Today in Sports History: 12/26

by | Dec 26, 2025 | This Day in Sports History

NBA Playoff Schedule – 4/20

Raptors at Cavaliers – 6:00 (CLE leads 1-0)
Hawks at Knicks – 7:00 (NYK leads 1-0)
Timberwolves at Nuggets – 9:30 (DEN leads 1-0)

MLB Schedule – 4/20

Tigers at Red Sox – 10:10
Astros at Guardians – 5:10
Reds at Rays – 5:40
Cardinals at Marlins – 5:40
Braves at Nationals – 5:45
Orioles at Royals – 6:40
Dodgers at Rockies – 7:40
Blue Jays at Angels – 8:38
Athletics at Mariners – 8:40

NHL Schedule – 4/20

Flyers at Penguins – 6:00 (PHI leads 1-0)
Senators at Hurricanes – 6:30 (CAR leads 1-0)
Wild at Stars – 8:30 (MIN leads 1-0)
Ducks at Oilers – 9:00

1908 – Boxer Jack Johnson becomes the first African-American to win world heavyweight title;  Johnson dominates before police stop the bout.

1917 1st NHL defensemen to score a goal: Toronto Maple Leaf Harry Cameron.

1919 – Yankees and Boston Red Sox reach agreement to move future Baseball Hall of Fame pitching slugger Babe Ruth to New York.

1925 – NY Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates set an NHL record by recording a combined 141 shots on goal in Americans’ 3-1 win; Roy Worters makes incredible 70 saves for Pittsburgh and Jake Forbes has 67 for NY.

1943 – National Football League Championship, Wrigley Field, Chicago: Chicago Bears beat Washington Redskins, 41-21; Bears 6th title.

1950 – Gillette & Mutual buy All Star & World Series rights ($6M for 6 yrs).

1960 – National Football League Championship, Franklin Field, Philadelphia: Philadelphia Eagles beat Green Bay Packers, 17-13; lone playoff defeat for Packers coach Vince Lombardi before Packers establish dynasty.

1968 – Bruin Ted Green sets NHL penalty record of 3 minors, 2 majors & 2 game misconducts in a game against NY Rangers in NY’s Madison Square Garden.

1974 – Washington Capitals 1st NHL sellout.

1986 – Doug Jarvis, 31, sets NHL record of 916 consecutive games.

1990 – Senior Professional Baseball Association folds.

1991 – Hockey Legend Mario Lemieux scores four goals for the second straight game. 

1991 – Chuck Noll retires as the head coach of the Pittsburg Steelers.