October 14

On October 14, 1908, the Chicago Cubs shut out the Detroit Tigers 2–0 in Game 5 of the World Series at Chicago’s West Side Park. Pitcher Jack Pfiester held the Tigers scoreless, earning the decisive win. A two-run double by Davy Jones provided the only offense needed to secure the championship. This victory marked the Cubs’ third overall and second consecutive World Series title. Fans celebrated amid the dead-ball era’s low-scoring style of play and strategic small ball tactics. Following this triumph, the Cubs would endure a 108-year championship drought often attributed to the 'Curse of the Billy Goat.' The 1908 Series featured Hall of Famers such as Tinker, Evers, and Chance. It remains one of baseball’s most storied championship runs.

On October 14, 1968, American sprinter Jim Hines made history by recording an official time of 9.95 seconds in the 100-meter dash. This achievement broke the long-standing ten-second barrier under fully automatic timing. Hines accomplished the feat during the final at the Mexico City Olympics, showcasing his explosive start and powerful finish. His performance earned him the gold medal and solidified his status as the fastest man alive. The record stood for nearly 15 years before being eclipsed in the early 1980s. Hines’s run marked a turning point in track and field, as athletes and coaches pursued new training techniques. It highlighted the influence of altitude and track surface on sprinting performance. His achievement remains a landmark in Olympic and sprinting history.

During Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series, foul ball interference by spectator Steve Bartman prevented Chicago Cubs outfielder Moisés Alou from making a potential catch in the eighth inning. The play is often pinpointed as the turning moment that shifted momentum to the Florida Marlins, who went on to win the game and ultimately the series. Bartman faced intense backlash, including boos, media scrutiny, and misplaced blame for the Cubs' failure to reach the World Series. The team and fans later expressed regret over the harsh treatment he received, and the Cubs organization granted him lifetime protected entry to Wrigley Field. The incident sparked discussions on sportsmanship, the role of fans, and the fine line between superstition and fairness in baseball culture. Over time, the Steve Bartman Incident has become an enduring legend in sports history, emblematic of the unpredictable nature of the game.

On 14 October 2014, the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match between Serbia and Albania in Belgrade was abandoned after 42 minutes amid crowd disturbances and on-field scuffles. Tensions escalated when a drone carrying a political flag flew over the pitch, sparking confrontations between players and fans. Security personnel intervened as players clashed, and projectiles were thrown onto the field. Referee Nicola Rizzoli suspended the match, which was officially abandoned by UEFA. In December 2014, UEFA awarded Albania a 3–0 victory and handed out sanctions to both football federations. The incident highlighted the intersection of politics and sport in the Balkans.