February 11
First U.S. Bicycle Club Forms (1878)
The Boston Bicycle Club was the first US bicycle club to form in dedication to the sport in Boston at 53 Union Park. Their first race then took place on May 24th, 1878 in Beacon Park (now known as Beacon Park Freight Yard) with a winner from Harvard University.
February 12
Robert Fowler Runs World Record Marathon (1909)
Robert Arthur “Bob” Fowler was a Newfoundland-born long-distance runner who ran the world record marathon at 2:46:52:6. He was recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations as having the best time in a marathon.
February 13
First Black Pro Basketball Team Organizes (1923)
The Rens, also known as The “Renaissance” were the first black pro basketball team to be established by Robert “Bob” Douglas on February 13th, 1923. Their uniform colors were navy and gold, and, that same year, Rob Douglas made a deal with Harlem real estate developer William Roach to make the Renaissance Ballroom and Casino the team’s home court.
February 14
Cubs sell Mike “King” Kelly to Boston (1887)
On February 14th, 1887, the Cincinnati Cubs sold Mike “King” Kelly to the Boston Beaneaters for a recording-breaking $10,000. It was in Boston that Mike Kelly gained his nickname of “King”.
February 15
Spring Training Site of NY Yankees is Renamed (1931)
The spring training site of the NY Yankees in St. Petersburg, Florida, originally named Crescent Lake Field, is renamed Miller Huggins Field in honor of the team’s late manager Miller Huggins, who managed the team from 1918 until his death in 1929.
February 16
No Elections to Baseball’s Hall of Fame (1950)
Writers of the Baseball’s Hall of Fame failed to elect any players for the Hall of Fame due to the fact that all the players they thought as candidates were guilty of using steroids or PEDs.
February 17
First Test Cricket Match Played (1882)
The first Test Cricket match at Sydney Cricket Ground was played by Australia and England. Australia won the match with 45 runs. Then, England won the rematch, also by 45 runs, in March 1977.
