TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY - JUNE 5TH

1920 - A's VP Thomas Shibe denies charges that baseballs are livelier

1925 - Art Donovan, NFL defensive tackle (Balt, NY Yanks, Dallas), (d. 2013) is born

1941 - Sandor Szabo beats B Nagurski in St Louis, to become wrestling champ

1941 - Robert Kraft, Brookline MA, owner of the New England Patriots is born

1948 - Phillies Richie Ashburn sets NL rookie consecut hitting streak at 23
1952 - First sporting event televised nationally-Jersey Joe Walcott

beats Ezzard Charles in 15 for heavy weight boxing title

1955 - NY Yankee Mickey Mantle hits 550' HR off Chicago Billy Pierce

1974 - As' Reggie Jackson & Bill North engage in clubhouse fight at Detroit

1977 - LA Dodgers retire Walt Alston's #24
1981 - Astro's Nolan Ryan passes Early Wynn as all-time walk leader (1,777)

1989 - Billy Smith, last original NY Islander, retires
1989 - Toronto Blue Jays Skydome stadium opens, Milwaukee Brewers win 5-3