TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY DECEMBER 31

1989  Jockey Kent Desormeaux wins record 598 races in the year

1974  NYY sign Catfish Hunter to a 5 year deal – will go 23-14 with a 2.58 ERA in 1975 with 30 complete games

1972  Roberto Clemente dies in a plane crash – career .317 hitter, 12 time All-Star, MVP in 1966, 2 time World Champion, post season average .318

1972  Miami beats Pittsburgh 21-7 in AFC championship game – Dolphins now have a 16-0 record

1967  Oakland beats Houston in the AFL championship game – Oakland outgained them 364 to 146

1967  Green Bay beats Dallas 21-17 in the NFL championship game – “The Ice Bowl” –  -13 degrees with wind chill -23

1966  15 year Braves veteran Eddie Mathews is traded to Houston

1961  Green Bay beats the NY Giants 37-0 in NFL championship game – Bart Starr threw 3 TDs and YA Tittle threw 4 interceptions

1953  Willie Shoemaker wins record 485 races in the year