Oct. 30, 1945
Wesley Branch Rickey signed Jackie Robinson to a minor league contract with the Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers League affiliate at the time. Robinson became the league’s batting champion and led the Royals to a league championship. He would later become the 1947 MLB Rookie of the Year and the First African American to play in the MLB with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Oct. 31, 1908
The Fourth Olympic Games, the 1908 Summer Olympics, closed in London, United Kingdom. There were 110 events in 22 sports and 24 disciplines including swimming, archery, polo, sailing, water motorsports, tug of war and shooting. The 1908 Games represented 22 Olympic National Committees with Finland, Turkey and New Zealand made their first Olympic appearances. The host country received a total of 146 medals with the United States and Sweden following behind with 47 and 25 medals, respectively.
Nov. 1, 1924
The Boston Bruins officially joined the National Hockey League, becoming the first United States-based team and expansion franchise to enter the League. For their debut season, they played in the only surviving rink into the 21 century, the Boston Arena. The Arena is the world’s oldest indoor multi-sport facility that is still in use today. In their debut season they finished in sixth and last in league standings.
Nov. 2, 1934
The 1934 MLB All American All-Star team led by Connie Mack with future Hall of Famers Earl Averill, Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, and Lou Gehrig started an 18-game tour against Japanese Big-Six University League at the Meiji Jingu Stadium. According to the players and league representatives, Babe Ruth brought the two nations together and prevented talks of war during this tour because of his popularity in both nations.
Nov. 3, 1899
James J. Jefferies, nicknamed “The Boilermaker,” beats “The Irishman” Tom Sharkey in a full 25 round decision rematch to defend his first title. The fight took place in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York and finished with a record of 12-0-2 for his season.
Nov. 4, 1959
Ernie Banks, Chicago Cubs shortstop, nicknamed “Mr. Cub,” won the second consecutive National League Most Valuable Player award. Banks spent his 19 career seasons with the Cubs from 1953-71 and was the first Black MLB player that the Chicago Cubs signed.
Nov. 5, 1994
George Foreman, known as “Big George,” challenged Michael Morrer for the World Heavyweight Title. In Las Vegas, Foreman regained the title he lost to Muhammad Ali 20 years prior. Foreman was the underdog of the match. At the stary, Michael Moorer outboxed his opponent, but Foreman launched a comeback in the 10 round with a knockout. Through this title fight he became the oldest fighter to win a Heavyweight Championship at 45.
