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New York Rangers

June 14 in sports history: Rangers win the Stanley Cup



End of the drought

In 1994: Hockey fans outside of the Big Apple were denied the opportunity of continuing one of the greatest taunts in sports history: the “NINETEEN-FOUR-TEE!” chant, as the New York Rangers won their first Stanley Cup since 1940. The Rangers, led by captain Mark Messier, defeated the upstart Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals at Madison Square Garden. It was one of the best finals series ever, as each contest wasn’t decided until late. Messier– as he’d been the entire playoffs–was the hero, scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal in the third period. Canucks’ fans watching the game back in Vancouver expressed their disappointment in losing by rioting in the streets. New Yorkers were just too relieved. Brian Leetch of the Rangers was named playoff MVP.

In 1998: Michael Jordan hit the game-winning jumper with 5.2 seconds left as the Chicago Bulls won their sixth title in eight years by defeating the Utah Jazz 87-86 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the Delta Center. Jordan, who took home his record sixth Finals MVP, finished with 45 points and had a key steal off Karl Malone, which led to sinking the signature jumper. The shot was controversial in Utah because some believed that Jordan pushed off Jazz defender Bryon Russell. It proved to be the end of an era in which the NBA enjoyed unprecedented popularity and its highest ratings ever. Jordan would retire from the Bulls before the next season (which was shortened by a lockout) began. He would return in 2001 with the Washington Wizards.

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Detroit Pistons

June 13 in sports history: Pistons win their first NBA title

In 1989: The Detroit Pistons win their first ever NBA title with a 105-97 victory over the Lakers, completing a four game sweep. It was redemption for the Pistons; after years of just falling short ( including a seven game finals loss to the Lakers the previous year), the Pistons finally break through. Finals’ MVP Joe Dumars led the Pistons, averaging 27.3 pts. per game while playing outstanding defense. The “Bad Boys,” led by Isiah Thomas, Dumars, Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman (pre freak show) would go on to win next year’s NBA title as well.

In 2003: The Yankees Roger Clemens has a truly historic evening as he earns both his 300th career victory and 4,000th strikeout in a 5-2 win over the Cardinals at Yankee Stadium. It took Clemens four tries to finally join the elite 300 win club as the 21st member. The 4,000 strikeout club is much more exclusive, boasting only Clemens, Steve Carlton and Nolan Ryan. The forty-three year old pitcher is still at it, with 341 wins, 4,500 strikeouts and counting.

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Chicago Bulls

June 12 in sports history: Bulls first stop on the dynasty

[This Date in Sports History is a new feature on the blog. If you have a historical sports event that you’d like us to cover, please email us.]

In 1991 – Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls wrap up their first NBA title with a 108-101 victory over the Lakers in Los Angeles at the Great Western Forum. The Bulls won the series 4-1. It was the first of six titles in the 1990s for Jordan, who would also be named MVP of the finals a record six times.

In 1997 – The first interleague game in MLB history took place. Proving that he didn’t quite get it right back then either, acting commissioner Bud Selig pits the San Francisco Giants versus the Texas Rangers, with the Giants winning 4-3. Useless Trivia Alert: The Giants Stan Javier hits the first ever interleague home run off the Rangers Darren Oliver. (baseballalmanac.com)

In 1981 – The third ever MLB Player’s strike begins and lasts for 60 days. The central issue was free-agent compensation. George Brett, showing his compassion for the fans, said “If anyone stays away (after the strike), my response is this – those people had no right to ever come to the park, because they aren’t true baseball fans.” Major League owners decided to split the 1981 season into two halves, with the first-place teams from each half in each division meeting in a best-of-five divisional playoff series. As a result, the Oakland A’s, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers were guaranteed playoff spots as first-half division champions. (baseballalmanac.com)