Sports Legends Shine on March 15

From baseball's first pro team to hockey's 1,000-point milestone, March 15 has seen many historic sports moments.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:00am

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March is a busy time for sports, with key stretches of the NBA and NHL seasons, MLB Spring Training, March Madness, NASCAR, Formula 1, UFC, and PGA Tour events. Over the years, March 15 has witnessed numerous notable moments and stories involving legendary athletes and teams.

Why it matters

This retrospective on March 15 in sports history provides a fascinating look at the evolution of professional and collegiate sports, highlighting the achievements of iconic figures like Cy Young, Joe Mullen, and Dean Smith who left an indelible mark on their respective games.

The details

Some of the key events that occurred on March 15 include: the Cincinnati Red Stockings becoming baseball's first professional team in 1869; pitcher Cy Young retiring in 1912 with a record 511 wins; Oscar Robertson scoring an NBA-record 56 points in 1958; and Joe Mullen becoming the first American to score 500 NHL goals in 1997.

  • In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became baseball's first professional team.
  • In 1912, pitcher Cy Young retired from baseball with a 511-315 win-loss record.
  • In 1958, basketball player Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals scored an NBA Midwest Region record 56-point game.
  • In 1997, the Pittsburgh Penguins' Joe Mullen was the first American to score 500 NHL goals.
  • In 1997, North Carolina coach Dean Smith became the winningest coach in men's college basketball history at the time, as he earned his 877th victory.

The players

Cy Young

A legendary American professional baseball pitcher, renowned as the all-time MLB leader in wins (511), complete games (749), and innings pitched.

Joe Mullen

A hockey player who won three Stanley Cups (1989, 1991, 1992) and two Lady Byng Trophies during his 16-season NHL career.

Dean Smith

A college basketball coach who won two national championships (1982, 1993) with the University of North Carolina, popularized the "four corners" offense, and was known for mentoring stars like Michael Jordan and his dedication to racial equality.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This retrospective on March 15 in sports history showcases the enduring legacies of some of the most iconic figures in American sports, from baseball and basketball to hockey, underscoring the profound impact they had on their respective games and the broader sports landscape.