THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY: 3/16

1900 – The American League forms, with franchises in Chicago, Washington, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

1938 – Temple defeats Colorado 60-36 in the first National Invitation Tournament, which was the first major post-season college basketball tournament.

1947 – Billy Taylor of the Detroit Red Wings sets an NHL record by tallying seven assists in a 10-6 win over the Blackhawks.

1955 – NHL President Clarence Campbell suspends Canadiens superstar Maurice Richard after he attacked an opponent. A riot ensues in Montreal following the suspension.

1964 – The NFL reinstates Paul Hornung and Alex Karras following one-year suspensions for gambling.

1983 – A measly 1,814 attended a Cleveland Cavaliers-New York Nets game in Cleveland.

1985 – Former MLB pitcher Denny McLain is convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 25 years in prison

2008 – The Denver Nuggets set NBA records for points in a half (84) and points in a game in a 168-116 win over Seattle.

2018 – The University of Maryland-Baltimore County became the first #16 seed to beat a #1 seed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, as they upset top-ranked Virginia 75-54.

2020 – MLB suspends the remainder of Spring Training and delays the start of the regular season due to COVID.