1981 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1981 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Georgia Wins Sugar Bowl: The University of Georgia Bulldogs defeated Notre Dame 17-10 in the 47th Sugar Bowl, securing a significant victory in college football.
02 Jan Ibrox disaster occurred during a football match in 1981: The Ibrox disaster took place on January 2, 1981, during a Scottish football match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. A crowd surge led to the tragic deaths of 66 people and injuries to over 200 others. This incident remains one of the worst disasters in British sporting history, prompting significant changes in crowd control and safety regulations at sporting events. source: bbc.com
06 Jan 1981 Major League Baseball Strike Ends: The 1981 Major League Baseball strike concluded, bringing an end to a significant labor dispute that had disrupted the baseball season and impacted players and fans across the United States.
07 Jan Birth of Alex Auld, Canadian hockey goaltender: Alex Auld, a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, was born on January 7, 1981. He played in the NHL for several teams, including the Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers. Auld is known for his contributions to the sport during his career, particularly in the early 2000s. source: britannica.com
08 Jan Xie Xingfang: Chinese Badminton Star: Xie Xingfang was a prominent Chinese badminton player known for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
09 Jan Euzebiusz Smolarek: Polish football player born: Euzebiusz Smolarek, a notable Polish football player, was born on January 9, 1981. He is known for his contributions to Polish football, particularly during his time with the national team and various clubs in Europe. Smolarek's career highlights include playing in the Bundesliga and representing Poland in international competitions. source: pzpn.pl
10 Jan John Severin sets 100-mile unicycle speed record: On January 10, 1981, John Severin set a 100-mile unicycle speed record, completing the distance in 9 hours, 21 minutes. This achievement was recognized by Guinness World Records. source: brainyhistory.com
13 Jan NCAA approves inclusion of women's athletics programs and services: On January 13, 1981, the NCAA approved a plan to include women's athletics programs and services within its structure, leading to the first official NCAA women's championships in 1981. source: ncaa.org
15 Jan Bob Gibson elected to Baseball Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility: On January 15, 1981, Bob Gibson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving 84% of the vote from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Gibson, a right-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, was renowned for his competitiveness and dominance on the mound, earning two Cy Young Awards and a Most Valuable Player award during his career. source: upi.com
16 Jan Ivan Lendl's Strategic Match Manipulation: Tennis player Ivan Lendl deliberately lost a match at the Volvo Masters to avoid playing against Swedish tennis star Björn Borg, revealing the strategic and psychological complexities of professional tennis competition.
18 Jan First complete BASE jump categories achieved by Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield: On January 18, 1981, Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield became the first individuals to complete all four BASE jump categories—Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), and Earth (cliffs)—by jumping from the 72nd floor of the Texas Commerce Tower in Houston. This milestone earned them BASE numbers 1 and 2, respectively. Jean and Carl Boenish soon qualified for BASE numbers 3 and 4. source: vault.si.com
20 Jan NHL Hockey Shutout: New York Islanders' goalkeeper Glenn Resch achieves his 25th and final shutout against the Calgary Flames, winning 5-0.
22 Jan Bum Phillips becomes head coach of New Orleans Saints: On January 22, 1981, O.A. "Bum" Phillips was appointed as the head coach and general manager of the New Orleans Saints. Phillips, previously the head coach of the Houston Oilers, took over the Saints, aiming to improve the team's performance. Under his leadership, the Saints achieved a 27–42 record over five seasons, with Phillips resigning on November 25, 1985. source: canalstreetchronicles.com
23 Jan MLB Player Trade: The Boston Red Sox traded outfielder Fred Lynn to the California Angels in exchange for Frank Tanana and Joe Rudi, a significant player transaction in Major League Baseball.
24 Jan Kim Hughes scores 213 against India at Adelaide: On January 24, 1981, Australian cricketer Kim Hughes scored 213 runs against India in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. This performance was part of a match where Hughes was named Player of the Match, leading Australia to a seven-wicket victory. source: espncricinfo.com
25 Jan Super Bowl XV: Oakland Raiders triumph over Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl XV took place on January 25, 1981, where the Oakland Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 27-10. This victory marked the Raiders' first Super Bowl title, and quarterback Jim Plunkett was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The game was held at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is notable for being the first Super Bowl to feature a wild card team. source: nfl.com
26 Jan Sandeep Patil's 174 against Australia at Adelaide Oval: On January 25 and 26, 1981, Sandeep Patil scored a remarkable 174 runs off 240 balls, including 22 fours and a six, against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. This innings was instrumental in India posting a total of 419 in response to Australia's 528. Patil's aggressive stroke play, especially his off-side drives, was a highlight of the match. source: downloads.cricinfo.com
27 Jan Alicia Molik: Australian tennis player: Alicia Molik, born on January 27, 1981, in Adelaide, Australia, is a former professional tennis player. She achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 8 and a doubles ranking of No. 6. Molik won a bronze medal in singles at the 2004 Athens Olympics and secured Grand Slam doubles titles at the 2005 Australian Open and the 2007 French Open. After retiring in 2008, she served as Australia's Billie Jean King Cup captain from 2013 to 2023 and was appointed Tournament Director of the Adelaide International in 2023. source: tennis.com.au
30 Jan Birth of Bulgarian footballer Dimitar Berbatov: Dimitar Berbatov, a prominent Bulgarian footballer known for his skill and elegance on the field, was born on January 30, 1981. He gained fame playing for clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Bulgarian national team. Berbatov is celebrated for his goal-scoring ability and technical prowess. source: britannica.com
01 Feb Underarm bowling incident of 1981: On February 1, 1981, during a One Day International cricket match between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian captain Greg Chappell instructed his brother, bowler Trevor Chappell, to deliver the final ball underarm to prevent New Zealand from scoring a six to tie the match. This tactic, while legal at the time, was widely criticized as unsportsmanlike and led to changes in cricket laws to prohibit underarm bowling in future matches. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Feb Birth of Jason Kapono: Jason Kapono, an American former professional basketball player, was born on February 2, 1981. He is known for his time in the NBA, particularly for his shooting skills and contributions to teams like the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. Kapono also had a successful college career at UCLA before entering the NBA. source: basketball-reference.com
03 Feb Australia defeats New Zealand by 6 wickets in 4th Final of 1980–81 World Series Cup: On February 3, 1981, Australia secured a 6-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 4th Final of the Benson & Hedges World Series Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground. New Zealand batted first, scoring 215/8 in 50 overs, with John Wright contributing 57 runs. Australia chased down the target, reaching 218/4 in 47.4 overs, led by Greg Chappell's 87 runs. This win clinched the series for Australia with a 3–1 final score. source: espncricinfo.com
05 Feb Passing of Barend Barendse, Dutch Sportscaster: Barend Barendse, a prominent Dutch sportscaster, died at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy in sports broadcasting and journalism.
08 Feb Scott Hamilton wins U.S. Figure Skating Championship: On February 8, 1981, Scott Hamilton secured his first U.S. Figure Skating Championship title in San Diego, California. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable streak, as Hamilton went on to win four consecutive U.S. titles from 1981 to 1984. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Feb 33rd NHL All-Star Game held in Inglewood, California: The 33rd National Hockey League All-Star Game took place on February 10, 1981, at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The Campbell Conference defeated the Wales Conference 4-1, with Mike Liut of the St. Louis Blues earning Most Valuable Player honors for his performance in goal. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Feb Cricket match: Australia collapses against India: On February 11, 1981, Australia faced a dramatic collapse in a cricket match against India, leading to a significant defeat. This match is often remembered for its impact on the Australian cricket team's performance during that period. source: theguardian.com
12 Feb Carlton Fisk granted free agency after Red Sox miss contract deadline: On February 12, 1981, baseball arbitrator Raymond Goetz ruled that Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk was a free agent. The Red Sox had mailed Fisk's 1981 contract two days after the December 20 deadline, violating the Basic Agreement. Despite the setback, Red Sox General Manager Haywood Sullivan expressed optimism about re-signing Fisk. source: upi.com
15 Feb Richard Petty wins his seventh Daytona 500: Richard Petty secured his record-breaking seventh Daytona 500 victory on February 15, 1981, at Daytona International Speedway. In a strategic move, Petty's crew chief, Dale Inman, opted for a fuel-only pit stop with 25 laps remaining, allowing Petty to leap from fourth to first place. Despite running on worn tires, Petty held off Bobby Allison to win by 3.5 seconds. source: washingtonpost.com
18 Feb Geoff Cook Birth: Geoff Cook, who would later become a World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion, is born.
20 Feb James Sanford ties 50-meter indoor world record in San Diego: On February 20, 1981, American sprinter James Sanford matched the 50-meter indoor world record by completing the distance in 5.61 seconds during a race in San Diego. This performance equaled the existing world record at that time. source: upi.com
22 Feb Amy Alcott wins Bent Tree Ladies Golf Classic: On February 22, 1981, Amy Alcott secured victory at the Bent Tree Ladies Golf Classic in Sarasota, Florida, finishing with a score of 276 (−12). This win marked her 14th LPGA Tour title. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 Feb Lleyton Hewitt born in Australia: Lleyton Hewitt, a prominent Australian tennis player, was born on February 24, 1981. He became the youngest male player to be ranked No. 1 in the ATP rankings in 2001, known for his tenacity and competitive spirit. source: britannica.com
25 Feb MLB Players' Association votes to strike on May 29 over free-agent compensation: On February 25, 1981, the executive board of the Major League Baseball Players' Association unanimously voted to strike on May 29 if the issue of free-agent compensation remained unresolved. This decision was in response to the owners' implementation of a compensation plan that the players believed would undermine free agency. The strike was eventually averted when a compromise was reached on July 31, 1981. source: washingtonpost.com
26 Feb NHL record for most penalties set: On February 26, 1981, the NHL recorded a significant event when a player set the record for the most penalties in a single game. This event highlighted the physical nature of the sport and its evolving rules. source: nhl.com
01 Mar Sally Little wins Olympia Gold Classic in 1981: Sally Little secured victory at the Olympia Gold Classic on March 1, 1981, held at Industry Hills Golf Club in California. The tournament was reduced to 36 holes due to heavy rain, with Little finishing at 4-under-par 142, one stroke ahead of runner-up Kathy Whitworth. source: en.wikipedia.org
05 Mar Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean win gold at 1981 World Figure Skating Championships: On March 5, 1981, British ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean secured the gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships in Hartford, Connecticut. They led the compulsory dance with 10 placements and delivered a flawless free dance, earning marks of 5.8s and 5.9s from the judges, ultimately finishing with a total factored placement of 2.0. This victory marked Great Britain's first gold medal in world competition since 1976. source: upi.com
06 Mar Death of George Geary, English Cricket Player: George Geary, a notable English cricket player who represented England in 14 Test matches and took 46 wickets during his career, passed away at the age of 88.
08 Mar Nancy Lopez wins Arizona Copper Classic: Nancy Lopez secured victory at the Arizona Copper Classic on March 8, 1981, finishing with a 14-under-par score of 278. She led the tournament by four strokes, with Pat Bradley finishing second. source: upi.com
11 Mar Lee Evans Birth: Lee Evans is born, an American football player who would make his mark in professional sports.
12 Mar Birth of Slovenian tennis player Katarina Srebotnik: Katarina Srebotnik, a professional tennis player from Slovenia, was born on March 12, 1981. She has achieved significant success in both singles and doubles, including winning multiple Grand Slam titles in doubles. Srebotnik is known for her strong performances on the WTA Tour and has represented Slovenia in various international competitions. source: britannica.com
14 Mar March 14, 1981: Three major upsets in NCAA basketball tournament: On March 14, 1981, the NCAA basketball tournament witnessed three significant upsets, each decided by last-second plays. St. Joseph's defeated top-seeded DePaul 49-48, Arkansas edged defending champion Louisville 74-73 with a buzzer-beating half-court shot by U.S. Reed, and Kansas State overcame Oregon State 50-48 with a game-winning shot by Rolando Blackman. source: si.com
15 Mar Patty Hayes wins Sun City Classic on LPGA Tour: On March 15, 1981, Patty Hayes secured her first and only LPGA Tour victory at the Sun City Classic in Arizona. She finished with a 15-under-par score of 277, two strokes ahead of runner-up Sandra Palmer. source: vault.si.com
16 Mar Johannes Aigner born in Schwaz, Austria: Johannes "Hannes" Aigner, an Austrian former professional footballer, was born on March 16, 1981, in Schwaz, Tirol, Austria. He played as a striker for several clubs, including FC Wacker Tirol and Austria Wien. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 Mar FC Lisse formed through merger of RKVV Lisse and Lisser Boys: On March 17, 1981, Dutch football clubs RKVV Lisse and Lisser Boys merged to form FC Lisse. The new club adopted blue and yellow colors and began playing at Sportpark Ter Specke in Lisse. source: en.wikipedia.org
19 Mar Buffalo Sabres set NHL record with nine goals in a single period: On March 19, 1981, the Buffalo Sabres achieved a historic feat by scoring nine goals in the second period of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a record that still stands in the NHL. The Sabres won the game 14-4, with standout performances from Gilbert Perreault, who scored a hat trick, and Andre Savard, who contributed three goals and six points. source: blog.buffalostories.com
21 Mar France wins 1981 Five Nations Championship with Grand Slam: On March 21, 1981, France secured the Five Nations Championship by defeating England 16-12 at Twickenham, completing a Grand Slam by winning all four matches. This victory marked France's third Grand Slam title. source: en.wikipedia.org
22 Mar Toshihiko Seko sets world records at 25,000m and 30,000m: On March 22, 1981, Japanese long-distance runner Toshihiko Seko set world records in the 25,000m and 30,000m events. He completed the 25,000m in 1:13:55.8 and the 30,000m in 1:29:18.8. These records stood for 30 years until Moses Mosop surpassed them in June 2011. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 Mar Bombay wins 1980–81 Ranji Trophy final against Delhi: Bombay defeated Delhi by an innings and 46 runs in the 1980–81 Ranji Trophy final held at Wankhede Stadium, Bombay, from March 20 to 24, 1981. Delhi, after winning the toss and opting to bat, were dismissed for 251 in their first innings. In response, Bombay declared their innings at 517 for 7, with Ghulam Ahmed Parkar scoring an unbeaten 109 and Arun Vijay Mankad contributing 138 runs. Delhi's second innings was curtailed to 31 for 1 before the match concluded, securing Bombay's 28th Ranji Trophy title. source: i.imgci.com
26 Mar Tim Wall, Cricket Player, Dies: Tim Wall, a notable cricket player known for his performance in the 1933 Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales, passed away on this date.
28 Mar Martina Navratilova defeats Andrea Jaeger in WTA Tour Championships: On March 28, 1981, Martina Navratilova won the singles title at the Avon Championships, defeating Andrea Jaeger 6–3, 7–6^(7–3) in the final. This victory marked Navratilova's fifth singles title of the year and the 50th of her career. source: en.wikipedia.org
29 Mar First London Marathon held on March 29, 1981: The inaugural London Marathon took place on March 29, 1981, attracting over 7,000 runners. The event has since grown to become one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world, promoting fitness and charity fundraising. The race was won by Dick Beardsley and Inge Simonsen, marking the beginning of a significant annual sporting event in the UK. source: bbc.com
30 Mar Indiana Hoosiers defeat North Carolina Tar Heels 63-50 in 1981 NCAA Basketball Championship: On March 30, 1981, the Indiana Hoosiers secured their fourth NCAA Men's Basketball Championship by defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 63-50 at The Spectrum in Philadelphia. Sophomore guard Isiah Thomas led the Hoosiers with 23 points, earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. This victory marked Indiana's first national title since 1940. source: si.com
01 Apr Wayne Gretzky breaks NHL assist record: On April 1, 1981, Wayne Gretzky surpassed Bobby Orr's single-season assist record by recording his 103rd assist of the season in a game against the Colorado Rockies. This milestone contributed to his total of 109 assists that season, setting a new NHL record. source: upi.com
03 Apr Arnie Boldt's one-legged high jump record: On April 3, 1981, Canadian athlete Arnie Boldt, who had lost part of his right leg in a farm accident at age three, achieved a high jump of 6 feet 8.25 inches using only one leg. This remarkable feat was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Boldt's athletic achievements have inspired many, demonstrating that physical disabilities need not limit athletic performance. source: upi.com
04 Apr Bob Champion wins the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti: On April 4, 1981, jockey Bob Champion achieved a remarkable victory in the Grand National aboard Aldaniti, a horse that had overcome significant injuries. This triumph was particularly inspiring as Champion had recently recovered from testicular cancer, making their success a symbol of resilience and determination. source: en.wikipedia.org
05 Apr Nancy Lopez wins Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Championship: On April 5, 1981, Nancy Lopez secured victory at the Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Championship, finishing with a score of 277 (−11) at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. She won by two strokes over Carolyn Hill. source: en.wikipedia.org
07 Apr Birth of Suzann Pettersen: Suzann Pettersen, a prominent Norwegian professional golfer, was born. She would later become a notable player on the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour, known for her competitive spirit and significant achievements in women's golf.
09 Apr Fernando Valenzuela's MLB debut start: On April 9, 1981, Fernando Valenzuela made his first Major League Baseball start for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Houston Astros. He pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing five hits and striking out five, leading the Dodgers to a 2–0 victory. This performance marked the beginning of 'Fernandomania,' a period of heightened fan enthusiasm for Valenzuela's pitching prowess. source: sportsline.com
12 Apr 45th Golf Masters Championship: The 45th Masters Tournament was held from April 9 to 12, 1981, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Tom Watson secured his second Masters victory, finishing with a score of 280 (−8), two strokes ahead of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller. source: en.wikipedia.org
16 Apr Cricket player Eric Hollies passes away: William Eric Hollies, an English cricketer renowned for dismissing Donald Bradman for a duck in Bradman's final Test match innings, passed away on April 16, 1981, at the age of 68. Hollies had a distinguished career with Warwickshire, taking 2,323 wickets at an average of less than 21 runs per wicket. source: espncricinfo.com
17 Apr Denis Potvin ties NHL playoff record with three power-play goals: On April 17, 1981, New York Islanders defenseman Denis Potvin scored three power-play goals in a single playoff game against the Edmonton Oilers, tying the NHL record for most power-play goals in a playoff game. This achievement was later matched by other players, including Tim Kerr, Jari Kurri, and Jonathan Toews. source: en.wikipedia.org
18 Apr Longest professional baseball game in history: On April 18, 1981, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings began the longest professional baseball game in history. The game lasted 33 innings over two months, with the first 32 innings played on April 18–19, 1981, and the decisive 33rd inning completed on June 23, 1981. The Pawtucket Red Sox won 3–2. Notably, future Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs participated in the game. source: mlb.com
19 Apr Longest professional baseball game suspended after 32 innings: On April 19, 1981, the International League game between the Rochester Red Wings and the Pawtucket Red Sox was suspended after 32 innings, tied 2-2, at 4:07 a.m. The game, which began on April 18, was resumed on June 23, 1981, and concluded with the PawSox winning 3-2 in the 33rd inning. source: en.wikipedia.org
20 Apr Toshihiko Seko wins 1981 Boston Marathon men's race: On April 20, 1981, Toshihiko Seko of Japan won the Boston Marathon men's race with a time of 2:09:26. Craig Virgin of the United States finished second in 2:10:26, and Bill Rodgers, also from the U.S., placed third with a time of 2:10:34. source: upi.com
21 Apr Harry Lee's Passing: Harry Lee, a cricket player who played a single Test match for England, scoring 18 and one run, passed away on this date.
25 Apr Seattle Mariners manager Maury Wills suspended for tampering with batter's box: On April 25, 1981, Seattle Mariners manager Maury Wills ordered the grounds crew at the Kingdome to extend the batter's box by one foot toward the pitcher's mound. Oakland Athletics manager Billy Martin noticed the alteration and reported it to umpire Bill Kunkel, who confirmed the change. Wills claimed the adjustment was to help his players stay in the box, but Martin suspected it was to gain an advantage against Oakland's breaking-ball pitchers. The American League suspended Wills for two games and fined him $500. source: washingtonpost.com
26 Apr Monarcas Morelia Promotion: Monarcas Morelia ascends to the Mexican Primera division in professional soccer.
27 Apr First female soccer official hired by NASL: On April 27, 1981, the North American Soccer League (NASL) announced the hiring of Betty Ellis as its first female official. Ellis, a nine-year veteran of the U.S. Soccer Federation, was set to debut as a fourth official on May 10, 1981, during a match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Edmonton Drillers. She would make her first on-field appearance as a lineswoman on May 16, 1981. source: upi.com
29 Apr Steve Carlton becomes first left-handed pitcher to reach 3,000 career strikeouts: On April 29, 1981, Steve Carlton of the Philadelphia Phillies became the first left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. In a game against the Montreal Expos at Veterans Stadium, Carlton struck out the side in the first inning, reaching the milestone by fanning Tim Raines, Jerry Manuel, and Tim Wallach. He completed the game with a total of nine strikeouts, leading the Phillies to a 6-2 victory. Additionally, Carlton contributed offensively with two hits and two RBIs in the game. source: baseball-reference.com
01 May Birth of Alexander Hleb: Alexander Hleb, a notable Belarusian footballer, was born on this date. He would later become a prominent player in European football, known for his technical skills and midfield creativity.
02 May Jorge Velásquez wins 107th Kentucky Derby aboard Pleasant Colony: On May 2, 1981, jockey Jorge Velásquez guided Pleasant Colony to victory in the 107th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The race, attended by 139,195 spectators, saw Pleasant Colony finish in 2:02.00, securing a three-quarter length win over Woodchopper. This victory marked Velásquez's first Kentucky Derby win, adding to his illustrious career with over 4,000 race victories. source: washingtonpost.com
03 May Sally Little wins LPGA CPC Women's International: On May 3, 1981, Sally Little secured her second Women's International golf tournament victory by sinking a seven-foot birdie putt on the first hole of sudden death, edging out Kathy Whitworth and defending champion Hollis Stacy. This win marked her third LPGA Tour victory of the year. source: upi.com
04 May Ron Davis strikes out eight consecutive batters in Yankees' 4-2 win over Angels: On May 4, 1981, New York Yankees relief pitcher Ron Davis tied the American League record by striking out eight consecutive batters in a 4-2 victory over the California Angels at Anaheim Stadium. Davis's performance matched Nolan Ryan's league record for consecutive strikeouts and set a major league mark for relief pitchers, surpassing Denny McLain's previous record of seven consecutive strikeouts. source: washingtonpost.com
05 May Mayor's Trophy Game: The 16th and final Mayor's Trophy Game was played between the New York Mets and New York Yankees, with the Mets winning 4-1. This victory gave the Mets a historical series record of 8 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie.
06 May Seattle Mariners Management Change: Maury Wills was fired as manager of the Seattle Mariners and replaced by Rene Lachemann, marking a significant coaching transition for the baseball team.
08 May Maurice Fernandes, West Indies cricket captain, dies at 83: Maurice Fernandes, a pioneering West Indian Test cricketer and captain, passed away on May 8, 1981, in Georgetown, Guyana, at the age of 83. He led the West Indies to their first Test victory against England in 1930 and had a notable first-class cricket career with British Guiana. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 May Cricket Player C E "Nip" Pellew Dies: C E "Nip" Pellew, a cricket player who represented his country in 10 Test matches and scored 484 runs, died at the age of 37. He was a notable cricket athlete during his playing career.
10 May Amy Alcott wins Lady Michelob tournament in Georgia: On May 10, 1981, Amy Alcott secured victory at the Lady Michelob tournament in Georgia, finishing with a score of 209 (−8). This win marked her 15th career LPGA Tour title. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 May Lauren Jackson: Australian Basketball Prodigy: Lauren Jackson, born on May 11, 1981, in Albury, New South Wales, is widely regarded as Australia's greatest female basketball player. She began her professional career at 16 with the Australian Institute of Sport, leading them to a WNBL championship in 1999. Jackson's exceptional talent earned her a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in 1997, where she debuted in the WNBL at 16. She later joined the Canberra Capitals, leading them to multiple championships. Internationally, Jackson was the first Australian player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. source: olympics.com.au
12 May Islanders win Game 1 of 1981 Stanley Cup Final against North Stars: On May 12, 1981, the New York Islanders defeated the Minnesota North Stars 6-3 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Islanders secured the victory with two shorthanded goals from Bryan Trottier and Anders Kallur, scored just 47 seconds apart. source: hockey-reference.com
13 May Dinamo Tbilisi wins 1981 European Cup Winners' Cup: On May 13, 1981, Dinamo Tbilisi defeated Carl Zeiss Jena 2–1 in the European Cup Winners' Cup final at Düsseldorf's Rheinstadion. Vladimir Gutsaev and Vitaly Daraselia scored for Dinamo Tbilisi, marking the club's first and only European trophy to date. source: en.wikipedia.org
15 May Len Barker pitches perfect game for Cleveland Indians against Toronto Blue Jays: On May 15, 1981, Len Barker of the Cleveland Indians pitched a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Stadium. Barker struck out 11 batters, including future NBA All-Star Danny Ainge, and faced 27 batters without allowing a hit or walk. The Indians won 3-0, with Barker's catcher, Ron Hassey, becoming the only catcher to have caught two perfect games in Major League Baseball history. source: mlb.com
16 May Pleasant Colony wins 106th Preakness Stakes: On May 16, 1981, Pleasant Colony, ridden by Jorge Velásquez, secured victory in the 106th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race was run on a fast track, with Pleasant Colony finishing one length ahead of runner-up Bold Ego in a time of 1:54-3/5. The event attracted a crowd of 84,133 spectators. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 May Kathy Whitworth wins Coca-Cola Classic golf tournament: On May 17, 1981, Kathy Whitworth secured victory at the Coca-Cola Classic in Paramus, New Jersey, finishing with a score of 211 (−8) after a playoff against Alice Ritzman. This win marked her 81st career LPGA Tour title. source: en.wikipedia.org
19 May Jim Bibby pitches one-hit shutout against Atlanta Braves: On May 19, 1981, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jim Bibby allowed a leadoff single to Terry Harper, then retired the next 27 batters in a 5-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Bibby also contributed offensively, hitting two doubles, scoring a run, and driving in another. This performance was considered by Bibby to be the best of his career, even surpassing his previous no-hitter in 1973. source: sabr.org
20 May Birth of Iker Casillas, Spanish footballer: Iker Casillas, a renowned Spanish footballer and goalkeeper, was born on May 20, 1981, in Móstoles, Spain. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, having achieved significant success with both his club, Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team, including winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010. source: britannica.com
21 May New York Islanders Win Stanley Cup: The New York Islanders defeated the Minnesota North Stars 4 games to 1 to win the Stanley Cup, continuing their dominance in professional ice hockey during the early 1980s.
24 May Bobby Unser's 1981 Indianapolis 500 Victory Controversy: Bobby Unser won the 1981 Indianapolis 500, but was initially penalized for passing cars under caution, elevating Mario Andretti to first place. After a lengthy appeal, the penalty was overturned, reinstating Unser as the winner, though he was fined $40,000 for the infraction. source: washingtonpost.com
25 May Bill Stein sets MLB pinch-hit record: On May 25, 1981, Bill Stein of the Texas Rangers set an American League record by recording his seventh consecutive pinch-hit, surpassing the previous record held by Bob Johnson. Stein's clutch performance contributed to the Rangers' 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins. source: upi.com
27 May Liverpool wins the European Cup in 1981: On May 27, 1981, Liverpool Football Club won the European Cup by defeating Real Madrid 1-0 in the final held at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The only goal of the match was scored by Alan Kennedy, securing Liverpool's third European Cup title. This victory solidified Liverpool's status as one of the dominant teams in European football during that era. source: bbc.com
31 May Cathy Reynolds wins LPGA Golden Lights Golf Championship: On May 31, 1981, Cathy Reynolds secured victory at the LPGA Golden Lights Golf Championship, held at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. This event was part of the LPGA Tour from 1975 to 1981. source: en.wikipedia.org
01 Jun Carlos Zambrano - Venezuelan Baseball Player: Carlos Zambrano, a notable Venezuelan Major League Baseball player, was recognized during this period for his professional baseball career.
05 Jun Nolan Ryan Breaks Walk Record: Houston Astros' pitcher Nolan Ryan surpasses Early Wynn as the all-time walk leader, issuing two walks in a 3-0 victory over the New York Mets. This milestone highlights Ryan's remarkable pitching career and statistical significance in Major League Baseball.
06 Jun Summing wins 113th Belmont Stakes: On June 6, 1981, Summing, ridden by George Martens and trained by Luis S. Barrera, won the 113th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. The race was completed in 2 minutes and 29 seconds, with Summing finishing ahead of the competition. source: espn.com
07 Jun Björn Borg wins French Open: On June 7, 1981, Swedish tennis player Björn Borg won the French Open, marking his fifth consecutive title at this Grand Slam event. Borg's victory further solidified his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. source: bbc.com
08 Jun Seattle Mariners Draft Mike Moore: The Seattle Mariners selected Mike Moore as their number one draft pick, a significant moment in the team's early history and player development strategy. Moore would go on to become a notable pitcher in Major League Baseball.
10 Jun Pete Rose ties Stan Musial's National League hits record: On June 10, 1981, Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies achieved his 3,630th career hit, matching Stan Musial's National League record. In the first inning of a game against the Houston Astros, Rose singled off pitcher Nolan Ryan. Despite this milestone, Rose struck out in his next three at-bats, and the Phillies lost the game 5-3. source: mlb.com
11 Jun MLB game and strike: On June 11, 1981, Major League Baseball (MLB) faced a players' strike that disrupted the season. The strike was primarily over issues related to player salaries and free agency, leading to significant changes in the league. source: mlb.com
12 Jun Major League Baseball players strike over free-agent compensation: On June 12, 1981, Major League Baseball players initiated a strike due to disputes over free-agent compensation. The strike led to the cancellation of 712 games, approximately 38% of the season, and lasted until July 31, 1981, when an agreement was reached, allowing play to resume on August 9 with the All-Star Game. source: washingtonpost.com
14 Jun Donna Caponi wins 1981 LPGA Championship: On June 14, 1981, Donna Caponi secured her second LPGA Championship title at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Center in Kings Island, Ohio. She clinched the victory by sinking a 15-foot birdie putt on the final green, finishing one stroke ahead of runners-up Jerilyn Britz and Pat Meyers. Caponi's winning score was 280 (−8). source: en.wikipedia.org
21 Jun David Graham wins US Open Golf Championship: David Graham won the US Open Golf Championship on June 21, 1981, marking a significant achievement in his professional golf career. This victory solidified his status as one of the top golfers of his time. source: usga.org
22 Jun John McEnroe's infamous Wimbledon outburst: On June 22, 1981, during a first-round match at Wimbledon, John McEnroe erupted in anger over a disputed line call against Tom Gullikson. He shouted, "You cannot be serious!" and called the umpire "an incompetent fool." This incident led to two penalty points and a $1,500 fine, marking a significant moment in tennis history. source: upi.com
23 Jun Longest professional baseball game in history: On April 18, 1981, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings began a game that would become the longest in professional baseball history. After 32 innings and over eight hours, the game was suspended at 4:07 a.m. on April 19, 1981, with the score tied at 2-2. The game resumed on June 23, 1981, and concluded after just one more inning, with the Pawtucket Red Sox winning 3-2 in the bottom of the 33rd inning. The total duration of the game was 8 hours and 25 minutes. Notably, future Hall of Famers Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken Jr. participated in this historic game. source: mlb.com
25 Jun Simon Ammann's birth date confirmed: Simon Ammann, a Swiss ski jumper, was born on June 25, 1981. He is known for his remarkable achievements in ski jumping, including multiple Olympic gold medals. His career has made a significant impact on the sport, particularly in Switzerland. source: britannica.com
28 Jun Nancy Lopez wins The Sarah Coventry tournament: Nancy Lopez secured her second victory of the 1981 LPGA Tour season by winning The Sarah Coventry tournament on June 28, 1981. She finished with a score of 285 (−7), two strokes ahead of runner-up Pat Bradley. This win marked Lopez's third consecutive victory in the event, having also won in 1980. source: en.wikipedia.org
01 Jul NEC Soccer Team Formation in Nijmegen: NEC (Nijmegen Eendracht Combinatie), a professional soccer club based in Nijmegen, Netherlands, was officially formed on this date, marking an important milestone in the city's sporting history.
03 Jul Chris Evert Lloyd defeats Hana Mandlíková to win third Wimbledon title: On July 3, 1981, Chris Evert Lloyd defeated Hana Mandlíková 6–2, 6–2 in the women's singles final at Wimbledon, securing her third Wimbledon title and twelfth major singles title overall. source: washingtonpost.com
04 Jul John McEnroe defeats Björn Borg at Wimbledon: On July 4, 1981, John McEnroe defeated five-time defending champion Björn Borg in the Wimbledon men's singles final. The match concluded with a score of 4–6, 7–6^(7–1), 7–6^(7–4), 6–4, marking McEnroe's first Wimbledon singles title and ending Borg's 41-match winning streak at the tournament. source: reuters.com
05 Jul Jan Stephenson wins 1981 du Maurier Classic: Australian golfer Jan Stephenson secured victory at the 1981 du Maurier Classic, held from July 2–5 at Summerlea Golf & Country Club in Dorion, Quebec. She finished with a total score of 278, 10 under par, earning $30,000 in prize money. This marked her first major championship win on the LPGA Tour. source: en.wikipedia.org
07 Jul Ian Botham resigns as England cricket captain: On July 7, 1981, Ian Botham resigned as captain of the England cricket team following a series of poor performances, including a pair in the second Test against Australia at Lord's. His resignation came after England had lost eight and failed to win any of the 12 matches he captained. Botham's decision was made just before the selectors were set to dismiss him. source: espncricinfo.com
08 Jul Anastasia Myskina Birth: Anastasia Myskina, a notable Russian tennis player, is born. She would later become a prominent figure in international tennis, winning the French Open in 2004.
12 Jul Debbie Austin wins LPGA Mayflower Golf Classic: Debbie Austin secured her seventh LPGA Tour victory at the Mayflower Classic on July 12, 1981, held at the Country Club of Indianapolis. She finished with a 72-hole score of 279 (−9), four strokes ahead of runners-up Hollis Stacy and Myra Blackwelder. This win marked her return to form after battling tendinitis in her shoulder during the previous years. source: upi.com
16 Jul England's Historic Cricket Test Match Victory: England achieves a remarkable cricket test match victory against Australia at Headingley, becoming the first team this century to win a match after following on, a rare and extraordinary sporting achievement.
19 Jul Bernard Hinault wins 1981 Tour de France: French cyclist Bernard Hinault secured his third Tour de France victory on July 19, 1981, finishing with a time of 96 hours, 19 minutes, and 38 seconds. He led the race from the sixth stage onward, increasing his margin nearly every stage. Belgian Lucien Van Impe finished second, 14 minutes and 34 seconds behind, while French cyclist Robert Alban placed third, 17 minutes and 4 seconds behind. source: upi.com
20 Jul England's remarkable victory over Australia at Headingley: On July 20, 1981, during the third Test of the Ashes series at Headingley, Leeds, England achieved a historic 18-run victory over Australia. Despite following on and being 92 runs behind with seven wickets down, England's second innings was propelled by Ian Botham's unbeaten 145, leading to a total of 356/9. Australia, chasing 130 for victory, was bowled out for 111, with Bob Willis taking 8 wickets for 43 runs. source: theguardian.com
21 Jul England's dramatic 18-run victory over Australia at Headingley: In the third Ashes Test at Headingley, England achieved a remarkable 18-run victory over Australia. After following on and facing a daunting target of 130 runs, England's Ian Botham played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 149 runs. In response, Bob Willis delivered an inspired bowling performance, taking 8 wickets for 43 runs, leading to Australia's collapse and England's victory. source: independent.co.uk
22 Jul South African Rugby Union Tour Begins in New Zealand: The first match of the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour commenced in Gisborne, New Zealand. This tour was significant during the apartheid era, when international sporting interactions with South Africa were highly controversial and politically charged. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
23 Jul Jarkko Nieminen born on July 23, 1981: Jarkko Nieminen, a Finnish former professional tennis player, was born on July 23, 1981. He achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 13 and was known for his contributions to Finnish tennis. Nieminen retired from professional tennis in 2015 after a successful career spanning over a decade. source: britannica.com
25 Jul Jani Rita: Finnish ice hockey player profile: Jani Rita is a Finnish former professional ice hockey winger, born on July 25, 1981, in Helsinki, Finland. He was drafted 13th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Rita played for the Oilers and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, recording 9 goals and 5 assists over 66 games. He spent the majority of his career with Jokerit in Finland, transitioning with the team from the SM-liiga to the KHL in 2014. Rita retired in June 2016 after a distinguished career. source: espn.com
29 Jul Birth of Fernando Alonso, Formula One World Champion: Fernando Alonso, a Spanish racing driver, was born on July 29, 1981, in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. He won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, becoming the youngest world champion at the time. Alonso has also achieved success in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota. source: en.wikipedia.org
31 Jul 1981 Major League Baseball strike ends: On July 31, 1981, Major League Baseball players and owners reached an agreement, ending a 50-day strike that had canceled 712 games. The dispute centered on free-agent compensation, with the settlement allowing teams losing a "premium" free agent to select a player from a pool of unprotected players from all teams. The All-Star Game was rescheduled for August 9, 1981, in Cleveland. source: washingtonpost.com
02 Aug Ian Botham's remarkable performance in 1981 Ashes Test at Edgbaston: On August 2, 1981, during the fourth Test of the Ashes series at Edgbaston, England, Ian Botham delivered a sensational bowling performance, taking five wickets for just one run in 28 balls. This remarkable spell led to Australia being bowled out for 121, securing a 29-run victory for England and leveling the series at 1-1. source: espncricinfo.com
05 Aug Carl Crawford - MLB Player: Carl Crawford was a professional Major League Baseball outfielder known for his speed and defensive skills, primarily playing for the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox.
08 Aug Roger Federer was born on August 8, 1981: Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player, was born on August 8, 1981, in Basel, Switzerland. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won numerous Grand Slam titles throughout his career. His exceptional skill and sportsmanship have made him a beloved figure in the world of sports. source: britannica.com
09 Aug MLB strike ends with All-Star Game resuming play: The 1981 Major League Baseball strike, which began on June 12, concluded on July 31 with a new Basic Agreement. Play resumed on August 9 with the All-Star Game at Cleveland Stadium, marking the first official game since the strike. Regular season games recommenced the following day. source: mlb.com
10 Aug Pete Rose sets National League hits record: On August 10, 1981, Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies achieved his 3,631st career hit, surpassing Stan Musial's record for the most hits in National League history. The milestone was reached during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, where Musial was present to congratulate Rose. source: washingtonpost.com
13 Aug Mary T. Meagher sets world record in 200-meter butterfly: On August 13, 1981, at the U.S. Long Course Swimming Championships in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, Mary T. Meagher set a world record in the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 2:05.96. This performance was part of a remarkable series of records she achieved that year, including another world record in the 100-meter butterfly three days later. source: upi.com
14 Aug Mike Schmidt hits his 300th career home run: On August 14, 1981, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt hit his 300th career home run off New York Mets pitcher Mike Scott. source: brainyhistory.com
15 Aug Ian Botham scores a historic century at Headingley: On August 15, 1981, Ian Botham scored a remarkable century during the third Test match against Australia at Headingley, Leeds. This innings was pivotal in England's dramatic comeback in the match, where they were initially in a precarious position. Botham's performance is often credited with revitalizing the English cricket team during the Ashes series. source: bbc.com
16 Aug Mary T. Meagher sets world record in 100m butterfly: On August 16, 1981, American swimmer Mary T. Meagher set a world record in the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 57.93 seconds at the U.S. Long Course National Championships in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. This performance was part of a remarkable series of world records she achieved in 1981, including the 200-meter butterfly. Meagher's 100m butterfly record stood for 18 years. source: upi.com
19 Aug Renaldo Nehemiah sets 110m hurdles world record: On August 19, 1981, Renaldo Nehemiah set a world record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 12.93 seconds in Zürich, Switzerland. This achievement made him the first person to run the event in under 13 seconds. source: worldathletics.org
21 Aug Salvador Sánchez defeats Wilfredo Gómez in boxing championship: On August 21, 1981, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Mexico's Salvador Sánchez successfully defended his WBC Featherweight Title by defeating Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Gómez via eighth-round technical knockout. Sánchez knocked Gómez down in the first round and again in the eighth, prompting referee Carlos Padilla to stop the fight at 2:09 of the eighth round. At the time of stoppage, judges had Sánchez ahead on all scorecards. source: upi.com
25 Aug Charles Chapman becomes first Black swimmer to cross English Channel: On August 25, 1981, Charles "Charlie the Tuna" Chapman became the first Black swimmer to successfully cross the English Channel. He completed the swim from England to France in 13 hours and 30 minutes, overcoming challenges such as cold water temperatures, strong currents, and physical cramps. This historic achievement highlighted Chapman's dedication and skill in long-distance swimming. source: en.wikipedia.org
26 Aug Petey Williams, Canadian professional wrestler: Petey Williams, born Peter Williams III on August 26, 1981, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, is a Canadian professional wrestler best known for his time in Impact Wrestling, where he is a two-time X Division Champion and former captain of Team Canada. He is also known for his time in Lucha Libre USA (LLUSA), where he held the Tag Team Championship with Jon Rekon. He is known by his nickname "The Canadian Destroyer," a reference to his front flip piledriver finishing move. source: en.wikipedia.org
28 Aug Charlie Frye: NFL Quarterback: Charlie Frye, a former NFL quarterback, passed away on August 28, 1981. He was known for his contributions to American football during his career. source: nfl.com
29 Aug 28th Walker Cup Golf Tournament: The 28th Walker Cup Match was held on August 28 and 29, 1981, at the Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California. The United States team secured a victory over Great Britain and Ireland with a final score of 15 to 9. The U.S. led 8–4 after the first day, and despite GB&I winning three of the four second-day foursomes to reduce the lead to 9–7, the U.S. clinched the win by winning five singles matches and halving two others. source: en.wikipedia.org
30 Aug Bill Shoemaker wins inaugural Arlington Million aboard John Henry: On August 30, 1981, jockey Bill Shoemaker made history by winning the inaugural Arlington Million aboard John Henry, marking the first $1 million race in thoroughbred racing history. The race was held at Arlington Park, where John Henry secured a narrow victory over The Bart. source: ntra.com
31 Aug Kansas City Royals fire manager Jim Frey, hire Dick Howser: On August 31, 1981, the Kansas City Royals dismissed manager Jim Frey and appointed Dick Howser as his successor. Despite a 10–10 record in the second half of the season, the Royals were 30–40 overall at the time of the change. Under Howser's leadership, the team finished the season with a 20–13 record, securing the second-half American League West title and becoming the first team in MLB history to reach the postseason with a losing overall record. source: upi.com
02 Sep Chris Tremlett, Hampshire Cricketer: Chris Tremlett, a professional cricket player representing Hampshire County Cricket Club, was noted on this date. Tremlett was known for his tall stature and fast bowling skills.
05 Sep John Barnes makes professional football debut for Watford: On September 5, 1981, 17-year-old John Barnes made his professional debut for Watford in a 1–1 home draw against Oldham Athletic in the Football League Second Division. Barnes had joined Watford in July 1981 after being spotted playing for Sudbury Court, a Middlesex League club. His debut marked the beginning of a successful career, leading to Watford's promotion to the First Division by the end of the 1981–82 season. source: en.wikipedia.org
06 Sep Bob Lemon returns to Yankees management: On September 6, 1981, Bob Lemon was appointed as the New York Yankees' manager for the second time, replacing Gene Michael. Lemon had previously managed the Yankees from 1978 to 1979, leading them to a World Series victory in 1978. His return was prompted by disagreements between Michael and owner George Steinbrenner, particularly concerning Steinbrenner's interference in managerial decisions. Under Lemon's leadership, the Yankees secured the American League pennant but lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. source: washingtonpost.com
07 Sep West Tampa Post 248 wins American Legion World Series: On September 7, 1981, West Tampa Post 248 clinched the American Legion World Series title. The team was coached by Frank Permuy and featured standout player Dave Magadan, who was named the American Legion Baseball Player of the Year in 1981. source: 813preps.com
08 Sep Bill Shankly, legendary football manager, passes away: Bill Shankly, the iconic manager of Liverpool Football Club, died on September 8, 1981. He is remembered for transforming Liverpool into a dominant force in English football during the 1960s and 1970s. His legacy includes three league titles and two FA Cups, and he is celebrated for his passionate approach to the game and his deep connection with the club's supporters. source: bbc.com
12 Sep Red Sox Pitcher's Near No-Hitter: Rookie pitcher Bob Ojeda of the Boston Red Sox nearly achieved a no-hitter against the New York Yankees, holding them hitless for 8 innings before Rick Cerone and Dave Winfield broke up the bid with back-to-back doubles in the 9th inning.
13 Sep McEnroe defeats Borg in US Open final: On September 13, 1981, John McEnroe defeated Björn Borg in the US Open final, marking a significant moment in tennis history. McEnroe won the match in four sets, with a score of 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4, ending Borg's reign as the champion. This victory was notable as it was one of the few times Borg lost in a Grand Slam final after his dominance in the sport during the late 1970s and early 1980s. source: britannica.com
16 Sep Sugar Ray Leonard defeats Thomas Hearns to unify welterweight titles: On September 16, 1981, Sugar Ray Leonard faced Thomas Hearns at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for the undisputed welterweight championship. Leonard won by 14th-round technical knockout, overcoming a swollen left eye and trailing on the scorecards. The fight grossed approximately $35 million, making it the richest in boxing history at that time. source: washingtonpost.com
21 Sep Steve Carlton Sets National League Strikeout Record: On September 21, 1981, baseball pitcher Steve Carlton achieved a significant milestone by striking out his 3,118th batter, setting a new record in the National League. This accomplishment further cemented Carlton's status as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
01 Oct Pasakevi Kouna becomes youngest international gymnast at age 9: On October 1, 1981, Pasakevi Voula Kouna, aged 9 years and 299 days, represented Greece at the Balkan Games in Serres, Greece, setting a record as the youngest international gymnast. source: guinnessworldrecords.com
03 Oct Brewers and Expos Clinch First Postseason: The Milwaukee Brewers and Montreal Expos secured their first-ever postseason appearances, a milestone achievement for both baseball franchises in the 1981 MLB season.
04 Oct Portland Ping Team Championship held in 1981: The Portland Ping Team Championship was an LPGA Tour event held from 1979 to 1982. In 1981, the tournament was played at Riverside Golf & Country Club in Portland, Oregon. The event was part of the LPGA Tour's schedule during that period. source: espn.com
05 Oct Enrico Fabris: Italian speed skater: Enrico Fabris, born on October 5, 1981, in Asiago, Italy, is a retired Italian speed skater renowned for his achievements in long-distance events. He made history at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin by becoming the first Italian to win an Olympic medal in speed skating, securing a bronze in the 5,000 meters. Five days later, he led the Italian team to gold in the team pursuit event, and another five days after that, he clinched gold in the 1,500 meters, defeating American favorites Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick. Fabris retired from competitive skating in 2011 due to knee issues. source: britannica.com
08 Oct Bobby Unser's 1981 Indianapolis 500 victory reinstated after appeal: After a lengthy appeals process, Bobby Unser's victory in the 1981 Indianapolis 500 was reinstated on October 8, 1981. The United States Auto Club (USAC) had initially penalized Unser for passing under caution, but a three-member appeals panel overturned the decision, restoring Unser's win and imposing a $40,000 fine for the infraction. source: indianapolismotorspeedway.com
09 Oct Ryoichi Maeda: Japanese footballer: Ryoichi Maeda, a Japanese footballer, was born on October 9, 1981. He is known for his contributions to Japanese football, playing as a forward for various clubs and the national team. source: japantimes.co.jp
10 Oct Birth of Zlatan Ibrahimović: Swedish professional footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović was born in Malmö, who would later become one of the most renowned and prolific strikers in international soccer.
11 Oct Minnesota Vikings defeat San Diego Chargers 33-31 in dramatic game: On October 11, 1981, the Minnesota Vikings secured a 33-31 victory over the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium. Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer threw for 444 yards and four touchdowns, including a game-winning 38-yard field goal by Rick Danmeier as time expired. The game featured multiple lead changes and significant performances from both teams. source: pro-football-reference.com
14 Oct Craig Nettles baseball achievement: On October 14, 1981, Craig Nettles achieved a notable milestone in his baseball career during the postseason. He was recognized for his defensive skills and contributions to the New York Yankees. source: nytimes.com
15 Oct Yankees win 1981 American League Championship Series: On October 15, 1981, the New York Yankees clinched their 33rd American League pennant by defeating the Oakland Athletics 4-0 in Game 3 of the ALCS, completing a three-game sweep. Dave Righetti pitched six shutout innings, and Graig Nettles contributed a three-run double in the ninth inning. The Yankees advanced to the World Series but were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. source: washingtonpost.com
18 Oct NFL Record-Tying Performance: New York Giants kicker Joe Danelo achieved a remarkable feat by tying the NFL record of six field goals in a single game, demonstrating exceptional kicking precision.
19 Oct Los Angeles Dodgers win National League Championship Series: On October 19, 1981, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League Championship Series (NLCS) by defeating the Montreal Expos 2–1 in Game 5. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning when Rick Monday hit a two-out home run, a play that Expos fans have since referred to as "Blue Monday." This victory secured the Dodgers' spot in the World Series, where they would go on to defeat the New York Yankees. source: baseball-reference.com
21 Oct Nemanja Vidic born in Serbia: Nemanja Vidic, a former professional footballer known for his time at Manchester United, was born on October 21, 1981, in Užice, Serbia. He is celebrated for his defensive skills and leadership on the field, contributing significantly to his teams' successes during his career. source: britannica.com
23 Oct Olivier Occean: Canadian soccer player: Olivier Occean is a retired Canadian professional soccer player born on October 23, 1981, in Brossard, Quebec. He played as a striker for various clubs, including Odd Grenland, Lillestrøm SK, Kickers Offenbach, SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Eintracht Frankfurt, and 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Occean also earned 28 caps for the Canadian national team between 2004 and 2012, scoring six goals. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 Oct Shaun Wright-Phillips Birth: Shaun Wright-Phillips, a notable English football player, was born, who would later become a prominent figure in professional soccer.
28 Oct Dodgers win 1981 World Series against Yankees: The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their fifth World Series title by defeating the New York Yankees in six games. The decisive Game 6 took place on October 28, 1981, at Yankee Stadium, where the Dodgers secured a 9-2 victory. This championship marked the Dodgers' first World Series win since 1965. source: mlb.com
29 Oct Bill Giles becomes president and chief operating officer of the Philadelphia Phillies: On October 29, 1981, an investment group led by Bill Giles purchased the Philadelphia Phillies for $30.2 million, the highest price paid for a Major League Baseball franchise at that time. Giles, who had been the team's executive vice president, assumed the role of president and chief operating officer following the sale. source: upi.com
01 Nov Darrell Waltrip Ties NASCAR Record: Darrell Waltrip won the American 500 at North Carolina Motor Speedway, achieving his 4th consecutive NASCAR Cup race victory and tying Richard Petty's impressive record.
02 Nov Tatiana Totmianina's birth date confirmed: Tatiana Totmianina, a Russian figure skater and Olympic champion, was born on November 2, 1981. She is known for her achievements in pairs skating, particularly her gold medal win at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. Totmianina has had a significant impact on the sport, both as an athlete and later as a coach. source: britannica.com
03 Nov Rollie Fingers wins AL Cy Young Award: On November 3, 1981, Rollie Fingers, the 35-year-old relief ace of the Milwaukee Brewers, was named the American League's Cy Young Award winner. Fingers led the league with 28 saves and posted a 1.04 earned run average in 78 innings pitched. He received 22 first-place votes, surpassing Steve McCatty of the Oakland A's, who finished second with 84.5 points. source: upi.com
06 Nov Fernando Valenzuela wins historic Cy Young Award: In 1981, Fernando Valenzuela, a rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, won the National League Cy Young Award, becoming the first rookie to receive this honor. He finished the season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and led the league with 180 strikeouts. Valenzuela also won the Rookie of the Year award that year. source: britannica.com
08 Nov Patty Sheehan wins Mazda Japan Classic: On November 8, 1981, Patty Sheehan secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the Mazda Japan Classic in Japan, finishing with a score of 213 (−9). This win marked a significant milestone in Sheehan's career, contributing to her future success on the tour. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 Nov Luke Covell: New Zealand international rugby league player: Luke Covell, born on November 9, 1981, in Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia, is a former New Zealand international rugby league footballer. He played as a goal-kicking winger for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Wests Tigers in the NRL. Covell also represented NSW Country and made one appearance for New Zealand in 2007. Known for his goal-kicking prowess, he retired in 2010 after a successful career. source: en.wikipedia.org
12 Nov Billy Martin named AL Manager of the Year: On November 12, 1981, Billy Martin was named the American League Manager of the Year for his performance with the Oakland Athletics. source: brainyhistory.com
14 Nov Cricket: Australia Dominates Pakistan: In a remarkable cricket match at the WACA (Western Australian Cricket Association) ground, Australia bowled out Pakistan for just 62 runs, with Dennis Lillee taking an impressive 5 wickets for 18 runs.
16 Nov Dennis Lillee-Javed Miandad cricket incident: On November 16, 1981, during a Test match in Perth, Australian bowler Dennis Lillee and Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad were involved in a notable on-field altercation. source: espncricinfo.com
17 Nov NBA Free Throw Record Tying Performance: Bill Cartwright of the New York Knicks achieved a remarkable feat by successfully making 19 out of 19 free throws, tying a significant NBA record for free throw accuracy.
18 Nov Mike Schmidt wins second consecutive NL MVP: On November 18, 1981, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt was awarded the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive year. In the strike-shortened 1981 season, Schmidt led the league with a .316 batting average, 31 home runs, 91 RBIs, 78 runs, 73 walks, a .435 on-base percentage, and a .644 slugging percentage. He received 21 of 24 first-place votes, with Andre Dawson and Fernando Valenzuela each earning one. source: baseball-reference.com
22 Nov Edmonton Eskimos win fourth consecutive CFL Grey Cup: On November 22, 1981, the Edmonton Eskimos secured their fourth consecutive Grey Cup victory by defeating the Ottawa Rough Riders 26–23 at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. Despite a challenging first half, where they trailed 20–1, the Eskimos mounted a comeback led by quarterback Warren Moon, who threw a decisive touchdown pass late in the game. The victory was sealed with a last-second 27-yard field goal by Dave Cutler. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 Nov Rollie Fingers Makes Baseball History: Rollie Fingers becomes the first relief pitcher in American League history to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a groundbreaking moment for relief pitchers in baseball.
26 Nov Stephan Andersen birth date: Stephan Maigaard Andersen, a Danish former professional footballer, was born on November 26, 1981, in Copenhagen, Denmark. source: en.wikipedia.org
28 Nov Bear Bryant becomes college football's winningest coach: On November 28, 1981, Paul 'Bear' Bryant surpassed Amos Alonzo Stagg's record of 314 wins by achieving his 315th career victory as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, defeating Auburn 28-17 in the Iron Bowl. source: si.edu
29 Nov Greg Chappell Cricket Performance: Australian cricket player Greg Chappell scored an impressive 201 runs against Pakistan at the Gabba cricket ground.
30 Nov Dave Righetti wins AL Rookie of the Year: In 1981, Dave Righetti, a left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, was named the American League Rookie of the Year. He achieved an 8-4 record with a 2.06 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 15 games. source: statmuse.com
01 Dec Kareem Abdul-Jabbar becomes NBA's second all-time leading scorer: On December 1, 1981, Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar surpassed Oscar Robertson to become the NBA's second all-time leading scorer, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain. Abdul-Jabbar finished the 1981-82 season with over 28,000 career points and eventually surpassed Chamberlain for the top spot with 38,387 points. source: nba.com
02 Dec Fernando Valenzuela named National League Rookie of the Year: On December 2, 1981, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela was named the National League Rookie of the Year. Valenzuela, a Mexican left-hander, posted a 13–7 record with a 2.48 ERA, leading the league in strikeouts (180), games started (25), complete games (11), shutouts (8), and innings pitched (192.1). He also made his first All-Star appearance and received both the Cy Young and TSN Rookie of the Year awards. source: baseball-reference.com
05 Dec Marcus Allen wins Heisman Trophy: On December 5, 1981, Marcus Allen of the University of Southern California was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He set 12 NCAA records and led the nation in scoring and all-purpose running. source: washingtonpost.com
06 Dec Martina Navratilova wins 1981 Australian Open women's singles title: Martina Navratilova defeated Chris Evert 6–7^(4–7), 6–4, 7–5 in the final to claim her first Australian Open singles title and third major singles title overall. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Dec Birth of Javier Saviola: Javier Saviola, a prominent Argentine international footballer who would later become an Olympic gold medalist, was born on this date.
12 Dec Wayne Gretzky scores his record-breaking 50th goal in 39 games: On December 12, 1981, Wayne Gretzky scored his 50th goal of the NHL season in just 39 games, setting a record that remains unmatched. This achievement highlighted Gretzky's extraordinary talent and solidified his status as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. The record was a significant milestone in his illustrious career and contributed to his legacy in the sport. source: britannica.com
13 Dec United States defeats Argentina in 1981 Davis Cup final: The United States secured their 27th Davis Cup title by defeating Argentina 3-1 in the final held at the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio, from December 11 to 13, 1981. The decisive doubles match, which was a five-set thriller lasting nearly five hours, was won by John McEnroe and Peter Fleming over Guillermo Vilas and José Luis Clerc, with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 11-9. source: upi.com
20 Dec Doug Smail sets NHL record for fastest goal from start of game: On December 20, 1981, Doug Smail of the Winnipeg Jets scored a goal just five seconds into the game against the St. Louis Blues, setting an NHL record for the fastest goal from the start of a game. This record was later matched by Bryan Trottier in 1984 and Alexander Mogilny in 1991. source: nhl.com
21 Dec Cincinnati defeats Bradley in longest NCAA Division I men's basketball game: On December 21, 1981, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the Bradley University Braves 75–73 in a seven-overtime game, the longest in NCAA Division I history. The game, held at Robertson Memorial Field House in Peoria, Illinois, lasted 75 minutes, with reserve forward Doug Schloemer scoring the decisive 15-foot jump shot with one second remaining in the seventh overtime. Both teams played without a shot clock, leading to prolonged possessions and strategic play. Notably, Cincinnati guard Bobby Austin and Bradley center Donald Reese each played 73 minutes, setting an NCAA record for the most minutes played in a single game. source: ncaa.com
23 Dec Geoffrey Boycott surpasses Garfield Sobers' Test run record: On December 23, 1981, during the third Test match between England and India in Delhi, Geoffrey Boycott became the first player to exceed 8,032 Test runs, surpassing Garfield Sobers' long-standing record. Boycott achieved this milestone by scoring a century in the first innings, contributing to England's total of 428/4. This achievement was commemorated with a bat inscribed with the details of the match and his record-breaking century. source: theguardian.com
26 Dec Australia defeats West Indies by 58 runs in 1st Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground: On December 26, 1981, Australia faced the West Indies in the first Test match of the series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia batted first, scoring 198 runs in their first innings, with Kim Hughes contributing a significant 100 not out. The West Indies responded with 201 runs in their first innings. In their second innings, Australia added 222 runs, setting a target of 220 runs for the West Indies. The West Indies were all out for 161 runs, leading to an Australian victory by 58 runs. Kim Hughes was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. source: espncricinfo.com
27 Dec Wayne Gretzky reaches 100 points in 38 games: On December 27, 1981, Wayne Gretzky achieved his 100th point of the 1981–82 NHL season in just 38 games, setting a new record for the fastest to reach 100 points. In a game against the Los Angeles Kings, he scored four goals and added an assist, bringing his season total to 45 goals and 55 assists. This milestone underscored Gretzky's exceptional scoring prowess and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. source: thepinkpuck.com
30 Dec Wayne Gretzky scores 50 goals in 39 games: On December 30, 1981, Wayne Gretzky achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his 50th goal of the 1981–82 NHL season in just 39 games. This record-breaking performance occurred during a 7–5 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, where Gretzky netted five goals, including an empty-netter with three seconds remaining to secure the win. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 50 goals in 50 games, set by Maurice Richard in 1945 and matched by Mike Bossy in 1981. source: nhl.com

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