Friday Flashbacks: Death of an Intimidator

Miracle on Ice (1980) . . . Braves’ decision to hold Hank Aaron out of season opening series in New York as he chases Babe Ruth draws criticism (1974) . . . Darryl Strawberry on Mets: “we had a team full of drunks” (1995) . . . Wrecking crane begins work on Ebbetts field, abandoned by the Dodgers three years earlier (1960) . . . Roger Clemens becomes a Yankee (1999) . . . Gehrig doesn’t exactly drive a hard bargain, but Babe Ruth has threatened retirement (he would end up on the Braves) (1935) . . . Hockey players get ill from toxic Zamboni (1987) . . . Heisman winner Herschel Walker signs with USFL, then tries to reverse, but is declared ineligible to play for his senior season (1983) . . .

Steffi Graf poses for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, while a young Stephen Douglas dreams of someday covering the event (1997) . . . Baseball begins campaign against drug use (1971) . . . Ferruccio Lamborghini passes away at age 76 (1993) . . . Jim Ryun ate sauerkraut, wieners and onion soup before going out and setting an indoor world record in the half mile (1967) . . . Jim Brown contemplates having his name removed from Hall of Fame, not a fan of the selection process (1990) . . . State senator accuses Joe Louis’ opponent of taking a dive (1941) . . . Larry Bird sits in the fourth quarter, one steal shy of the first regulation quadruple double in league history (1985) . . .

Tim Hardaway apologizes for his anti-gay remarks after John Amaechi comes out (2007) . . . Guatamalan soccer fans attack team with machetes (1977) . . . Group of Indianapolis ministers circulates petition seeking suspended sentence for Mike Tyson after rape conviction (1992) . . . Dave DeBusschere reports to spring training, plays both basketball and baseball (1964) . . . Gary Barnett reprimanded for his comments about Katie Hnida (2004) . . . Three players from Defending National Champion CCNY arrested in gambling bribery scandal (1951) . . . Will Willie Mays become one of the all-time greats? (1955) . . . Mike Webster, last link to the Super Bowl teams for Pittsburgh, announces retirement (1988).

[photo via Getty]