May 29 NHL History
The NHL.com shares these gems of May 29 hockey history:
1993- Gretzky's record-setting performance carries the Los Angeles Kings into the Stanley Cup Final for the first time.
1996 Joe Sakic scores two goals for the Avalanche in the Cup Finals.
2001: Patrick Roy became the first goalie in NHL history to start 100 consecutive playoff games.
These stories and more await.
Art Coulter
Phil Esposito Sets NHL record April 2,1969
This Date in NBA History - May 26
The Sporting News remembers:
1987 - Larry Bird’s iconic steal in Game 5 of the Conference Finals vs. Detroit Pistons
Unveiling the Legacy of Adrian Dantley
Starting with the Buffalo Braves, Dantley quickly established himself as an offensive force. His signature move - a flat-footed, fadeaway mid-range jumper - was nearly unstoppable, leading him to two scoring titles (1981, 1984) and an average of 24.3 points per game throughout his career. His accuracy was unmatched, boasting a career field goal percentage of 54.0%, ranking him 16th in NBA history.
Dantley wasn't just a scorer; he was a well-rounded player. He averaged 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, displaying a complete skillset. His dedication to conditioning fueled his longevity, allowing him to lead the league in free throws six times and rank ninth all-time in that category.
Despite individual accolades, championship glory eluded him. His closest shot came with the Detroit Pistons, reaching the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals. Still, he earned six All-Star selections and two All-NBA selections, solidifying his place among the elite.
Roberto Clemente
: Legacy - Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente
Steve Carlton's Pitching Masterpiece
Early Beginnings and Rise to Stardom:
-Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965, Carlton's raw talent was evident, but inconsistency plagued his early years.
-A trade to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972 proved the turning point. Under manager Gene Mauch and with the guidance of veteran Tim McCarver, Carlton blossomed into a complete pitcher.
The Pinnacle of Perfection:
-From 1972 to 1982, Carlton entered a stratosphere of pitching excellence. He won four Cy Young Awards, including a historic Triple Crown in 1972 (leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts).
-Carlton's repertoire of pitches was a symphony of deception. His screwball, known as "Uncle Charlie," left batters flailing in thin air, and his pinpoint control made him nearly unhittable.
-He reached the 300-win mark in 1983, and by the end of his career, he had amassed 4,136 strikeouts, placing him second all-time among left-handed pitchers.
Jim Lefebvre
Lefebvre won Rookie of the Year honors, 1x All-Star, 1965 World Series, and wore Number 5
June 18 BR Bullpen
1940 - Joe Medwick of the Brooklyn Dodgers is beaned by St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Bowman. Although Medwick will return from the injury in a few days, he will never regain his previous power-hitting form.
1947 - Cincinnati Reds pitcher Ewell Blackwell tosses a 6 - 0 no-hitter against the Boston Braves.
1972 - Colorful Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley holds baseball's first ever "Mustache Day." Finley agreed to pay $300 to each of his players for growing mustaches by Father's Day.
June 14 Baseball-Reference Bullpen
1876 - George Hall of the Philadelphia Athletics becomes the first major league player to hit for the cycle.
1952 - Boston Braves pitcher Warren Spahn ties the National League record of Jim Whitney with 18 strikeouts in an 15-inning game.