May 28 Hockey history
The NHL.com shares these gems of May 28 hockey history:
1999 - Rookie Chris Drury scores at 19:29 of overtime to give the Colorado Avalanche a 3-2 victory against the Dallas Stars
2013 - Justin Williams scored two goals to help the Los Angeles Kings defeat the San Jose Sharks 2-1 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
This Day in Baseball June 19 - Waner 3000
ThisDayinBaseballHistory.com posts that on June 19:
1942 — Paul Waner got hit number 3,000 — a single off Rip Sewell — but the Boston Braves lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-6.
This Day In Hockey May 25
TedTalksHockey.com tells of the 1989, The Calgary Flames defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 to win the 1989 Stanley Cup.
Miller Huggins Early Baseball Hall of Fame Mastermind
A Mighty Mite on the Field
Nicknamed "Mighty Mite" for his stature (5'6"), Huggins rose through the minor leagues despite early hazing from teammates due to his size. He reached the majors with the Cincinnati Reds in 1904, showcasing his impressive on-base skills. Huggins led the National League in walks four times during his first five seasons, demonstrating remarkable patience at the plate. While not a power hitter, his speed and hustle made him a valuable contributor, stealing over 300 bases throughout his career.
A Winning Mentality Takes Root
Huggins embraced the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing a disciplined approach and smart baserunning. He spent 13 seasons as a major league player, primarily with the Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. While lacking a World Series ring as a player, Huggins' leadership qualities and baseball acumen were evident.
Managerial Mastermind and Dynasty Builder
Huggins' true impact came after his playing days. In 1918, he took the helm of the New York Yankees, a team yearning for success. His focus on fundamentals, combined with his ability to motivate and manage big personalities like Babe Ruth, paid immediate dividends. Huggins led the Yankees to their first six American League pennants and three World Series championships during the "Murderers' Row" era of the 1920s. He is credited with creating a winning culture that emphasized teamwork and execution.
A Legacy of Excellence
Huggins' managerial career ended tragically with his premature death in 1929. Despite this, his legacy is firmly cemented in baseball history. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964, a testament to his impact on the game. Miller Huggins transcended his limitations as a player, proving that baseball brilliance can come in all shapes and sizes. His managerial strategies and ability to build a dominant team continue to inspire generations of coaches and baseball minds.
Baseball History on June 5 from Baseball Almanac
The Baseball Almanac website carries a plethora of June 5 events that had an impact on the game's history.
-1948 - Richie Ashburn of the Phillies was on a tear as the slugger hit safely for the 23rd straight game.
-1974 - Oakland A's stars Reggie Jackson and Billy North took part in a clubhouse fist-to-cuff.
-1987 - Dwight Gooden returned from drug rehabilitation to join his New York Mets teammates.
Tom Rolfe A Champion Thoroughbred Cut Short
Early Brilliance: Born in 1962, Tom Rolfe quickly displayed exceptional talent. Ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, he won 16 of his 31 career starts, showcasing impressive speed and determination. His crowning achievement came in 1965 when he captured the prestigious Preakness Stakes, defeating a strong field and running despite losing a shoe during the race.
Belmont Heartbreak: Tom Rolfe entered the Belmont Stakes with high expectations of completing the Triple Crown. However, fate intervened. He dueled for the lead throughout the race but was ultimately edged out by a neck. More importantly, the grueling competition resulted in a minor injury that would ultimately derail his racing career.
A Legacy of Breeding Excellence: While Tom Rolfe's racing career was cut short, his impact on the thoroughbred world continued. He became a successful sire, passing on his exceptional talent to future generations of racehorses. His offspring achieved notable victories, ensuring his bloodline continued to thrive on the track.
Born April 14, 1962 was American Thoroughbred racehorse and sire, Tom Rolfe. T.R. was the leading colt of his generation in the United States, winning the Preakness Stakes, with rider Ron Turcotte and being voted American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse in 1965. SIred at the Claiborne Farm. Rode by Ron Turcotte
Duke Keats Western Pro Ice Hockey Legend
-Early Days and a WCHL Legacy
Born in 1895, Keats began his professional career at the tender age of 14, playing semi-professionally in the Cobalt Mining League. His journey continued with the Toronto Blueshirts of the National Hockey Association (NHA) before taking a break to fight in World War I. Upon his return, he joined the Edmonton Eskimos of the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL) in 1919. This marked the beginning of a dominant era for Keats.
-A Star in the West
For the next five seasons, Keats established himself as a force in the WCHL. He was a complete player, excelling at both offense and defense. His leadership qualities were evident, earning him the captaincy of the Eskimos. Keats led the league in scoring on multiple occasions and was a fixture on WCHL All-Star teams. He helped guide the Eskimos to the league finals in 1923, showcasing his competitive spirit and clutch play.
-The NHL and a Brief, Impactful Stint
Despite his dominance in the WCHL, Keats' arrival in the NHL at the age of 31 was relatively late. He played for the Boston Bruins, Detroit Cougars, and Chicago Black Hawks between 1926 and 1929. Though his time in the league was brief, Keats left his mark. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and ability to elevate the play of his teammates. He even recorded the first hat trick in Detroit Cougars franchise history.
Duke Keats played for Toronto Blueshirts of the National Hockey Association, Edmonton Eskimos of the Western Canada Hockey League, and the Boston Bruins, Detroit Cougars and Chicago Black Hawks of the NHL. He is in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Roger Bresnahan
Joe Kelley - MLB 1800s Top Player
Early Career and Rise to Stardom:
Kelley's athletic journey began in 1891 with the Boston Beaneaters. He quickly established himself as a valuable asset with his speed and batting prowess. His exceptional skills earned him the nickname "Kingpin" during his stint with the Baltimore Orioles from 1892 to 1898.
Dominant Years:
From 1894 to 1898, Kelley emerged as one of the most productive players in baseball. He drove in at least 100 runs in each season, amassing a total of 573 RBIs during that stretch. This impressive feat placed him second only to Hugh Duffy in terms of RBIs during that period.
Versatility and Leadership:
Kelley's versatility extended beyond hitting. He showcased his fielding skills as a left fielder and even served as a player-manager for the Cincinnati Reds from 1902 to 1905. In his managerial role, he led the Reds to a third-place finish in 1904, demonstrating his leadership abilities.
Continued Success:
Despite a slight decline in production towards the end of his career, Kelley remained a valuable contributor to his teams. He played for various teams, including the Brooklyn Superbas and the Baltimore Orioles (AL), until his retirement in 1908.
Legacy and Recognition:
Joe Kelley's impact on baseball is undeniable. He finished his career with a respectable .317 batting average and 443 stolen bases. His exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.