Historically Speaking: 7-1-09

We're keepin' her brief this morning, as the fantastical duties of work beckon. That doesn't mean there isn't homework, though. Study up.

* Frank Owen, Chicago White Stocking hurler, tossed two complete games in one day, on July 1, 1905. Cincinnati Redleg Fred Toney achieved the same feat 12 years later.

* On the first day of July 1975, Muhammad Ali beat Joe Bugner via a unanimous decision in Malaysia. The victory was Ali's third title defense since claiming the championship from George Foreman in October of '74.

* The year was 1982 when a fella by the name of Cal Ripken began playing shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles.

* In perhaps a fit of irony, the National Basketball Association locked out its players twice on this day in history: The first work stoppage in league history was in 1995; the second occurred three years later to the day.

* Today in 1996 the Winnipeg Jets officially became the Phoenix Coyotes, which may or may not have been a really bad decision.

And your Sports Illustrated quote of the day came from the mouth of...



...one-time Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Cliff Stoudt, who, in 1980, was promoted from third string to second. His comment: "I've graduated from clipboard to headset."