Sports · 1946
Post-War Champions Return to the Field
In 1946, as military veterans returned home from World War II, international sports revived with fierce passion and historic breakthroughs. From the founding of the BAA to dramatic World Series finishes, a newly peaceful world embraced the thrill of elite competition.
- June 1946 | Horse Racing | USA
Assault Captures the American Triple Crown
Thoroughbred Assault dominated the track to become the seventh horse in history to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
- October 15, 1946 | Baseball | USA
Enos Slaughter's 'Mad Dash' Wins World Series
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Enos Slaughter scored from first base on a hit to center field, securing Game 7 and the World Series title against the Boston Red Sox.
- June 19, 1946 | Boxing | USA
Joe Louis Retains Heavyweight Crown
World heavyweight champion Joe Louis knocked out Billy Conn in the eighth round of their highly anticipated post-war rematch at Yankee Stadium.
- November 1, 1946 | Basketball | Canada
The BAA Holds Its Inaugural Game
The Basketball Association of America kicked off its first season as the New York Knicks defeated the Toronto Huskies 68-66 in Toronto.
- November 9, 1946 | College Football
Army and Notre Dame Tie in 'Game of the Century'
Unbeaten powerhouses Army and Notre Dame fought to a historic 0-0 deadlock at Yankee Stadium in one of college football's most famous clashes.
- August 25, 1946 | Golf | USA
Ben Hogan Captures His First Major Championship
Ben Hogan defeated Ed Oliver 6 & 4 at Portland Golf Club to win the PGA Championship, marking the first of his nine career major victories.
- July 6, 1946 | Tennis | UK
Wimbledon Returns After Seven-Year Hiatus
France's Yvon Petra won the men's singles title at the first Wimbledon tournament held since the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
- December 22, 1946 | Football | USA
Cleveland Browns Win Inaugural AAFC Title
Led by head coach Paul Brown and quarterback Otto Graham, Cleveland defeated the New York Yankees 14-9 to win the first All-America Football Conference title.
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