On this day in 1961 the George Steinbrenner owned Cleveland
Pipers of the American Basketball League hired John McLendon Jr. as their head
coach. McLendon would be the first African American to be named to a top
leadership position in any major professional sport. McLendon was well
respected in the college ranks as a coach but would leave the job midway
through the 1961-1962 ABL season due to interference from the front office.
Interference from the front office on a George Steinbrenner run team? Say it
isn’t so.
Also on this day in 1941 Joe DiMaggio began his 56 game
hitting streak, spoiler alert, with a hit against the White Sox Edgar Smith.
DiMaggio would collect at least one hit in every single game until July 17. The
streak would be ended in Cleveland with the help of a couple outstanding
defensive plays at third base by Ken Keltner.
Finally on this day in 1912 Ty Cobb grew tired of listening
to heckling by Yankee fans and jumped into the stands near the Tigers dugout at
Hilltop Park and pummeled a handicapped fan. Otto Blotz was the man who could
not defend himself against the "Georgia Peach" as he only had one
hand. Class act right there.
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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)