1. 1989: Nolan Ryan gets his 5,000th strikeout
Photo: Source
Photo: bleacherreport
It was on this date in 1989 that Nolan Ryan stood on the mound facing Ricky Henderson with a 3-2 count and 4,999 strikeouts under his belt. Henderson retired as the most walked player in baseball so he was notorious for not striking out. But when Ryan threw a low 96mph fastball Henderson could not catch up with it and he became Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout victim. When Henderson was interviewed at the end of the game he went on to say that was proud to be the 5,000th and how if you haven’t been struck out by Nolan Ryan “you ain’t nobody”.When Ryan retired he was considered to be one of the best and most intimidating pitchers in the history of baseball. He was scouted by the New York Mets as a high school sophomore to give you an example of just how talented he was. Red Murff, the scout that day, put in his report that Ryan had the best arm he had seen in his entire life. There have even been reports of catchers receiving broken hands while behind the plate. Over his 27 year career he managed to rack up 5,714 total strikeouts, which is at least 1,500 more than his closest competitor.
2. 1902: Teddy Roosevelt becomes first President to make public appearance in an automobile
Photo: mentalfloss
Photo: source
According to reports the first American President to ride in an automobile was William McKinley in 1899. But it was on this date in 1902 that Teddy Roosevelt became the first President to make a public appearance in an automobile as he toured Hartford Connecticut as part of his official Presidential duties. Roosevelt was known to be a man of adventure, he had many other firsts during his time spent as the President of one of the most powerful countries in the world. He apparently was the first to ride in, and pilot, a submarine, the first to have a telephone and oddly a martial arts Dojo in the White House.
3. 1851: United States wins the inaugural America’s Cup
America’s Cup
Photo: americascup
Replica of the America
Photo: americascup
It was on this date in 1851 that a whole fleet of British ships race the U.S built ship named America on the 53 mile course around the Isle of Wight. Up until that time the British vessels had dominated sailing competitions. Queen Victoria sat and watched the race from her royal yacht and when the first ship came into view. It was the America leading the pack and she apparently asked one of her attendants what was the second place boat to which he replied, “Your Majesty, there is no second”. The America had been so dominant that it had a full 22 minute lead on the second place boat and over an hour ahead of the third place boat. The trophy for winning the race was later donated to the New York Yacht Club only on the condition that it will always be used for international competitions and was soon deemed “America’s Cup”. The America was transferred to may different owners over the years and can only be found today in pieces. The America’s Cup is one of the worlds longest running sailing competitions.