit three consecutive home runs off pitcher Steve Carlton of the St. Louis Cardinals, contributing to a 12-5 victory. source: redlegnation.com
  • 27 Jul Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held: On July 27, 1970, the Baseball Hall of Fame held its annual induction ceremony, honoring new inductees for their contributions to the sport. source: baseballhall.org
  • 08 Aug New York Yankees honor Casey Stengel: On August 8, 1970, the New York Yankees honored former manager Casey Stengel by retiring his number 37 during their 24th annual Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium. Stengel, who had managed the Yankees from 1949 to 1960, was celebrated for his significant contributions to the team and baseball. source: keymancollectibles.com
  • 11 Aug Jim Bunning pitches perfect game for Philadelphia Phillies: On August 11, 1970, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning achieved a perfect game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Bunning retired all 27 batters he faced, leading the Phillies to a 6-0 victory. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 16 Aug Dave Stockton wins 1970 PGA Championship: American golfer Dave Stockton secured his first major victory by winning the 1970 PGA Championship on August 16, 1970, at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He finished with a score of 279 (−1), two strokes ahead of runners-up Bob Murphy and Arnold Palmer. source: pgatour.com
  • 23 Aug Roberto Clemente's baseball achievement: On August 23, 1970, Roberto Clemente achieved his 3,000th hit in Major League Baseball, becoming one of the few players to reach this milestone. This achievement solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history. Clemente was known for his exceptional hitting ability and his humanitarian efforts off the field. source: baseballhall.org
  • 27 Aug Jim Thome birth: Jim Thome, a former Major League Baseball player and Hall of Famer, was born on August 27, 1970. He is celebrated for his powerful hitting and has left a lasting impact on the sport. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 02 Sep First Tennis Tiebreak at Grand Slam: On September 2, 1970, the U.S. Open became the first Grand Slam tournament to implement the tiebreak system, introducing a nine-point sudden-death tiebreaker to decide sets tied at 6–6. This innovation aimed to shorten matches and enhance spectator engagement. The inaugural day saw 26 tiebreaks played, with players like Bob McKinley and Ray Ruffles winning matches in fifth-set tiebreaks. source: insidetennis.com
  • 05 Sep Jochen Rindt becomes Formula 1's only posthumous World Champion: Austrian driver Jochen Rindt tragically died during practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 5, 1970. Despite his death, Rindt had accumulated enough points earlier in the season to secure the World Championship posthumously, making him the only driver in Formula 1 history to achieve this feat. source: formula1.com
  • 06 Sep Tommy Agee Hits for the Cycle: New York Mets player Tommy Agee achieved the rare baseball feat of hitting for the cycle, demonstrating exceptional batting skill in a memorable sporting moment.
  • 07 Sep Jockey Bill Shoemaker sets record: On September 7, 1970, jockey Bill Shoemaker set a new record for career wins in thoroughbred racing, achieving his 8,000th victory. This milestone solidified his status as one of the greatest jockeys in the history of the sport. source: britannica.com
  • 12 Sep Margaret Court's Grand Slam: Australian tennis legend Margaret Court completed a historic Grand Slam by defeating Rosemary Casals 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the US Open Women's Tennis tournament, a remarkable achievement in professional tennis.
  • 13 Sep First New York City Marathon held: The inaugural New York City Marathon took place on September 13, 1970, with 127 runners participating. The race covered a 26.2-mile course through all five boroughs of New York City, laying the foundation for what would become one of the world's largest and most popular marathons. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 21 Sep Monday Night Football premieres on ABC: On September 21, 1970, ABC broadcast the first episode of Monday Night Football, revolutionizing sports television by airing NFL games on prime-time television. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 Sep Judy Rankin wins LPGA Lincoln-Mercury Open: On September 26, 1970, Judy Rankin secured her fourth LPGA Tour victory at the Lincoln-Mercury Open in California, finishing with a score of 217 (−2). source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 01 Oct Final game at Connie Mack Stadium: On October 1, 1970, the Philadelphia Phillies played their final game at Connie Mack Stadium, defeating the Montreal Expos 2–1 in 10 innings. The event was marred by fans dismantling parts of the stadium during the game, leading to the cancellation of a planned post-game ceremony. source: sabr.org
  • 02 Oct Billy Martin Becomes Tigers Manager: Billy Martin is named manager of the Detroit Tigers, beginning a notable chapter in his controversial and colorful baseball management career.
  • 04 Oct Jan Stenerud's 55-yard field goal: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Jan Stenerud successfully kicked a 55-yard field goal during a game against the Denver Broncos. source: kansascity.com
  • 12 Oct Rodney Begnaud, Professional Wrestler: Rodney Begnaud, born on October 12, 1970, is an American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, best known by his ring name, Rodney Mack. He is signed to the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he performs under the ring name Damage as a member of Blunt Force Trauma, and is a former NWA World Tag Team Champion. He is best known for his time with WWE. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 18 Oct Sachio Kinugasa begins historic baseball streak: On October 18, 1970, Japanese baseball player Sachio Kinugasa set a record by playing in his 2,215th consecutive game. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Lou Gehrig in Major League Baseball, marking a significant milestone in sports history. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 01 Nov First Regular Season Giants-Jets Game: The first regular season game between the San Francisco Giants and New York Jets took place at Shea Stadium, with the Giants winning decisively 22-10.
  • 02 Nov Cleveland Cavaliers suffer historic defeat: On November 2, 1970, the Cleveland Cavaliers experienced a historic defeat, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers by a record margin of 68 points. This game remains one of the most significant losses in NBA history, highlighting the challenges faced by the Cavaliers in their early years. source: nba.com
  • 03 Nov Bob Gibson Wins NL Cy Young Award: Bob Gibson, a legendary pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, was awarded the National League Cy Young Award, recognizing his exceptional pitching performance during the 1970 baseball season.
  • 06 Nov Boog Powell wins AL MVP: On November 6, 1970, Boog Powell was named the American League Most Valuable Player after batting .297 with 35 home runs and 114 RBIs, leading the Baltimore Orioles to their second World Series title in five years. source: mlb.com
  • 07 Nov First Ultimate Frisbee match played: On November 7, 1970, the first official Ultimate Frisbee match was played at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, marking the beginning of the sport's organized play. source: usaultimate.org
  • 08 Nov NFL record field goal by Tom Dempsey: On November 8, 1970, Tom Dempsey kicked a 63-yard field goal, setting an NFL record that stood for 43 years. This remarkable feat took place during a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions. Dempsey's kick remains one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. source: nfl.com
  • 12 Nov Marshall University football team tragedy: On November 12, 1970, a plane crash killed 75 members of the Marshall University football team, coaching staff, and supporters. The tragedy remains one of the deadliest in U.S. sports history and had a profound impact on the university and the community. source: nytimes.com
  • 13 Nov Marshall University football team plane crash: On November 13, 1970, a plane carrying the Marshall University football team crashed, killing all 75 people on board. This tragedy profoundly affected the university and led to significant changes in aviation safety regulations. source: nytimes.com
  • 18 Nov Johnny Bench named National League MVP: On November 18, 1970, Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench was named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP). Bench's exceptional performance during the season, including his offensive and defensive contributions, earned him this prestigious award. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 24 Nov Jim Plunkett awarded Heisman Trophy: On November 24, 1970, Stanford University quarterback Jim Plunkett won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Latino player to receive the award. He led Stanford to a 9-3 record and a victory over Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. source: heisman.com
  • 27 Nov Carl Morton Wins NL Rookie of the Year: Carl Morton, a pitcher for the Montreal Expos, wins the National League Rookie of the Year award despite playing for the last-place team in the league. Morton's impressive 18-11 record highlights his individual excellence in an otherwise challenging season.
  • 28 Nov 58th CFL Grey Cup: Montreal Alouettes triumph: On November 28, 1970, the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Calgary Stampeders 23-10 to win the 58th Grey Cup, marking their first championship since 1949. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 29 Nov Mark Pembridge: Welsh football player born: Mark Pembridge, a Welsh footballer known for his midfield play, was born on November 29, 1970, in Cardiff, Wales. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Dec Christian Karembeu Birth: Christian Karembeu, a notable French international footballer who would later become a World Cup winner, was born on this date.
  • 06 Dec Cleveland Cavaliers' first home victory: On December 6, 1970, the Cleveland Cavaliers achieved their first home victory in franchise history, defeating the San Diego Rockets. This milestone was significant for the team's early years in the NBA. source: nba.com
  • 07 Dec Courtney Browne - Cricket Player: Courtney Browne, a West Indies cricket player who served as a Test wicket-keeper in 1995.
  • 11 Dec Gregory Chappell's Test Cricket Debut: Gregory Stephen Chappell made his debut in Test Cricket, marking the beginning of a significant career for the Australian cricketer who would later become a renowned player and captain.
  • 13 Dec Greg Chappell's Test Debut: Greg Chappell, a legendary Australian cricketer, scored an impressive 108 runs on his Test debut against England at the WACA (Western Australian Cricket Association) ground, marking the beginning of a remarkable cricket career.
  • 23 Dec First NFL Monday Night Game: On December 23, 1970, the National Football League (NFL) held its first Monday Night Football game, marking a significant expansion of the league's television presence. The game featured the New York Jets against the Cleveland Browns, with the Jets winning 31-21. This event laid the foundation for the long-running Monday Night Football broadcast. source: pro-football-reference.com
  • 30 Dec Sonny Liston found dead: On December 30, 1970, former heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston was found dead in his Las Vegas home. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious, with some speculating foul play. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 31 Dec Canadian Olympic Canoeist Born: Dan Howe is born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He would later represent Canada as an Olympic canoeist in the 1996 Olympic Games.