February 26
Babe Ruth Released From New York Yankees
After playing for the New York Yankees for 15 seasons, the team released Babe Ruth on Feb. 26, 1935. He proceeded to sign a contract with the Boston Braves as Vice President, assistant manager and active player. His career with the Braves was short and ended after only 28 games with an official resignation as an active player in June of the same year. The following year, Ruth became one of the first five players to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Mario Andretti Wins Daytona 500
In 1967, Mario Andretti became the first and only NASCAR driver born outside of the U.S. to win the Great American race, better known as the Daytona 500. Born in 1940, in Montona, Italy, Andretti moved with his family to Nazareth, Pennsylvania in the mid-1950s and began racing stock cars in 1964. He would go on to win the Indy 500 and Formula One World Championship as well. In 2005, he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame for his significant achievements.
February 27
Tiger Woods Becomes Youngest PBA Players
On Feb. 27, 1992 Tiger Woods became the youngest PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) golfer in 35 years at age 16. In 1994 at the TCP (Tournament Players Club) in Sawgrass, FL., he also became the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship. He held the record until 2008 when it was broken by Danny Lee. Over the course of his career, Woods has won 80 official PGA Tour events, second only to Sam Snead.
February 28
US Wins Olympic Gold in Hockey
Lead by head coach Jack Riley, the U.S. hockey team defeated Czechoslovakia on Feb. 28, 1960, earning the first U.S. Olympic gold medal in hockey. The team won silver medals at the winter games in 1952 and 1956 but were not expected to win the gold in 1960. According to History.com, “After two periods, the U.S. was behind, 4-3; however, they scored six goals in the third period and went on to win the game, 9-4.”
March 2
Ballard Bowls Famous Gutterball
On Mar. 2, 1991, Del Ballard Jr. bowled what is widely known as the most famous gutter ball in Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) history. According to the NY Times, he rolled the gutter ball on the last shot of the Fair Lanes Open. He only needed seven points to take the win but instead lost to Peter Weber, who won the match, 213-207. Although Ballard still received $15,600, Weber took home the $30,000 prize money.
USFL is Founded
The United States Football League (USFL) began its first season on Mar. 6, 1983. It was founded by David Dixon and announced its debut at the 21 Club in New York on May 11, 1982. It was originally made up of 12 teams from across the country. Part owner of the Detroit team Peter Spivak served as president of the league until the league named a commissioner.
