THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY: 1/3

1920 – In what began the 84 year “Curse of the Bambino”, Boston Red Sox Club owner Harry Frazee announces the agreement to sell slugger Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. The deal called for $125,000 in cash and a $350,000 loan.

1931 – Nels Stewart center for the Montreal Maroons scores the fastest pair of goals in NHL history. The two goals came four seconds apart in a 5-3 win over the Boston Bruins at the Montreal Arena.

1943 – In a 3-3 tie between the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Rangers, NHL history is made. The first time a trio of family members scored, and assisted on a scoring play. Max and Doug Bentley assist on brother Reggie’s only NHL goal.

1973 – The New York Yankees are bought for $10 Million from CBS by a 12-man syndicate led by Michael Burke and George Steinbrenner III.

1981 – Know by Cleveland fans as “Mr Cavalier” The Cleveland Cavaliers retire Austin Carr’s jersey #34. Coming out of Notre Dame he was the first overall selection of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1971 NBA Draft.

1981 – Johnny Miller becomes the first golfer to win the sport’s first $1 million tournament. He defeated Seve Ballesteros in a playoff in the inaugural Million Dollar World Challenge at Sun City, South Africa.

1983 – On Monday Night Football the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-27. However it was Tony Dorsett setting an NFL record with a 99 yard run from scrimmage for a touchdown.

1991 – In an NHL game that saw the LA Kings defeat the NY Islanders 6-3 at the Nassau Veteran Coliseum “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky becomes the fastest and youngest player in NHL history to score 700 goals. (886 games at age 29, 342 days).

1993 – The “Comeback” played out as Buffalo Bills quarterback Frank Reich led his team back from a 32-point deficit. Defeating the Houston Oilers 41-38  in an overtime wildcard playoff game. This game has been called the greatest comeback ever in NFL history.  

1994 – San Francisco 49er quarterback Steve Young becomes the first quarterback to win three straight passing titles, and first to log three consecutive passer ratings of 100+.

1997 – In college hoops Texas El Paso downs SMU 66-64. Giving Head Coach Don Haskins his 700th career victory and making him just the 10th NCAA Division I coach to reach this milestone.

1998 – With a 97-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers head Coach Bill Fitch coaches in his 2000th game. The game’s mark comes in front of the home crowd at the LA Memorial Sports Arena.

2004 – Carolina Panther kicker John Kasay kicks his team to a 29-10 Wildcard playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys. His five field goals tied an NFL playoff record

2007 – High-profile Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban resigns, agreeing to return to college football and take over the head coaching job at Alabama.

2016 – Chicago Bulls defeat the Toronto Raptors 115-113. Jimmy Butler scores 40 of his 42 points in the second half. Breaking Michael Jordan’s NBA record for most points in a half 35.