Dominic DiMaggio Dead at 92

The DiMaggio brothers, Dominic and Joe, flank Ted Williams in a 1950 photograph for SPORT Magazine. The final photo used on the cover cropped out Dominic.

Dominic DiMaggio, a seven-time All Star who still holds the record for the longest consecutive game hitting streak in Boston Red Sox history, has died. He was 92. For more information and to read the Associated Press obituary, please click here.

Dodgers Set a Major League Record with 13 - 0 Start at Home

Dodger Clubhouse, 1956 (Duke Snider)
Edition size 75, archival pigment inkjet print, image 16" x 20"
The "Duke of Flatbush" -- Dodger centerfielder Duke Snider -- takes a moment to himself before a game at Ebbets Field during the team's second-last season in Brooklyn. Photographed by George Heyer for SPORT magazine.

Breaking the record set by the now-defunct Detroit Tigers in 1911, the Los Angeles Dodgers, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 surpassed that record by beating the Washington Nationals (big surprise...not!) at Dodgers Stadium in Chavez Ravine. Team members were allegedly unconcerned with the possibility of setting this record, but as manager Joe Torre went on to say "I"m sure they're aware of it. I'm sure they'd like to be the team to own the streak by themselves, or, like the 1911 Tigers, not be around when it's broken."

To read the entire article by Dylan Hernandez in the Los Angeles Times, please click here.

Jack Kemp, Renowned Quarterback & Politician, Dead at 73

Buffalo Bills' quarterback, Jack Kemp, hands off to fullback Wray Carlton, in a game against the Oakland Raiders, circa mid-1960s. Kemp led Buffalo to three straight Eastern Division titles and two straight AFL Championships. He led the league in career passes attempted, completions, and yards gained passing. He played in five of the AFL's 10 Championship Games, and holds the same career records (passing attempts, completions, and yardage) for championships. He is second in many other championship game categories, including career and single-game paswer rating. A Sporting News All-League selection at quarterback in 1960 and 1965, he was the only AFL quarterback to be listed as a starter all 10 years of the league's existence and one of only 20 players to serve all 10 of those years. His number 15 was retired by the Bills in 1984.

To read more about the life of Jack Kemp, click here. (Special thanks to Wikipedia.)

40 Years Later, Lakers to Face Rockets on Monday

"Mr. Clutch"

Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers flies toward the seats as he attempts to grab a loose rebound in the 2nd quarter of game 3 of the final NBA playoffs with the Boston Celtics at the Boston Garden on April 27, 1969. At this point, the Lakers lead in the series 2-0, but lose game 3--and eventually the title in a dramatic game 7. The only consolation was Jerry West's MVP award--sullied by the green Volkswagen Beetle he also was awarded.

Beginning Monday, May 4, 2009, the Lakers face the self-proclaimed "Kobe stopper" Ron Artest of the Houston Rockets in a home-court advantage.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, and considered one of the great point guards of all time, is seen here during his time at Michigan State (1977-79) in a match-up against Western Kentucky. Since 1981, over a dozen biographies on hi life have been published including his autobiography, "Magic Johnson: My Life."

The Lakers hold the records for having the most wins (2905,) the highest winning percentage (61.5%,) the most NBA Finals appearances (29,) the second fewest non-playoff season with five (San Antonio Spurs have four,) and the second-most NBA championships with 14, behind the Boston Celtics’ 17.

They also hold the record for compiling the longest consecutive win streak (33) in U. S. professional team sports (also an NBA record) in the 1971-72 season. 14 Hall of Famers have played for the Lakers, while four Hall of Famers (John Kundla, Bill Sharman, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson) have coached the team. Four Lakers (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant) have won the NBA Most Valuable Player award. (Thanks to Wikipedia for these details. To learn more about the Lakers, visit Wikipedia.)

What Are the Odds?

Phil "Zen Master" Jackson in an undated newswire photo circa 1967-1978
from the SPORT Magazine Archive

Phil Jackson, a former professional basketball player (New York Knicks 1967-1978, New Jersey Nets 1978-1980) and the current coach of the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed his reputation as the spiritual and holistic guide of the award-winning Chicago Bulls before coming to Los Angeles in 2000 and guiding the Lakers to three consecutive NBA titles. In total, Jackson has won nine NBA titles, which he may pass this year. Currently he is tied with Arnold 'Red' Auerbach for most NBA titles.

The Legacy of Jackie Robinson--Has MLB Really Changed?

The Boys of Summer, 1955
(l. to r., Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Carl Furillo, Carl Erskine, Gil Hodges, Don Newcombe, Duke Snider and Roy Campanella)
Edition size 100, archival pigment inkjet print, image 15" x 12"

This is the quintessential timeless shot of The Boys of Summer, made famous by Roger Kahn's book of the same name. Shot exclusively for SPORT magazine by photographer George Heyer, this authentic image, hand printed from the original slide, captures the camaraderie of the Brooklyn Dodgers at the Ebbets Field batting cage early in the 1955 season.

To read more about Jackie Robinson and his impact on MLB, please read this article in today's Los Angeles Times by Kurt Streeter.