1972 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1972 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan 38th Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma Beats Auburn: In a high-scoring Sugar Bowl, #3 ranked Oklahoma defeated #5 ranked Auburn with a score of 40-22.
02 Jan Miami Dolphins AFC Championship victory: On January 2, 1972, the Miami Dolphins secured the AFC Championship, advancing to Super Bowl VI, where they would go on to win their first NFL championship. source: en.wikipedia.org
07 Jan Los Angeles Lakers Set NBA Winning Streak Record: The Los Angeles Lakers achieved a remarkable milestone by securing their 33rd consecutive win, setting a new NBA record for consecutive victories and demonstrating extraordinary team performance during the 1971-1972 season.
08 Jan NCAA grants freshmen eligibility in football and basketball: On January 8, 1972, the NCAA voted to allow freshmen to participate in varsity football and basketball, ending the previous policy that restricted them to junior varsity teams. This change was influenced by the emergence of standout freshmen players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton, who had to wait until their sophomore years to play varsity sports. source: history.com
09 Jan Marlene Hagge Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Marlene Hagge emerged victorious in the Burdine's Golf Invitational, a professional women's golf tournament on the LPGA tour, highlighting her skill and competitive prowess in women's professional golf.
10 Jan Lakers' historic 33-game win streak ends: The Los Angeles Lakers' remarkable 33-game winning streak, a record in professional sports, came to an end on January 10, 1972, when they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. This streak remains one of the most celebrated achievements in NBA history. source: nba.com
11 Jan NASCAR leadership transition: On January 11, 1972, NASCAR underwent a significant leadership transition as it moved towards a more structured organization under new management. This change was pivotal in shaping the future of stock car racing in the United States. source: nascar.com
12 Jan Detroit Tigers Stadium Lease Plan Abandoned: The Detroit Tigers considered signing a lease for a $126 million domed stadium, but the project did not materialize. This highlights the complex financial and logistical challenges of major sports infrastructure development in the early 1970s.
13 Jan Vitaly Scherbo born: Vitaly Scherbo, a Belarusian gymnast and Olympic champion, was born on January 13, 1972. source: en.wikipedia.org
14 Jan Kyle Brady Born: Kyle Brady, future NFL tight end for the New York Jets, is born. He would later become a professional football player in the National Football League.
15 Jan Joe Frazier retains World Heavyweight Championship: On January 15, 1972, Joe Frazier successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship title against Bob Foster. This match solidified Frazier's status as one of the top boxers of his era. source: britannica.com
16 Jan Super Bowl VI: Dallas Cowboys triumph: On January 16, 1972, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl VI, defeating the Miami Dolphins. This victory marked the Cowboys' first Super Bowl title, solidifying their place in NFL history. source: britannica.com
18 Jan 22nd NBA All-Star Game: The 22nd NBA All-Star Game was held on January 18, 1972, at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The Western Conference team defeated the Eastern Conference 112-110, with Jerry West being named the Most Valuable Player. source: en.wikipedia.org
22 Jan 22nd NBA All-Star Game held: On January 22, 1972, the 22nd NBA All-Star Game was held, featuring top basketball players from the league. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 Jan Violent Basketball Incident at Ohio State vs Minnesota Game: During a basketball game between Ohio State and Minnesota, 7-foot tall Ohio State center Luke Witte is brutally attacked and stomped in the face during a brawl, highlighting the intense tensions in collegiate sports.
27 Jan Bryant Young born: Bryant Young, a former American football player and defensive tackle, was born on January 27, 1972. He is best known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, where he was a key player and later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. source: profootballhof.com
29 Jan Lakers Historic Winning Streak: The Los Angeles Lakers achieved a remarkable milestone by winning their 33rd consecutive game, defeating the Atlanta Hawks by an impressive 44-point margin (134-90) and extending their record to 39-3.
02 Feb Baseball Hall of Fame inductees announced: On February 2, 1972, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced its inductees for the year, honoring players who had made significant contributions to the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
03 Feb XI Olympic Winter Games held in Sapporo, Japan: The XI Olympic Winter Games were held in Sapporo, Japan, from February 3 to 13, 1972. This marked the first time the Winter Olympics were hosted in Asia, featuring athletes from around the world competing in various winter sports. source: olympics.com
04 Feb Ard Schenk Dominates Sapporo Winter Olympics: Dutch speed skater Ard Schenk achieved an extraordinary performance at the Sapporo Winter Olympics, winning gold medals in the 5,000m, 1,500m, and 10,000m speed skating events.
05 Feb Bob Douglas inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame: On February 5, 1972, Robert L. "Bob" Douglas, known as the "Father of Black Professional Basketball," was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first African American enshrined in the Hall. source: washingtonpost.com
07 Feb John Slaney: John Slaney, an NHL defenseman from Saint John's, Newfoundland, Canada, who played for the Los Angeles Kings.
08 Feb Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard elected to Baseball Hall of Fame: On February 8, 1972, the nine-man Committee on Negro Baseball Leagues elected Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard into the Hall of Fame, making them the second and third Negro League players to be inducted. source: washingtonpost.com
09 Feb Death of Baseball Player Chico Ruiz: Chico Ruiz, a Cuban-American professional baseball player, died on February 9, 1972, in San Diego, California, U.S. He played as an infielder for the Cincinnati Reds and California Angels from 1964 through 1971. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Feb Erhard Keller wins Olympic gold in speed skating: On February 11, 1972, German speed skater Erhard Keller won the gold medal in the men's 500 meters at the Sapporo Winter Olympics, setting an Olympic record with a time of 39.44 seconds. source: olympics-statistics.com
13 Feb XI Winter Olympic Games Close in Sapporo: The XI Winter Olympic Games concluded in Sapporo, Japan, on February 13, 1972. This was the first time the Winter Olympics were held in Asia.
14 Feb Drew Bledsoe Birth: Drew Bledsoe, future NFL quarterback for the New England Patriots, was born. He would later become a prominent player in the NFL during the 1990s and early 2000s.
20 Feb Tom Gough: Olympic Weightlifter: Tom Gough, an American weightlifter weighing 200.5 pounds (91kg), competed in the 1996 Olympics, finishing 14th in his category.
22 Feb Claudia Pechstein Birth: Claudia Pechstein, a renowned German speed skater, was born. She would later become one of the most successful and decorated speed skaters in Olympic history, representing both East and unified Germany.
24 Feb Ron Davis NFL Career Milestone: Ron Davis, a notable NFL cornerback, played for the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers, notably participating in Super Bowl 31. His professional career contributed to the competitive landscape of professional American football.
01 Mar Professional Baseball Player Profile: Omar Daal, a pitcher for the Montreal Expos, is noted as being from Maracaibo, Venezuela, representing the international diversity of professional baseball.
03 Mar Evel Knievel Motorcycle Stunt Accident: Legendary daredevil Evel Knievel suffered a leg injury during a motorcycle stunt attempt when his vehicle went out of control at the end of a ramp, adding to his long history of spectacular and dangerous performance stunts.
04 Mar Robert Smith, NFL Running Back: Robert Smith, a professional NFL running back who played for the Minnesota Vikings, was born. He would become a notable player in the league during his career.
05 Mar Tom Hipsz: Canadian Football League Player: Tom Hipsz, a defensive tackle for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, was noted on this date.
06 Mar Jack Nicklaus Becomes Golf's All-Time Money Winner: Professional golfer Jack Nicklaus surpassed Arnold Palmer as golf's highest-earning player, marking a significant milestone in his legendary career.
07 Mar White Sox Players Prepare for Potential Strike: Players of the Chicago White Sox unanimously voted 31-0 in favor of initiating a strike if negotiations with team management failed, demonstrating growing labor tensions in professional sports.
08 Mar Pat Riley NFL career begins: On March 8, 1972, Pat Riley began his NFL career, marking the start of a notable journey in professional sports. He would later become a prominent figure in basketball as a coach and executive. source: nfl.com
09 Mar Chicago White Sox Players Vote to Strike: Players on the Chicago White Sox unanimously voted 31-0 to authorize a potential strike, signaling potential labor tensions in professional baseball.
11 Mar North Carolina wins ACC Basketball Tournament: The University of North Carolina Tar Heels won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Basketball Tournament, defeating the Maryland Terrapins. This victory marked a significant achievement in the college basketball season. source: ncaa.com
12 Mar NHL legend Gordie Howe retires from professional hockey: Gordie Howe, one of the most iconic figures in hockey, announced his retirement from professional play. His career spanned several decades, making him a legend in the sport. source: bbc.com
14 Mar NBA's Cincinnati Royals Relocate to Kansas City: The Cincinnati Royals professional basketball franchise announced their relocation to Kansas City, driven by consistently poor home game attendance and financial challenges. This move represented a significant shift in the team's geographical and economic positioning.
17 Mar Manny Martindale's Passing: Manny Martindale, a West Indies cricket player who represented his country in 10 Test matches and took 34 wickets, passed away.
18 Mar ABA basketball scoring record set: On March 18, 1972, the American Basketball Association (ABA) saw a record scoring performance during a game. This event highlighted the high-scoring nature of the league, which was known for its fast-paced play and innovative rules. source: nba.com
19 Mar First AIAW women's basketball championship held: The first Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) basketball championship took place on March 19, 1972. This event marked a significant milestone in women's sports, promoting collegiate women's basketball. source: ncaa.com
22 Mar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar named NBA MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named the NBA Most Valuable Player on March 22, 1972, recognizing his outstanding performance during the 1971-1972 season. source: en.wikipedia.org
23 Mar Evel Knievel's daring stunt: On March 23, 1972, Evel Knievel attempted a daring motorcycle jump over 13 cars at the Ontario Motor Speedway in California. This stunt was part of his series of high-profile jumps that contributed to his fame as a daredevil and stunt performer. source: evelknievel.com
25 Mar UCLA wins 6th consecutive NCAA Basketball Championship: On March 25, 1972, the UCLA Bruins secured their sixth consecutive NCAA men's basketball championship by defeating Florida State 81-76 in the final. The game was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, and UCLA finished the season with an undefeated record of 30-0. source: espn.com
27 Mar Adolph Rupp Retires from Kentucky Basketball: Legendary basketball coach Adolph Rupp concluded his remarkable 42-year coaching career at the University of Kentucky, having transformed the program into a national powerhouse and winning multiple NCAA championships.
28 Mar Wilt Chamberlain's final professional basketball game: On March 28, 1972, Wilt Chamberlain played his last professional basketball game with the Los Angeles Lakers against the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Western Conference Semifinals. The Lakers won 95-80, with Chamberlain contributing 24 points and 29 rebounds. This marked the end of his illustrious NBA career. source: apnews.com
01 Apr Major League Baseball players first collective strike: On April 1, 1972, Major League Baseball players initiated their first collective strike, primarily over issues related to salary and working conditions. This historic event marked a significant moment in sports labor relations. source: nytimes.com
02 Apr Gil Hodges Dies Suddenly: Gil Hodges, the respected New York Mets manager since 1968, tragically passed away at the age of 47 from a heart attack shortly after playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida.
06 Apr Alvin Kallicharran scores century on Test debut: On April 6, 1972, West Indian cricketer Alvin Kallicharran scored an unbeaten 100 runs in his Test debut against New Zealand in Guyana. His performance contributed to the West Indies' first-innings score of 365 for 7 declared. source: tt.loopnews.com
07 Apr Greg Clark NFL Player: Greg Clark, a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers professional football team, was active during this period.
08 Apr Kjell Isaksson sets pole vault world record: On April 8, 1972, Swedish pole vaulter Kjell Isaksson set a new world record by clearing 5.51 meters in Austin, Texas, surpassing the previous record of 5.49 meters held by Christos Papanikolaou. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Apr Ted Johnson NFL Player Born: Ted Johnson, a linebacker who would later play for the New England Patriots, was born. He would become a notable player in the NFL during his professional career.
12 Apr First Major League Baseball players' strike resolved: The first Major League Baseball players' strike, which began on April 1, 1972, was resolved on April 12, 1972. The strike was primarily over issues related to player salaries and working conditions, leading to significant changes in labor relations within the sport. source: baseball-almanac.com
16 Apr Inaugural Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Championship: The first Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Championship was won by professional golfer Jane Blalock, marking an important moment in women's professional golf.
17 Apr First Women's Boston Marathon: On April 17, 1972, Nina Kuscsik became the first woman to officially win the Boston Marathon. Her victory marked a significant milestone in women's sports, as it was the first time a woman was officially recognized as the winner of this prestigious race. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Apr Tim Ruddy NFL Player: Tim Ruddy, a professional NFL center for the Miami Dolphins, is noted on this date.
02 May NASCAR Racing Milestone: Buddy Baker made history by becoming the first stock car driver to complete a 500-mile race in under three hours, winning the Winston Select 500 at Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, setting a significant speed record in motorsports.
06 May 98th Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs: The 98th Kentucky Derby took place on May 6, 1972, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is one of the most prestigious horse races in the United States, known for its rich history and tradition. source: britannica.com
07 May NBA Championship: Lakers triumph over Knicks: On May 7, 1972, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship, defeating the New York Knicks. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Lakers and solidified their status in basketball history. source: britannica.com
09 May Dave Barr: Professional football player: Dave Barr, an American professional football player, was born on May 9, 1972. He played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and is known for his time with various teams. His career highlights include notable performances and contributions to the teams he played for during his time in the league. source: pro-football-reference.com
11 May Boston Bruins win Stanley Cup: On May 11, 1972, the Boston Bruins defeated the New York Rangers 3-0 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at Madison Square Garden, clinching their second championship in three years. source: nhl.com
12 May Historic Baseball Marathon Game: On May 12, 1972, the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins played a marathon game that lasted 5 hours and 47 minutes, ending in a 3-3 tie after 22 innings. The game was suspended and completed the following day, with the Brewers winning 4-3. source: mlb.com
14 May Willie Mays Homers Against Former Team: In Willie Mays' first game as a New York Mets player, he hit a dramatic home run that helped defeat his former team, the San Francisco Giants, with a final score of 5-4.
16 May Matthew Hart: New Zealand Cricket Player: Matthew Hart, a left-handed spin bowler, emerged as a notable cricket player representing New Zealand from 1994 onwards.
20 May 98th Preakness Stakes: Jockey Eldon Nelson rode Bee Bee Bee to victory in the 98th Preakness Stakes, completing the race in an impressive time of 1:55.6.
21 May LPGA Golf Tournament Victory: Kathy Cornelius won the Bluegrass Golf Invitational in a Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournament.
23 May Rangers Win Cup Winners Cup: Glasgow Rangers football club wins the Cup Winners Cup by defeating Dynamo Moscow at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium. The victory is marred by fan disorder, resulting in the team being banned from defending their title the following season.
26 May Joe Frazier Wins Heavyweight Boxing Title: On May 26, 1972, Joe Frazier successfully defended his heavyweight boxing title against Ron Stander. This match solidified Frazier's status as one of the top boxers of his era. source: boxingnews24.com
11 Jun LPGA Championship: Kathy Ahern wins the 18th LPGA Championship, marking a notable moment in women's professional golf.
16 Jun West Germany Wins Euro 72: West Germany defeats the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final match of the European Football Championship, securing their first major international football tournament victory.
18 Jun Supreme Court rules in Curt Flood case: On June 18, 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Curt Flood case, which challenged baseball's reserve clause. The decision had significant implications for player rights and labor relations in professional sports. source: oyez.org
23 Jun First female umpire in US professional baseball: On June 23, 1972, Bernice Gera became the first female umpire in U.S. professional baseball. She officiated a game in the Appalachian League, marking a significant milestone for women in sports officiating. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 Jun Birth of Robbie McEwen: Robbie McEwen, an Australian professional road racing cyclist, was born on June 24, 1972. He is known for his sprinting ability and has won multiple stages in prestigious races such as the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia. source: britannica.com
30 Jun Cincinnati Reds Baseball Performance: The Cincinnati Reds are 11 games behind in the National League, but despite this early season challenge, they go on to win the pennant that year, demonstrating remarkable team resilience and performance.
02 Jul Bob Seagren Breaks World Record: American pole vaulter Bob Seagren achieves a remarkable athletic milestone by breaking the world record for pole vault, clearing an impressive height of 5.63 meters in Eugene, Oregon, marking his fourth and final world record.
05 Jul Susie Maxwell Berning wins US Women's Open Golf Championship: Susie Maxwell Berning secured her second U.S. Women's Open title on July 2, 1972, at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. She overcame a first-round 79 to finish at 299 (+11), edging out Kathy Ahern, Pam Barnett, and Judy Rankin by one stroke. This victory marked her second of three U.S. Women's Open titles. source: en.wikipedia.org
08 Jul Birth of Saurav Ganguly: Saurav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian national cricket team, was born on July 8, 1972, in Kolkata, India. He is widely regarded as one of India's greatest cricketers.
09 Jul Stan Smith wins Wimbledon Men's Tennis Championship: Stan Smith won the Wimbledon Men's Singles title on July 8, 1972, defeating Ilie Năstase in the final. This victory marked his first Grand Slam singles title.
11 Jul World Chess Championship 1972: Fischer vs Spassky: The World Chess Championship 1972 commenced on July 11, 1972, in Reykjavík, Iceland, featuring a match between challenger Bobby Fischer of the United States and defending champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union. Fischer won the match 12½–8½, becoming the first American-born player to win the world title and ending 24 years of Soviet dominance. source: en.wikipedia.org
18 Jul Mike Procter's Cricket Performance: Mike Procter achieved an extraordinary cricket performance, scoring 8 wickets with a hat-trick, along with personal scores of 51 and 102 in a match between Gloucestershire and Essex.
21 Jul 1972 Munich Summer Olympics begin: The 1972 Munich Summer Olympics officially began on July 21, 1972. This event was notable for its international participation and the tragic events that unfolded later, including the Munich massacre. The Olympics aimed to promote peace and unity through sports, but were overshadowed by violence. source: bbc.com
23 Jul Eddy Merckx wins fourth consecutive Tour de France: Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx clinched his fourth consecutive Tour de France title, solidifying his dominance in the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 Jul 43rd MLB All-Star Game: The 43rd MLB All-Star Game took place on July 25, 1972, at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The game featured star players from both the American and National Leagues, with the National League winning the contest. source: baseball-reference.com
27 Jul Maurice Richard signs with Quebec Nordiques: On July 27, 1972, hockey legend Maurice Richard signed with the Quebec Nordiques, marking a significant moment in professional hockey. This move came after his illustrious career with the Montreal Canadiens, where he became a symbol of the sport. source: nhl.com
31 Jul Dick Allen's Remarkable Baseball Achievement: Chicago White Sox player Dick Allen achieved a rare baseball feat by hitting two inside-the-park home runs in a single game against the Minnesota Twins, joining an elite group of only seven players to accomplish this in MLB history.
01 Aug Nate Colbert's Historic Home Run Performance: San Diego Padres player Nate Colbert achieves a remarkable baseball milestone by hitting five home runs in a single double-header, tying a major league record and demonstrating exceptional athletic prowess.
06 Aug Hank Aaron hits 660th and 661st home runs for Braves: On August 6, 1972, Hank Aaron hit his 660th and 661st career home runs, setting a new MLB record for the most home runs hit with a single team. The Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 at Riverfront Stadium. source: rrauction.com
08 Aug Yankees sign 30-year lease for remodeled Yankee Stadium: On August 8, 1972, the New York Yankees signed a 30-year lease with the City of New York, ensuring their continued presence at Yankee Stadium. The agreement included plans for substantial renovations to the stadium, which were completed in time for the 1976 baseball season. source: mlb.com
22 Aug Rhodesia expelled from the Olympics for racist policies: On August 22, 1972, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expelled Rhodesia from the Munich Olympics, citing the country's racist policies. The decision followed mounting international pressure, particularly from African nations, and was influenced by Rhodesia's failure to provide valid passports for its athletes, as they were not recognized as British subjects. This expulsion occurred just four days before the opening ceremony. source: news.bbc.co.uk
24 Aug Hockey legends inducted into Hall of Fame: On August 24, 1972, the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau, two of the sport's most iconic players. Both had retired after the 1970-71 season, with Howe holding records for games played, goals, and points, and Beliveau leading the Montreal Canadiens to ten Stanley Cup victories. source: nhl.com
26 Aug Munich Olympic Games begin: The 1972 Summer Olympics officially opened in Munich, West Germany, marking a significant event in sports history. This edition of the Games was notable for its modern facilities and the tragic events that would unfold later during the competition. source: britannica.com
28 Aug Mark Spitz wins first Olympic gold medal: On August 28, 1972, American swimmer Mark Spitz won his first gold medal at the Munich Olympics, setting a new world record in the 200-meter freestyle. Spitz would go on to become one of the most decorated Olympians in history. source: britannica.com
29 Aug Jim Barr's historic pitching performance: On August 29, 1972, San Francisco Giants pitcher Jim Barr pitched a no-hitter against the New York Mets, marking the first no-hitter in the history of the Giants' franchise. source: baseball-reference.com
31 Aug Olga Korbut wins Olympic gold in balance beam and floor exercise: At the 1972 Munich Olympics, Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut secured gold medals in both the balance beam and floor exercise events, contributing to the Soviet team's overall success. source: britannica.com
01 Sep Bobby Fischer wins World Chess Championship: American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union to win the World Chess Championship in 1972, a match that captivated the world. source: britannica.com
02 Sep Renate Stecher sets European female 100m record: On September 2, 1972, Renate Stecher set a new European record in the women's 100 meters at the Munich Olympics. Her time of 11.0 seconds marked a significant achievement in women's sprinting. source: britannica.com
04 Sep Mark Spitz's historic Olympic achievement: On September 4, 1972, swimmer Mark Spitz achieved a historic milestone by winning his seventh gold medal at the Munich Olympics. This record-setting performance solidified his status as one of the greatest Olympians. source: britannica.com
09 Sep Controversial Olympic Basketball Final: On September 9, 1972, the Soviet Union defeated the United States 51–50 in the men's basketball final at the Munich Olympics. The game ended in controversy after the final three seconds were replayed three times, leading to the Soviet victory. This marked the first Olympic loss for the U.S. basketball team since the sport's introduction in 1936. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Sep 20th Olympic Games Close in Munich: The 20th Olympic Games concluded in Munich on September 10, 1972, marking the end of the two-week event. source: britannica.com
18 Sep First Black National League umpire: On September 18, 1972, Emmett Ashford became the first African American umpire in Major League Baseball's National League. His appointment marked a significant milestone in the integration of baseball and the fight against racial discrimination in sports. source: nytimes.com
19 Sep César Tovar's cycle-completing walk-off home run: On September 19, 1972, César Tovar of the Minnesota Twins hit a walk-off home run to complete the cycle, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a game that ended in a tie. This remarkable achievement highlighted Tovar's versatility and skill as a player. source: baseball-reference.com
20 Sep Muhammad Ali defeats Floyd Patterson in boxing match: On September 20, 1972, Muhammad Ali faced Floyd Patterson in a rematch at Madison Square Garden. Ali won the bout by technical knockout in the seventh round, marking Patterson's final professional fight. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Sep First NHL game at Nassau Coliseum: The first NHL game at Nassau Coliseum took place on September 27, 1972, marking a significant moment in the history of the New York Islanders. The game featured the Islanders against the Atlanta Flames, setting the stage for the team's future in the league. source: nytimes.com
28 Sep Paul Henderson's legendary hockey goal: On September 28, 1972, Paul Henderson scored the winning goal in the final game of the Summit Series against the Soviet Union. This goal is celebrated as one of the most iconic moments in Canadian sports history, securing Canada's victory in the series. source: cbc.ca
01 Oct World Hockey Association Inaugural Games: The first games of the World Hockey Association (WHA) were played, marking a significant moment in professional hockey history. The WHA would challenge the NHL's monopoly and eventually lead to merging several teams into the NHL.
03 Oct Cleveland Indians Batting Record: The Cleveland Indians set a team record for the lowest batting average in a season at .234, highlighting a challenging year for the team's offensive performance.
04 Oct Ted Williams' Final Game as MLB Manager: On October 4, 1972, Ted Williams managed his last game for the Boston Red Sox, concluding a storied career both as a player and manager. His leadership and contributions to baseball have left a lasting legacy in the sport. source: baseball-almanac.com
05 Oct NBA vs ABA Exhibition Basketball Game: The first exhibition basketball game between rival league franchises saw the NBA's New York Knicks defeat the ABA's New York Nets 117-88 in New Haven, Connecticut, reflecting the competitive landscape of professional basketball during this era.
10 Oct Judy Rankin Wins LPGA Heritage Village Golf Open: Professional golfer Judy Rankin secured victory at the LPGA Heritage Village Golf Open, contributing to her notable career in women's professional golf.
11 Oct World Hockey Association debuts with inaugural games: On October 11, 1972, the World Hockey Association (WHA) commenced its inaugural season with two games: the Alberta Oilers defeated the Ottawa Nationals 7–4 at the Ottawa Civic Centre, and the Cleveland Crusaders shut out the Quebec Nordiques 2–0 at Cleveland Arena. source: iihf.com
13 Oct Summer Sanders Birth: Summer Sanders, an American Olympic swimmer and later television personality, is born. She would go on to win multiple Olympic medals and become a prominent media figure.
15 Oct USA wins 61st Davis Cup against Romania: On October 15, 1972, the United States secured their fifth consecutive Davis Cup title by defeating Romania 3-2 in the final held in Bucharest. The decisive match was clinched by Stan Smith, who overcame Ion Tiriac in a five-set match, including a decisive 6-0 victory in the fifth set. source: worldtennismag.com
17 Oct New York Islanders Shut-out Pittsburgh Penguins: The New York Islanders achieved a decisive 5-0 shut-out victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking a significant moment in their early NHL history.
25 Oct Eddy Merckx sets cycling hour record: On October 25, 1972, Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx set a new hour record by covering 49.431 kilometers in Mexico City. This achievement was notable for its endurance and speed, contributing to Merckx's reputation as one of the greatest cyclists in history. source: en.wikipedia.org
29 Oct Japanese Baseball Ownership Change: The Nishitetsu Lions baseball club, part of Japan's Pacific League, is sold to the Fukuoka Baseball Corporation and renamed the Taiheiyo Club Lions.
31 Oct Gaylord Perry wins AL Cy Young Award: On October 31, 1972, pitcher Gaylord Perry was awarded the American League Cy Young Award, recognizing him as the best pitcher in the league for that season. Perry's achievement was notable as he became the first pitcher to win the award in both the American and National Leagues. His career was marked by significant accomplishments and controversies. source: britannica.com
01 Nov Steve Carlton Wins Cy Young Award: Steve Carlton was unanimously selected as the National League Cy Young Award winner after an exceptional season with 27 wins for the Philadelphia Phillies.
05 Nov Jane Blalock wins Lady Errol Classic: On November 5, 1972, Jane Blalock secured victory at the Lady Errol Classic, an LPGA Tour event, by defeating Sandra Palmer and Kathy Whitworth in a playoff. source: en.wikipedia.org
21 Nov Carlton Fisk wins unanimous AL Rookie of the Year: On November 21, 1972, Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk was unanimously voted the American League Rookie of the Year. Fisk batted .293 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs during the season. source: thisdayinbaseball.com
22 Nov Penguins Set NHL Scoring Record: DUPE
28 Nov Frank Robinson Traded to California Angels: Major League Baseball trade sees Frank Robinson, a legendary player, transferred from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the California Angels, marking a significant moment in his storied career.
30 Nov Abel Xavier: Portuguese Football Player: Abel Xavier, a notable Portuguese international footballer, is recognized on this date, marking a point in his professional sporting career.
02 Dec Canadian Football League Grey Cup: The 60th Canadian Football League Grey Cup sees the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 13-10 in a closely contested match.
04 Dec Canadian Football Player Birth: Jude Saint John was born, who would later become an offensive linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger Cats in the Canadian Football League.
05 Dec Johnny Rodgers wins 38th Heisman Trophy: On December 5, 1972, Johnny Rodgers, a wide receiver from the University of Nebraska, was awarded the 38th Heisman Trophy, recognizing him as the most outstanding player in college football. Rodgers received 1,310 points, including 301 first-place votes, defeating Oklahoma's Greg Pruitt and his Nebraska teammate Rich Glover. source: heisman.com
11 Dec Don Maynard NFL Reception Record: Don Maynard of the New York Jets set a professional football record by becoming the all-time reception leader with 632 catches, a significant milestone in NFL history.
12 Dec John Walsh NFL quarterback: On December 12, 1972, John Walsh, a notable NFL quarterback, was recognized for his contributions to the sport. His career included significant achievements and he became a prominent figure in American football history. source: britannica.com
16 Dec Miami Dolphins Perfect Season: On December 16, 1972, the Miami Dolphins completed a perfect regular season by defeating the Baltimore Colts 16-0 at the Orange Bowl. This victory marked the Dolphins' 14th consecutive win, making them the first NFL team to finish a 14-game regular season unbeaten. source: espn.com
17 Dec Brian Williams NFL Linebacker: Brian Williams played as a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and was part of the team that won Super Bowl 31.
23 Dec Immaculate Reception - NFL Historic Moment: On December 23, 1972, Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers made the 'Immaculate Reception,' a game-winning play against the Oakland Raiders, considered one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Dec NHL Game: Kings Impact Islanders' Season: Los Angeles Kings initiate a challenging 12-game losing streak for the New York Islanders during this hockey match.
28 Dec Jim Kitts: Professional Football Player: Jim Kitts, a notable running back who played for the Frankfurt Galaxy and Miami Dolphins, was recognized in professional football circles.
31 Dec 39th Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma Defeats Penn State: On December 31, 1972, the 39th Sugar Bowl was held at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. The second-ranked Oklahoma Sooners faced the fifth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. Oklahoma won the game 14-0, with Tinker Owens being named the game's Most Valuable Player. This victory marked Oklahoma's second Sugar Bowl win in the same calendar year, as they had also won the January 1972 Sugar Bowl. source: en.wikipedia.org

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