This Day in Sports History: January 29
Every date carries its own historical moment, and January 29 is no exception. Over the years, it has played host to remarkable achievements across basketball, baseball, football, hockey, and more. From record-breaking performances to cultural shifts and industry milestones, this day has left a lasting mark on the world of sports.
Unforgettable Games & Remarkable Records
January 29 has been a platform for some legendary achievements in sports.
- 1936: Baseball icons Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson became the first inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- 1980: In a marathon game spanning four overtimes, the Cleveland Cavaliers clinched a thrilling 154-153 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
- 1984: At the NBA All-Star Game in Denver, All-Star Saturday events like the Slam Dunk Contest and Legends Classic debuted. Isiah Thomas earned MVP honors for his role in the East’s overtime win over the West, 154–145.
- 1985: Edmonton Oilers star Jari Kurri reached his 100th point for the season in just his 39th game, solidifying his dominance in hockey during that era.
- 1989: The game-winning RBI statistic was officially retired after nine years due to its subjective nature. Keith Hernandez remains its all-time leader with 129 game-winning RBIs.
- 1995: The 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 49–26 in Super Bowl XXIX, with quarterback Steve Young throwing six touchdown passes.
- 2000: NBA legend Karl Malone became the third player in league history to surpass 30,000 career points while playing for the Utah Jazz. Despite his milestone, the Jazz narrowly lost to the Timberwolves, 96-94.
- 2012: Shaun White achieved a historic perfect score of 100 in the SuperPipe event at the Winter X Games, redefining the limits of snowboarding. This was the first time a competitor received a perfect score.
- 2018: David Beckham got approval for Inter Miami CF as an MLS expansion team, which further boosted soccer’s growth in the United States while highlighting his influence on the sport’s evolution.
- 2019: Following a chaotic post-fight brawl at UFC 229 between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor’s camps, both fighters received fines and suspensions—one of MMA’s most controversial moments. Nurmagomedov received a retroactive nine-month suspension and a $500,000 fine. McGregor received a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine.
January 29 has witnessed many pivotal milestones in sports history, from Shaun White reinventing snowboarding to Karl Malone shattering records. These turning points show how sports continue to excite followers throughout the world while changing in tandem with culture and technology.
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