ARTICLE
This coming Sunday we will honor America’s Independence with the usual fanfare with outdoor BBQs and family fun. What is your favorite activity for this special day? Playing at the beach or enjoying the Monterey Bay (if you are lucky enough to have a sailboat or know someone who does)? Perhaps you are the type of person who rises early, grabs your surfboard, stand up paddle (SUP) board, your mountain or road bike and heads out the door for your traditional July 4th athletic celebration. Are you off to the ballpark to enjoy America’s national pastime? Or are you sitting home watching amazing tennis at Wimbledon? Listed below are a few Santa Cruz County July 4th traditions. I know there are other events around Santa Cruz County so this is not an exclusive list, but rather a list of the traditional events I have made a point to attend. Thinking beyond the pandemic of the last 16 months gives us hope and enthusiasm that this Independence Day will be the kickoff to a new beginning. For me, a part of being an American history buff and a sports fan is the opportunity to look back at events of the past that were tied to this holiday. I thought you might like to enjoy some of these historic moments in America. I am starting this historic look back to Jack Johnson who became the first African-American to win the heavyweight title in 1908. Since Jim Jeffries had retired undefeated in 1905 as the champ, the country had its first "Fight of the Century." Like many events with that high billing, this match did not live up to the hype. On July 4, 1910, in Reno, Jack Johnson overmatched Jim Jeffries under the hot Nevada sun. Johnson knocked him out in the 15th round. 1910, like 2020, was a year shrouded in turmoil, prejudice, and racism as a “white” America did not understand that an African-American (Black) heavyweight fighter should be World Champion. Immediately after the fight, race riots broke out all over America. The dead were overwhelmingly Black, and the violence precipitated calls to ban boxing in the United States. It would stand as the single worst day for race riots in American history until the unrest and violence of the late 1960s. Johnson vs. Jeffries, like later culturally significant matches such as Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling II and Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, proved to be a social barometer as it attracted and laid bare America’s most dangerous prejudices. Given the ensuing, racially charged calamities of the decades that followed and what we experienced last year, this was one “Fight of the Century” truly deserving of its moniker. Yes, Black Lives Matter whether it is 1910 or 2020. On July 4, 1939, the New York Yankees held “Lou Gehrig Day” at Yankee Stadium to honor the retiring, ailing player. Gehrig had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) just two weeks earlier and was forced to early retirement. With more than 62,000 fans in attendance, the “Iron Horse” took the microphone for what would become one of the most memorable speeches in the history of sports. One sportswriter commentary said, “This was one of the saddest days in American sports where grown men cried on the last day of Gehrig’s career.” July 4, 1975, Billie Jean King, one of the most influential women’s athletes of all time, battled through Wimbledon and defeated Australian Evonne Goolagong in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1. The match would prove more significant than being her sixth title there in singles, as she essentially retired from tournament singles events following the match. It became her 12th and final Grand Slam title in singles and doubles. King is recognized as a pioneer for women's rights, and that alone makes her worthy of a spot on any patriotic list. On July 4, 1981, John McEnroe defeated Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon. With apologies to today's tennis stars — Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — American star McEnroe vs. Sweden’s Borg is arguably the greatest men’s tennis rivalry in sports history. In their careers, they officially met 14 times, splitting the series right down the middle. Entering the 1981 tournament at Wimbledon, Borg had dominated there, winning five straight titles and with eyes on a sixth. However, McEnroe rallied down one set and took three straight for his first championship on the famed grass court. He became the first American to win in England since 1975, rocking the Red, White, and Blue as he hoisted the trophy. July 4, 1983, Dave Righetti pitched for the New York Yankees against the rival Boston Red Sox in 1983, his final year as a starting pitcher. A former Rookie of the Year winner, Righetti was a solid pitcher, but he never turned into a spectacular one. However, on this day, he was spectacular. The Red Sox never stood a chance against Righetti, as he mowed them down one by one all day. He eventually finished with a no-hitter. Righetti is also known as the SF Giants pitching coach during the Giants’ three World Series championships. On July 4, 1984, The USA tied Switzerland and defeated Colombia, sending the USA men’s soccer team into the Round of 16 against eventual champion Brazil. That soccer match saw the Americans put up a strong fight, before falling 1-0. Before that match soccer was not as popular in the United States as it is overseas. That all changed in 1984 with the USA hosting the World Cup, an event that changed the landscape for the sport. Headed into this prestigious event, observers weren't quite sure how the World Cup would be received, considering the USA Men's National Team's ranking compared to other countries. Yet, the tournament on home soil not only set attendance records, but the USA team also shattered expectations. The World Cup helped skyrocket interest in soccer, which can be seen today, especially for USA Women’s soccer which is considered one of the most popular team sports in the world. On July 4, 1984, Richard Petty won his 200th race in front of President Ronald Reagan, who became the first commander-in-chief to attend a NASCAR race. Reagan gave the "Start Your Engine" call of Daytona's Firecracker 400 from Air Force One and the plane landed next to the speedway during the race. Petty and Cale Yarborough fought for the lead with "The King" winning by a fender. It would be the last win of his career. On July 4, 2010, Serena Williams swept Vera Zvonareva in straight sets Saturday to win her fourth Wimbledon title and 13th Grand Slam championship, extending the Williams Family dominance at the All England Club. The top-ranked and defending champion, Miss Williams overwhelmed the 21st-seeded Russian 6-3, 6-2 in a one-sided final that lasted just 67 minutes and showed why Williams is considered one of the greatest players of all time. There are dozens of dozens of major sports achievements that have occurred on July 4 so this list is not all-encompassing. Perhaps you have your own favorite memory. As you enjoy your July 4th holiday weekend, whether it is running your favorite race, watching a local parade, or just enjoying family and friends, please be kind to all those around you. Make it a memorable and safe holiday celebration. Santa Cruz Firecracker 5k Scotts Valley Parade World's Shortest Parade -- Aptos Spirit of Watsonville Roaring Camp - Ultimate Pod Party
This coming Sunday we will honor America’s Independence with the usual fanfare with outdoor BBQs and family fun. What is your favorite activity for this special day? Playing at the beach or enjoying the Monterey Bay (if you are lucky enough to have a sailboat or know someone who does)? Perhaps you are the type of person who rises early, grabs your surfboard, stand up paddle (SUP) board, your mountain or road bike and heads out the door for your traditional July 4th athletic celebration. Are you off to the ballpark to enjoy America’s national pastime? Or are you sitting home watching amazing tennis at Wimbledon?
Listed below are a few Santa Cruz County July 4th traditions. I know there are other events around Santa Cruz County so this is not an exclusive list, but rather a list of the traditional events I have made a point to attend.
Thinking beyond the pandemic of the last 16 months gives us hope and enthusiasm that this Independence Day will be the kickoff to a new beginning. For me, a part of being an American history buff and a sports fan is the opportunity to look back at events of the past that were tied to this holiday. I thought you might like to enjoy some of these historic moments in America.
I am starting this historic look back to Jack Johnson who became the first African-American to win the heavyweight title in 1908. Since Jim Jeffries had retired undefeated in 1905 as the champ, the country had its first "Fight of the Century." Like many events with that high billing, this match did not live up to the hype. On July 4, 1910, in Reno, Jack Johnson overmatched Jim Jeffries under the hot Nevada sun. Johnson knocked him out in the 15th round. 1910, like 2020, was a year shrouded in turmoil, prejudice, and racism as a “white” America did not understand that an African-American (Black) heavyweight fighter should be World Champion. Immediately after the fight, race riots broke out all over America. The dead were overwhelmingly Black, and the violence precipitated calls to ban boxing in the United States. It would stand as the single worst day for race riots in American history until the unrest and violence of the late 1960s. Johnson vs. Jeffries, like later culturally significant matches such as Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling II and Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, proved to be a social barometer as it attracted and laid bare America’s most dangerous prejudices. Given the ensuing, racially charged calamities of the decades that followed and what we experienced last year, this was one “Fight of the Century” truly deserving of its moniker. Yes, Black Lives Matter whether it is 1910 or 2020.
On July 4, 1939, the New York Yankees held “Lou Gehrig Day” at Yankee Stadium to honor the retiring, ailing player. Gehrig had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) just two weeks earlier and was forced to early retirement. With more than 62,000 fans in attendance, the “Iron Horse” took the microphone for what would become one of the most memorable speeches in the history of sports. One sportswriter commentary said, “This was one of the saddest days in American sports where grown men cried on the last day of Gehrig’s career.”
July 4, 1975, Billie Jean King, one of the most influential women’s athletes of all time, battled through Wimbledon and defeated Australian Evonne Goolagong in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1. The match would prove more significant than being her sixth title there in singles, as she essentially retired from tournament singles events following the match. It became her 12th and final Grand Slam title in singles and doubles. King is recognized as a pioneer for women's rights, and that alone makes her worthy of a spot on any patriotic list.
On July 4, 1981, John McEnroe defeated Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon. With apologies to today's tennis stars — Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — American star McEnroe vs. Sweden’s Borg is arguably the greatest men’s tennis rivalry in sports history. In their careers, they officially met 14 times, splitting the series right down the middle. Entering the 1981 tournament at Wimbledon, Borg had dominated there, winning five straight titles and with eyes on a sixth. However, McEnroe rallied down one set and took three straight for his first championship on the famed grass court. He became the first American to win in England since 1975, rocking the Red, White, and Blue as he hoisted the trophy.
July 4, 1983, Dave Righetti pitched for the New York Yankees against the rival Boston Red Sox in 1983, his final year as a starting pitcher. A former Rookie of the Year winner, Righetti was a solid pitcher, but he never turned into a spectacular one. However, on this day, he was spectacular. The Red Sox never stood a chance against Righetti, as he mowed them down one by one all day. He eventually finished with a no-hitter. Righetti is also known as the SF Giants pitching coach during the Giants’ three World Series championships.
On July 4, 1984, The USA tied Switzerland and defeated Colombia, sending the USA men’s soccer team into the Round of 16 against eventual champion Brazil. That soccer match saw the Americans put up a strong fight, before falling 1-0. Before that match soccer was not as popular in the United States as it is overseas. That all changed in 1984 with the USA hosting the World Cup, an event that changed the landscape for the sport. Headed into this prestigious event, observers weren't quite sure how the World Cup would be received, considering the USA Men's National Team's ranking compared to other countries. Yet, the tournament on home soil not only set attendance records, but the USA team also shattered expectations. The World Cup helped skyrocket interest in soccer, which can be seen today, especially for USA Women’s soccer which is considered one of the most popular team sports in the world.
On July 4, 1984, Richard Petty won his 200th race in front of President Ronald Reagan, who became the first commander-in-chief to attend a NASCAR race. Reagan gave the "Start Your Engine" call of Daytona's Firecracker 400 from Air Force One and the plane landed next to the speedway during the race. Petty and Cale Yarborough fought for the lead with "The King" winning by a fender. It would be the last win of his career.
On July 4, 2010, Serena Williams swept Vera Zvonareva in straight sets Saturday to win her fourth Wimbledon title and 13th Grand Slam championship, extending the Williams Family dominance at the All England Club. The top-ranked and defending champion, Miss Williams overwhelmed the 21st-seeded Russian 6-3, 6-2 in a one-sided final that lasted just 67 minutes and showed why Williams is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
There are dozens of dozens of major sports achievements that have occurred on July 4 so this list is not all-encompassing. Perhaps you have your own favorite memory. As you enjoy your July 4th holiday weekend, whether it is running your favorite race, watching a local parade, or just enjoying family and friends, please be kind to all those around you. Make it a memorable and safe holiday celebration.
Santa Cruz Firecracker 5k
Scotts Valley Parade
World's Shortest Parade -- Aptos
Spirit of Watsonville
Roaring Camp - Ultimate Pod Party