Ali Knocks Out Liston
This may have been called one of the most significant sporting events of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali versus Sonny Liston’s fight was held in Lewiston, Me. Ali later revealed that it was Sonny Liston who gave him the toughest fight of his entire career.
Ali caught Liston with a swift, nearly invisible hook that sent the former champion tumbling to the floor. The photo of Ali reveling above his downed opponent has become one of the most famous in boxing.
UTEP Takes the National Championship in 1966
The University of Texas, El Paso, has not had one of the most recognized athletic departments in NCAA history. But the team does have one of the most impressive victories in the NCAA Tournament. In 1966, UTEP, which was then known as Texas Western, defeated Kentucky 72–65 to claim the university's first title.
Their success made the first time in history that a team starred five African-American players in a single title game, while Kentucky had no black players on their side.
Jim Brown Becoming a Lacrosse Superstar
As we've mentioned before, Jim Brown may be the greatest all-around American athlete. He played professional football for the Browns, but he was also a lacrosse player at Syracuse University. If you were in Jim's way, you better move as he was not only a goal scorer and lightning-fast runner but also a formidable presence.
Brown himself actually preferred lacrosse and believed he was more talented at it, so if playing lacrosse was as popular as football, Brown effortlessly could have had a career scoring goals instead of touchdowns.
Jackie Robinson Going Pro
Jackie Robinson was the man that would derail baseball's color barrier, and to do so; he had to be amazing on the field. He had to demonstrate to potential suitors that he was fit to play in an all-white league and, despite the racist taunts and intimidations, could still perform professionally.
Robinson finished his notable career as a six-time All-Star, World Series champion, as well as a National League MVP. More importantly, he completed his career as a trailblazer who would change the fates of minorities in America by opening previously doors shut. Major League Baseball retired his number 42 across the league.
Bobby Orr Taking Flight
Possibly one of the most amazing photos in the history of the NHL belongs to Bobby Orr, the Boston Bruins Hall of Fame defenseman. In Game 4 of the 1970 NHL Stanley Cup Finals, they went into overtime, and the Bruins were on the verge of securing their first Cup since 1941, and Orr delivered.
Orr was unintentionally tripped by a defenseman, which sent him flying almost immediately after sinking the game-winning goal. The photo, taken from behind the goal, would come to symbolize Orr's illustrious career.