Today in Sports History

Born April 17, 1951, in Kiruna, Sweden, was Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Borje Salming. played professionally for 23 seasons, for the clubs Brynäs IF, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and AIK. He spent 16 seasons with the Maple Leafs, who retired his number 21 in 2016. Salming holds several Maple Leafs records, including the most assists. Salming was one of the first European players to make an impact in the NHL, for which he is often considered a trailblazer, being named to six consecutive NHL All-Star Teams, winning the NHL All-Star Games of 1976, 1977 and 1978. In 1996, his first year of eligibility, Salming became the first European player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Born April 17, 1906, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was Hockey Hall of Fame Left Wing Herbie Lewis. One of the great all-time skaters. Lewis's was not only a great skater but he was quick as lightening on the ice in the NHL playing for the the Detroit Red Wings. These skills and talents helped the Red Wings win two consecutive Stanley Cups in 1936 and 1937. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989.

Born April 17, 1852, in Marshalltown, Iowa, was Baseball Hall of Fame infielder Cap Anson. Including his time in the National Association, Cap played a record 27 consecutive seasons. Anson was regarded as one of the greatest players of his era and one of the first superstars of the early MLB. He spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs franchise (then known as the "White Stockings" and later the "Colts"), serving as the club's manager, first baseman and, later in his tenure, minority owner.

Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 42 - 6 - 44 - 21 April 17, 1869 - What many expert historian of baseball consider to be the first professional baseball game is pl...

Born: April 17, 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia, was MLB legend Marquis Grissom. Grissom played in Major League Baseball for the Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants between 1989 and 2005 as a center fielder. Marquis played ball for for 16 seasons as he batted 0.272 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.415, with 227 career Home Runs, and 4 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. He is one of the top MLB Number 9 Jersey players.