THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY: 10/26

1863 – The Football Association is formed, creating the sport of soccer. 

1950 – Branch Rickey resigns as president of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1951 – Joe Louis loses his final fight, falling to Rocky Marciano via TKO in the eighth round. Louis’ career ends with a 66-3 record to go along with 52 knockouts.

1960 – The American League approves the Washington Senators move to Minnesota, where they change their name to the Twins. They also announce expansion franchises in Los Angeles and Washington DC, beginning play in 1961.

1968 – George Foreman wins the gold medal in heavyweight boxing at the Mexico City Olympics.

1970 – After a two and a half year hiatus from the ring, Muhammad Ali returns to boxing, defeating Jerry Quarry in three rounds.

1982 – Steve Carlton becomes the first pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young Award four times.

1990 – Wayne Gretzky becomes the first player in NHL history to record 2,000 career points.

1993 – The NFL announces a new expansion franchise is coming to Charlotte, North Carolina.

2005 – The White Sox complete a sweep of the Houston Astros, winning the franchise’s first World Series title in 88 years. Right fielder Jermaine Dye drives in the only run of the deciding game and is named World Series MVP.

2014 – Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger becomes the first player in NFL history to have two games where he passes for 500 or more yards as Big Ben throws for 522 yards against the Colts. Roethlisberger previously had a 500 yard game in 2009.