THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY: 5/15

1862 – The first enclosed baseball field opens in Union Grounds, Brooklyn.

1926 – New York is officially granted an NHL franchise, named the Rangers. The NHL also announces that Chicago and Detroit will be joining the league in November.

1906 – New York Giants pitcher Hooks Wiltse strikes out four batters in one inning.

1941 – Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak begins in a 13-1 Yankees loss.

1953 – Rocky Marciano knocks out Jersey Joe Walcott in the first round in a bout at Chicago Stadium. It’s Maricano’s first title defense.

1973 – Nolan Ryan, then with the Angels, throws his first of seven career no-hitters, shutting down the Royals.

1981 – The Harlem Globetrotters make an appearance on the television show “Gilligan’s Island”.

1981 – Cleveland Indians pitcher Len Barker throws the first perfect game since 1968, beating the Toronto Blue Jays.

1998 – Golfer Notah Begay III becomes just the third golfer to shoot a 59 on a US pro tour.