July 9, 1932: The “Boston Braves” football team was formed. But the team only lasted five seasons in Boston, and only kept the name the Braves for a single season. By 1933 they changed their name to the Boston Redskins, and by 1937 the team was moved to Washington, becoming the Washington Redskins. During the team’s last season in Boston, the Redskins made it to the championship game but lost.
July 9, 2016: On July 9, 2016, Serena Williams beat Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3, winning Grand Slam number, equalling tennis legend Steffi Graf and moving to two behind Margaret Court. It was also her seventh Wimbledon title. Williams is currently one Slam away from equalling Court.
July 11, 1914: Before Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees, and before the Curse of the Bambino, Babe Ruth starred for Boston. On July 11, 1914, he made his debut as pitcher for Boston facing the Cleveland Naps. He pitched seven innings, allowed three runs, two of them earned and eight hits.
July 11, 1985: The Houston Astros Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to strikeout 4,000 batters when he fanned Danny Heep of the Mets during the top of the sixth inning. The 38-year old at the time reached the feat in front of more than 20,000 fans at the Astrodome. He struckout 5714 batters over his 27 year career.
July 11, 2010: Spain may have one of the best soccer leagues in the world, sporting some of the greatest athletes, but it took the national team until 2010 to bring home a World Cup trophy. On Jul 11, 2010, the Spanish national team beat the Netherland 1-0 to win it all for the first time.
July 13, 1934: Babe Ruth set several home run records throughout his career, including one that still stands today (consecutive seasons with 40+ home runs). On July 13, 1934, the Sultan of Swat hit his 700th career home run. The Yankees were facing the Detroit Tigers and Tommy Bridges. Ruth hit his 14th homer of the season, 700th of his career, deep to the right-field bleachers. He finished his career with 714 home runs.
July 14, 1968: On July 14, 1968, the Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron hit his 500th home run of his career during a 4-2 win over the Giants. Aaron’s homer came in the third inning. He was facing Mike McCormick and hit a three-run shot out of the park. He was only the seventh man in the history of baseball to hit 500 home runs. He would go on to hit 755 homers for his career.
Notable birthdays
July 9, 1947 The running back known for his talents on the gridiron and his famous murder case, O.J. Simpson.
July 10, 1943 Legendary tennis player, activist and first black player to be named to the US Davis Cup team Arthur Ashe
July 11, 1953 Former boxer who defeated Muhammad Ali in 1978 and competed from 1977 through 1995, Leon Spinks.
We bid farewell to…
July 13, 2010 Legendary Yankees boss George Steinbrenner died of a heart attack in Tampa, Florida, he was 80 years old.
