2004 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights
2004 Sports Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 02 Jan Ohio State wins 33rd Fiesta Bowl: On January 2, 2004, Ohio State University defeated the University of Kansas in the 33rd Fiesta Bowl, securing a victory in a highly competitive college football matchup. This win added to Ohio State's storied football history. source: espn.com
- 04 Jan Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees: Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg, two legendary baseball players, were elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing their outstanding careers and contributions to the sport.
- 06 Jan Tug McGraw, Baseball Player: Tug McGraw, a renowned baseball player born in 1944, was a prominent pitcher who made significant contributions to Major League Baseball during his career.
- 19 Jan David Hookes Dies: David Hookes, a prominent Australian cricketer and coach, passed away at the age of 48, marking a significant loss for the Australian sporting community.
- 25 Jan Tragic Death of Miklós Fehér: Hungarian footballer Miklós Fehér tragically dies during a match between Vitória Guimarães and Benfica in Portugal. In honor of his memory, Benfica decides to retire his number 29 shirt.
- 01 Feb New England Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVIII: The New England Patriots secured victory in NFL Super Bowl XXXVIII when kicker Adam Vinatieri successfully kicked the game-winning field goal with just four seconds remaining in the match.
- 02 Feb Roger Federer Becomes World No. 1 Tennis Player: Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer achieved a milestone by becoming the world's top-ranked men's singles tennis player, marking the beginning of an unprecedented era of dominance. He would go on to hold this prestigious position for a record-breaking 237 consecutive weeks, cementing his status as one of the greatest tennis players in history. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 04 Feb Albert Pujols Signs Major Contract with Cardinals: The Saint Louis Cardinals secured Albert Pujols with a landmark seven-year contract worth US$100 million, signaling the team's commitment to the star player and his exceptional baseball talent.
- 14 Feb Death of Marco Pantani: Marco Pantani, a world-famous Italian cyclist and winner of the 1998 Tour de France and 1998 Giro d'Italia, was found dead in a hotel in Rimini, Italy. Known as 'Il Pirata' for his distinctive bandana and climbing prowess, Pantani was a legendary figure in professional cycling who tragically died at the young age of 34.
- 15 Feb John Daly Wins PGA Tour Event: Professional golfer John Daly secured his first PGA TOUR victory in nine years by winning the Buick Invitational golf tournament in San Diego, California, triumphing on the first hole of a playoff.
- 16 Feb Death of Shirley Strickland, Australian Olympic Athlete: Shirley Strickland, a renowned Australian Olympic athlete who was a multiple medal winner, passed away at the age of 79. She was a significant figure in Australian sports history, particularly in track and field.
- 29 Feb Middlesbrough Wins League Cup: Middlesbrough defeats Bolton 2-1 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to claim the League Cup, securing a significant trophy in their football season.
- 07 Mar 2004 Formula One Championship Begins: The 2004 Formula One season commenced with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, with Michael Schumacher securing a decisive victory, setting the stage for what would become another dominant year for the legendary German driver.
- 08 Mar Todd Bertuzzi Assault on Steve Moore: During an NHL game, Todd Bertuzzi of the Vancouver Canucks severely injured Steve Moore of the Colorado Avalanche in a controversial and violent incident that fractured Moore's neck and effectively ended his professional hockey career. In the same game, Trevor Linden also achieved a significant personal milestone by surpassing Stan Smyl's career point record.
- 10 Mar NHL Player Suspended for Violent Incident: Todd Bertuzzi of the National Hockey League was suspended for the remainder of the season and Stanley Cup playoffs after a serious assault on Steve Moore, causing two broken vertebrae. Vancouver police initiated an investigation into the incident.
- 14 Mar ACC Men's Basketball Tournament: Maryland defeated #5 Duke 95-87 in the 51st ACC Men's Basketball Tournament, delivering a notable upset in collegiate basketball.
- 21 Mar Michael Schumacher Wins Malaysian Grand Prix: Michael Schumacher secures victory in the second race of the 2004 Formula One Championship in Malaysia, further solidifying his reputation as a legendary racing driver.
- 27 Mar France Wins Six Nations Rugby Championship: France defeated England 24-21 at Stade de France in Saint Denis, securing a Grand Slam victory in the Six Nations Rugby Championship. England earned the Triple Crown in this memorable match.
- 28 Mar Cambridge University Wins 150th Boat Race: Cambridge University secured a controversial victory in the historic 150th Boat Race, winning by six lengths with a time of 18:47 minutes.
- 04 Apr Millwall FC Advances to FA Cup Final: Millwall FC defeated Sunderland A.F.C. 1-0 at Old Trafford, with Tim Cahill scoring the winning goal to secure their place in the 2004 FA Cup Final.
- 05 Apr NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: The 66th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship sees the Connecticut Huskies defeat Georgia Tech 82-73. Emeka Okafor, the Huskies' forward, is named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
- 06 Apr UConn Basketball Achievement: The University of Connecticut made history by becoming the first NCAA Division I school to win both men's and women's national basketball championships in the same year, a remarkable feat in collegiate sports.
- 09 Apr Euroleague Basketball Tournament Proceeds Despite Security Concerns: The Euroleague Final Four tournament continues as planned in Tel Aviv, Israel, with Maccabi Tel Aviv qualifying by defeating Zalgiris Kaunas from Lithuania, demonstrating resilience amid regional tensions.
- 11 Apr Phil Mickelson Wins First Masters Tournament: Phil Mickelson achieved a significant milestone in his golf career by winning the 68th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, securing his first major championship. He clinched victory with a dramatic birdie on the final hole, defeating Ernie Els of South Africa by a single stroke.
- 12 Apr Brian Lara Sets Test Cricket Record: On April 12, 2004, Brian Lara set a new world record for the highest individual score in a Test match, scoring 400 not out for the West Indies against England.
- 19 Apr Boston Marathon: Records and Kenyan Dominance: The Boston Marathon saw Ernst Van Dyk of South Africa set a new world record in the men's wheelchair division. Continuing their remarkable streak, Kenyan runners won both the men's and women's races, marking their 13th victory in 14 years.
- 25 Apr Arsenal F.C. Wins 13th English Football League Title: Arsenal Football Club secured their 13th English football league title, further solidifying their status as one of the most successful clubs in English football history.
- 26 Apr Magnus Carlsen Becomes Chess Grandmaster: Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian chess prodigy, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest international Grandmaster, winning four out of nine games at the 6th Dubai Open Chess Championship.
- 29 Apr Maccabi Tel-Aviv Wins Euroleague Semifinal: Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel) defeated CSKA Moscow (Russia) 93-85 in the Euroleague basketball competition, qualifying for the finals.
- 01 May Barry Bonds Intentional Walk Record: Baseball player Barry Bonds set a major league record by being intentionally walked four times in a single nine-inning game, demonstrating his exceptional batting prowess that made him a formidable threat to opposing teams.
- 03 May Darrell Johnson, Baseball Player, Dies: Darrell Johnson, an American baseball player, died at the age of 75, marking the passing of a veteran athlete who contributed to the sport during his career.
- 04 May Toronto Maple Leafs Eliminated from NHL Playoffs: The Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the National Hockey League playoffs, marking the end of their postseason hopes.
- 05 May Mike Piazza Baseball Achievement: Mike Piazza of the New York Mets hits his 352nd home run, passing Carlton Fisk for most home runs hit by a catcher.
- 09 May Canada Wins World Ice Hockey Championship: The Canadian national team secured victory in the World Ice Hockey Championship held in Prague, Czech Republic, demonstrating their prowess in international ice hockey competition.
- 15 May 2010 FIFA World Cup awarded to South Africa: In a historic decision, South Africa was awarded the 2010 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time the tournament would be held on the African continent. This event was seen as a significant milestone for African football. source: bbc.com
- 18 May 2012 Summer Olympics host city finalists announced: On May 18, 2004, the International Olympic Committee announced the finalists bidding to host the 2012 Summer Olympics: London, Paris, New York City, Moscow, and Madrid. The host city would be selected in July 2005. source: military.com
- 19 May UEFA Cup Football Final: Valencia defeats Olympique Marseille 2-0 to win the UEFA Cup, claiming European football glory.
- 21 May Pemba Dorje Sherpa sets Mount Everest speed record: On May 21, 2004, Pemba Dorje Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest in 8 hours and 10 minutes, setting a new speed record. This broke the previous record of 10 hours and 46 minutes set by Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa in 2003. source: gripped.com
- 23 May Monaco Grand Prix Victory: Jarno Trulli secured a decisive victory at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, driving a Renault racing car.
- 25 May Fabrice Santoro defeats Arnaud Clément in longest French Open match: On May 25, 2004, French tennis players Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clément played the longest match in French Open history, lasting 6 hours and 33 minutes. Santoro won 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(5), 3-6, 16-14, with the fifth set alone taking 2 hours and 53 minutes. source: upi.com
- 30 May Indianapolis 500 Winner: Buddy Rice won the 2004 Indianapolis 500 racing event for Rahal Letterman Racing, marking a significant achievement in motorsports.
- 05 Jun North Light Wins Epsom Derby: North Light won the 225th Epsom Derby, the second race in the British Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, marking a significant moment in horse racing history.
- 12 Jun Greece wins Euro 2004 tournament opener: On June 12, 2004, Greece achieved a surprising victory over Portugal in the opening match of the UEFA Euro 2004 football tournament. The match ended with a 2-1 score in favor of Greece. source: uefa.com
- 13 Jun 2004 Summer Olympics opening ceremony: The opening ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics took place in Athens, Greece, marking the start of the international sporting event. source: nytimes.com
- 15 Jun Detroit Pistons Win NBA Championship: The Detroit Pistons dramatically upset the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers to win the 2004 NBA Finals, securing their first championship since 1990. They won the series 4-1, dominating all three of their home games and clinching the title with a final game score of 100-87.
- 20 Jun Ken Griffey Jr. hits 500th career home run: On June 20, 2004, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 500th career home run off St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Matt Morris at Busch Stadium. The milestone was achieved on Father's Day, with his father, Ken Griffey Sr., in attendance. This made Griffey Jr. the 20th player in Major League Baseball history to reach 500 home runs. source: mlb.com
- 21 Jun Obituary: Ron Ashman, Football Player and Manager: Ron Ashman, a notable football player and manager who was born in 1926, passed away. His contributions to football spanned multiple decades, though specific details of his career are not provided.
- 24 Jun Dwight Howard NBA Draft: Dwight Howard was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the NBA Draft, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career.
- 27 Jun Darrell Russell Obituary: Remembering Darrell Russell, an American race car driver born in 1968, who passed away on this date.
- 04 Jul Greece wins UEFA Euro 2004 final against Portugal: On July 4, 2004, Greece achieved a historic victory by defeating host nation Portugal 1-0 in the UEFA Euro 2004 final. Angelos Charisteas scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, marking Greece's first major international football championship. source: uefa.com
- 05 Jul Death of Rodger Ward, American Race Car Driver: On July 5, 2004, Rodger Ward, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and prominent American race car driver, passed away at the age of 84. source: indystar.com
- 17 Jul Asian Cup 2004 Opens in Beijing: The 2004 Asian Cup commenced in Beijing, China, with the host nation PR China playing a thrilling opening match against Bahrain, resulting in a 2-1 tie.
- 18 Jul Todd Hamilton Wins The Open Championship: Todd Hamilton secured a remarkable victory at the prestigious Royal Troon Golf Club, winning The Open Championship in a memorable performance.
- 22 Jul Lance Armstrong wins sixth consecutive Tour de France: On July 22, 2004, American cyclist Lance Armstrong secured his sixth consecutive victory in the Tour de France, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists in history.
- 25 Jul Lance Armstrong wins 6th Tour de France: On July 25, 2004, American cyclist Lance Armstrong clinched his sixth consecutive Tour de France victory, solidifying his legacy in the sport. His performance throughout the race was dominant, leading to widespread acclaim. source: cyclingnews.com
- 30 Jul MLB Trade: Scott Kazmir Moves to Tampa Bay Devil Rays: In a significant baseball trade, the New York Mets traded promising left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In exchange, the Mets received Victor Zambrano and Bartolome Fortunato, marking a notable player exchange in Major League Baseball.
- 31 Jul Berlin Olympic Stadium reopens after renovation: The Berlin Olympic Stadium, originally built for the 1936 Olympics, reopened on July 31, 2004, after a four-year, $293 million renovation. The upgrades included a new roof, comfortable seating, and floodlights capable of producing 'daylight' illumination over the pitch. The reopening ceremony featured performances by Pink, Nena, and a classical concert conducted by Daniel Barenboim. source: washingtonpost.com
- 01 Aug Karen Stupples Wins British Open Women's Golf: England's Karen Stupples secured her first and only major title at the British Open Women's Golf Championship, winning by an impressive 5-shot margin over Australian runner-up Rachel Teske.
- 07 Aug Greg Maddux achieves 300th career win: On August 7, 2004, Major League Baseball pitcher Greg Maddux secured his 300th career win, becoming the 22nd pitcher in MLB history to reach this milestone. Maddux's achievement was celebrated as a testament to his skill and longevity in the sport. source: mlb.com
- 13 Aug 2004 Summer Olympics opening ceremony: The 2004 Summer Olympics opening ceremony was held on August 13, 2004, at the Olympic Stadium in Marousi, Greece. The event featured a blend of traditional Greek culture and history, with performances symbolizing the nation's heritage. Approximately 72,000 spectators attended, including nearly 50 world leaders, and about 15,000 athletes from 202 countries participated. The Games were officially opened by President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Stephanopoulos at 23:46 EEST. source: britannica.com
- 15 Aug South African Swimmers Break World Record: The South African 4 x 100m freestyle relay team (Roland Schoeman, Lyndon Ferns, Darian Townsend, and Ryk Neethling) set a new world record of 3:13.17 at the Athens Olympics, marking a significant achievement in international swimming.
- 17 Aug Yana Klochkova wins Olympic gold: On August 17, 2004, Ukrainian swimmer Yana Klochkova won the gold medal in the women's 400m individual medley at the Athens Olympics. This victory marked her second consecutive Olympic gold in this event, solidifying her status as one of the top swimmers in the world. Klochkova's performance was celebrated in Ukraine and among swimming enthusiasts globally. source: bbc.com
- 19 Aug Michael Phelps Olympic success: On August 19, 2004, American swimmer Michael Phelps achieved remarkable success at the Athens Olympics, winning multiple gold medals. His performance in various events established him as a dominant force in swimming and a key figure in Olympic history. Phelps' achievements were celebrated worldwide and contributed to the excitement of the Games. source: bbc.com
- 21 Aug Australian women's Olympic swimming team wins gold: On August 21, 2004, the Australian women's 4x100m medley relay team secured a gold medal at the Athens Olympics, setting a new world record. The team, consisting of Leisel Jones, Petria Thomas, Jodie Henry, and Alice Mills, finished ahead of the United States and the Netherlands. source: abc.net.au
- 22 Aug Athens Olympics Tennis Gold Medals: The tennis competition at the Athens Olympics saw Justine Henin of Belgium winning the women's singles gold medal, while Nicolás Massú of Chile claimed the men's singles gold, highlighting individual athletic achievements.
- 26 Aug US athletes sweep men's 200m at Athens Olympics: At the 2004 Athens Olympics, American sprinters Shawn Crawford, Bernard Williams, and Justin Gatlin secured gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively, in the men's 200-meter final, marking the sixth U.S. sweep in this event. source: taipeitimes.com
- 29 Aug Michael Schumacher's record-breaking Formula One championship: Michael Schumacher secured his seventh Formula One World Championship title, setting a new record for the most championships in the sport's history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Aug Cleveland Indians Defeat Yankees 22-0: In a historic baseball game, the Cleveland Indians defeated the New York Yankees 22-0, marking the Yankees' worst defeat in their 101-year history.
- 11 Sep Barry Bonds Sets Major League Baseball Record: Barry Bonds made history by becoming the first major league baseball player to walk over 200 times in a single season, demonstrating his exceptional batting skills and strategic gameplay.
- 12 Sep Detroit Lions Break Road Losing Streak: The Detroit Lions ended their NFL-record 24-game road losing streak by defeating the Chicago Bears 20-16 at Soldier Field, marking a significant moment in the team's recent history.
- 15 Sep NHL Lockout Announced: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces a lockout of the players' union, effectively halting operations of the National Hockey League and creating significant disruption in professional ice hockey. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 19 Sep George E. Trelease Memorial Baseball Park Dedicated: A new baseball park was dedicated in Springfield, Massachusetts, honoring George E. Trelease. This event highlights local community efforts to commemorate significant local figures through sports infrastructure.
- 25 Sep Port Adelaide Power Win AFL Grand Final: The Port Adelaide Power won the Australian Football League Grand Final on September 25, 2004, defeating the Brisbane Lions to claim their first premiership.
- 28 Sep 2004 Summer Paralympics Conclude: The 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece, concluded with China, Great Britain, and Canada emerging as the top performers in terms of gold medal count. The event celebrated athletic excellence among Paralympic athletes from around the world.
- 29 Sep Montreal Expos relocate to Washington D.C.: On September 29, 2004, Major League Baseball announced that the Montreal Expos would relocate to Washington, D.C., for the 2005 season. The team played its final game in Montreal that night, a 9–1 loss to the Florida Marlins before 31,395 fans at Olympic Stadium. source: voanews.com
- 01 Oct Ichiro Suzuki Breaks MLB Hit Record: On October 1, 2004, Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki set a new Major League Baseball single-season hit record with his 258th hit, surpassing the previous record of 257 hits set by George Sisler in 1920. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Oct Montreal Expos Win Final MLB Game: The Montreal Expos secured their last victory in franchise history by defeating the New York Mets 6-3 at Shea Stadium, marking the end of the team's MLB journey.
- 03 Oct Ichiro Suzuki Sets MLB Hit Record: Seattle Mariners' Japanese right fielder Ichiro Suzuki set a Major League Baseball record by finishing the season with 262 hits, adding two more singles in a 3-0 defeat to Texas.
- 05 Oct Scottie Pippen Retires: 7-time All-Star and 6-time NBA Champion Scottie Pippen announces his retirement from professional basketball, marking the end of an illustrious career with the Chicago Bulls.
- 14 Oct Arsenal's Unbeaten Run Ends: Arsenal's remarkable 49-match unbeaten league run came to an end when Manchester United defeated them 2-0 at Old Trafford, breaking a significant national record.
- 16 Oct Arsenal's Unbeaten League Run Ends: Arsenal Football Club's remarkable 49-game unbeaten streak in league matches comes to an end with a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, breaking a national record and marking a significant moment in English football history.
- 20 Oct Historic Red Sox comeback in ALCS: On October 20, 2004, the Boston Red Sox completed a historic comeback by defeating the New York Yankees 10-3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, becoming the first team in MLB history to win a postseason series after trailing 3-0. source: mlb.com
- 21 Oct Cardinals Win National League Championship Series: The Saint Louis Cardinals defeated the Houston Astros in a decisive game seven, winning the National League Championship Series and advancing to the World Series for the first time in 17 years.
- 23 Oct College Football: Boston College Defeats Notre Dame: In a thrilling match known as the 16th College Football Holy War, Boston College narrowly defeated Notre Dame 24-23 in South Bend, Indiana.
- 27 Oct Boston Red Sox win World Series: On October 27, 2004, the Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 in Game 4 of the World Series, clinching their first championship since 1918 and ending an 86-year championship drought. source: mlb.com
- 03 Nov NHL All-Star Game Cancellation: The National Hockey League cancels the 2005 All-Star Game originally scheduled for February in Atlanta due to an ongoing league lockout.
- 15 Nov Maria Sharapova Wins WTA Tour Championship: Maria Sharapova becomes the first Russian tennis player to win the season-ending WTA Tour Championship, defeating Serena Williams 4–6, 6–2, 6–4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
- 19 Nov NBA brawl at Auburn Hills: On November 19, 2004, a major brawl broke out during an NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers at Auburn Hills, Michigan. The incident escalated into the stands, involving players and fans, leading to significant suspensions and changes in league policies. source: espn.com
- 21 Nov Toronto Argonauts Win CFL Championship: The Toronto Argonauts secured the Canadian Football League Championship, defeating the British Columbia Lions 27-19 in the 92nd Grey Cup at Frank Clair Stadium in Ottawa, ending a seven-year championship drought.
- 22 Nov Washington Nationals Baseball Team Named: The recently relocated Washington National League baseball franchise officially announces its new name, the Washington Nationals, marking a significant moment in the team's rebranding and relocation.
- 27 Nov All Blacks Defeat France in Rugby: New Zealand's national rugby team, the All Blacks, decisively defeated the Six Nations Rugby Union Champions France with a commanding 45-6 victory in Paris.
- 11 Dec Jean-Christophe Lafaille's historic mountaineering achievement: On December 11, 2004, French mountaineer Jean-Christophe Lafaille achieved a significant milestone by summiting an unscaled peak in the Himalayas during winter conditions. This accomplishment was celebrated in the mountaineering community for its difficulty and risk. source: bbc.com
- 13 Dec Ballon d'Or Award: Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan was named the best football player in Europe, beating out competitors Deco from Porto/FC Barcelona and Barcelona's Ronaldinho in the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.
- 17 Dec Seattle Mariners Sign Adrian Beltre: The Seattle Mariners baseball team signed free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre to a lucrative $64 million, five-year contract, marking a significant investment in the player's potential.
- 23 Dec J.D. Drew Signs with Los Angeles Dodgers: Free-agent outfielder J.D. Drew signed a significant five-year contract worth $55 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a notable moment in Major League Baseball's free agency period.
- 26 Dec Death of NFL player Reggie White: Reggie White, a prominent NFL player and Hall of Famer, passed away on December 26, 2004. Known for his exceptional skills as a defensive end, White was a significant figure in American football and a respected community leader. source: nfl.com
What happened in 2004?
Discover what the world looked like in 2004: