July 11

On July 11, 1914, George Herman 'Babe' Ruth stepped onto the field for the Boston Red Sox, marking his first Major League appearance. A youthful left-handed pitcher from Maryland, Ruth showcased his talent by striking out the first batter he faced. Although later renowned for his hitting prowess, Ruth began his career on the mound, posting a solid debut performance. His early success hinted at the extraordinary career that would redefine baseball's power-hitting era. Over the next two decades, Ruth's transition to the outfield and prodigious home runs transformed him into a sporting icon. This debut marked the start of a journey that would see Ruth become one of the most celebrated athletes in history. Fans of 'The Bambino' trace his roots back to this pivotal first game in the Major Leagues.

Scottish runner and devout Christian Eric Liddell withdrew from his best event, the 100 meters, because heats were held on Sunday. He competed instead in the 400 meters, an event he had less experience in. On July 11, 1924, Liddell claimed the Olympic title with a time of 47.6 seconds. His victory exemplified his faith and determination on the world’s biggest stage. Liddell’s story inspired later generations and was immortalized in the film ‘Chariots of Fire.’ He went on to serve as a missionary and died in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.

On July 11, 1972, the opening game of the highly anticipated World Chess Championship began in Reykjavik, Iceland between challenger Bobby Fischer and defending champion Boris Spassky. The match symbolized Cold War rivalry and attracted global attention, with millions tuning in to watch every move. Fischer, playing white, opened with his favored 1.e4, while Spassky responded with a solid defense, leading to a tense positional battle. Fischer's narrow victory in the first game set the tone for a contest that would captivate the chess world and transcend sports. The championship lasted until September and ultimately made Fischer the first American World Chess Champion, altering the landscape of international chess forever.

On July 11, 1982, Italy and West Germany faced off in the World Cup final at Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Goals from Paolo Rossi, Marco Tardelli, and Alessandro Altobelli secured a 3–1 victory for Italy. West Germany's Paul Breitner scored a late consolation goal, but Italy's tactical prowess prevailed. Tardelli's emotional celebration after scoring became one of the tournament's most iconic moments. This win marked Italy's first World Cup triumph since 1938, solidifying their status on the global stage. The match remains a celebrated chapter in football history and a source of national pride for Italy.

Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final in Johannesburg, winning their first-ever tournament title. Carles Puyol scored the only goal with a towering header in the 116th minute following a corner kick. The victory capped Spain's emergence as a global football powerhouse under the 'tiki-taka' possession style. Andrés Iniesta, the tournament’s best player, later described the win as the pinnacle of Spain's golden generation. The triumph inspired a decade of success for Spanish clubs and the national team in major international competitions. Fans celebrated across Spain, marking July 11 as a historic day in their sporting history.