Historically Speaking: Bare-Handed Beatings

We're rollin' afternoon style with the history today. Why? 'Cause we call the shots, that's why. Now hop to it.

* Today in 1889 was some crazy-ass boxing action: John L. Sullivan, in the 75th round, beat Jake Kilrain for the championship in the last bare-knuckle fight.

* More All-Star Action: Today in 1935, the American League took a 4-1 victory in Cleveland; they won again six years later (7-5) in Detroit; in 1947 they posted another W (2-1) at Wrigley Field in Chicago; it was the National League's turn today in 1952 when they won 3-2 in Philadelphia; but the A.L. was back to their winning ways on July 8, 1958 in Baltimore; the N.L., however, won (its ninth consecutive) today in 1980 at Dodger Stadium by a 4-2 tally; and finally, in 1997, the American League defeated the N.L., ending a three-game winning streak by those that bat their pitchers.

* The year was 1953 when the University of Notre Dame announced that, for the next five years, their football games would be shown over closed-circuit television in theaters.

* Billy Martin, on this date in 1980, logged his 1,000th victory as his A's beat the Yankees.

* Finally, today in 1991, MLB umpire Steve Palermo and former NFL defensive lineman Terrence Mann, were shot attempting to assist two waitresses being held up.

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



...former Chicago Cub rightfielder Bobby Murcer, who, after facing Atlanta Brave knuckler Phil Niekro, said, "Trying to hit him is like trying to eat Jell-O with chopsticks."