Greatest American sports moments on the 4th of July
While the 4th of July is known for cookouts, fireworks, and a little fun in the sun, it has also been a special day for American sports history.
There are typically other things to do on the 4th of July than plop in front of the TV and indulge in whatever sports might be on TV. Having said that, American’s have seen their fair share of historical moments in the sports world on Independence Day.
Only one of the big four Americans sports is actually in season during the Fourth of July. There is a baseball’s legends is on the list, but it’s the other summer sports that dominate our greatest moments on America’s Day. Interestingly enough, it’s the country that the US fought for independence that has played host to some of the most memorable sports moments played out on this festive day.
Fight of the Century Jefferies vs. Johnson (1910)
Over the last century we have seen boxing fall into near irrelevance as the sport struggles to survive without some of the personalities that past generations have been graced with. Those who are in the know might recognize the name of the fight, as Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali featured in the “Fight of the Century” back in 1971, but 60 years earlier, James Jefferies came out of a retirement and stepping in the ring after six years to take on Jack Johnson in what was known as the original Fight of the Century. The bout went 15 rounds before Johnson earned the TKO, retained his heavyweight boxing title and finally earned the respect that so long eluded him.
“The luckiest man alive” Lou Gehrig (1939)
It was one of the most iconic moments in baseball history and it came on the Fourth of July. It wasn’t a home run or a strike out, or a play at the plate. It was a speech that came from legendary New York Yankees’ first baseman Lou Gehrig. Two weeks before his speech in front of fans at Yankee Stadium, he was diagnosed with ALS and was forced to retire. In between games on a July 4th double header against the Washington Senators, Gehrig took the mic and graced the world with some of the most memorable words to ever be said by an athlete. “For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
Connors vs. McEnroe Wimbledon (1982)
It was the perfect start to a 4th of July Sunday back in 1982 as two Americans took center court and went head-to-head for the Wimbledon title. John McEnroe, a New Yorker through and through took on Jimmy Connors from Illinois on the most hallowed ground in tennis. It was an epic five set match that included two tie breaks, and a dramatic fifth set which was won by Connors as the American was crowned champion of the All England Club for the second time in his career.
Richard Petty’s last dance (1984)
There ain’t much more American than watching a NASCAR race on the Fourth of July. You mix in The King of the sport and are race called the Firecracker 400, and you really got a party on your hands. With Presiden Ronald Raegan in attendance Richard Petty raced to the finished line and took the checkered flag to win his 200th race. Petty would race for eight more years, but his final win came at the Firecracker 400. A fitting end for an American hero.
Williams vs. Williams Wimbledon (2009)
It was one of nine times that Venus and Serena met in a Grand Slam Final. This one was special, because it was two American sisters who came from Compton to conquer the All England Club at Wimbledon. This was still at a point where the sisters were neck and neck, exchanging wins throughout the season. The first set went to a tie break, but Serena took the opener and then the championship in straight sets.