THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY: 12/23

1923 – Yankees pitcher Carl Mays’ contract is sold to Reds for $85,000.

1951 – National Football League Championship, LA Memorial Coliseum: Los Angeles Rams beat Cleveland Browns, 24-17; first coast-to-coast televised NFL title game.

1972 – “Immaculate Reception” Steelers turn around a 7-6 defeat with a last-second touchdown reception against Raiders to win 13-7.

1972 – New York Islanders end 15 games winless streak.

1972 – 2nd Fiesta Bowl: #15 Arizona State beats Missouri, 49-35.

1978 – NY Islanders center Bryan Trottier sets NHL record scoring 6 points – 4 goals & 2 assists – in 2nd period Buffalo goaltender Tom Barrasso scores his 100th NHL victory; making him the youngest player to reach the milestone at just 22 years old.

1994 – Baseball owners impose a salary cap, fiercely opposed by players.

1997 – Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson is quickest to reach 500 wins (682 games).

1997 Colorado Avalanche Jari Kurri is the 8th NHLer to score 600 career goals.

2004 – Michael Vick becomes the NFL’s richest man when the Atlanta Falcons hand him a 10-year, $130 million contract — then the richest deal in NFL history.