Bruce Wilson Jr.

Images from Strange But True Sports History

Behind every record‑breaking win, mind-blowing sports trivia, and legendary game lies a story you won’t believe – until you see it. Check out images from Strange But True Sports History.

The steeplechase is a demanding event, requiring jockeys to guide
their mounts through obstacles. In 1923, one jockey crossed the
finish line and won a race at Belmont Park after he died.
Keeneland Library Cook Collection — The steeplechase is a demanding event, requiring jockeys to guide their mounts through obstacles. In 1923, one jockey crossed the finish line and won a race at Belmont Park after he died. Keeneland Library Cook Collection

Toni Stone played for two years in the Negro Leagues, where she
became the first woman to play on a men’s professional baseball
team. Stone replaced Hank Aaron, who was one of the first
baseball players to break the color barrier. Negro Leagues — Toni Stone played for two years in the Negro Leagues, where she became the first woman to play on a men’s professional baseball team. Stone replaced Hank Aaron, who was one of the first baseball players to break the color barrier. Negro Leagues

The Arizona Diamondbacks were taping the Spring Training
game where pitcher Randy Johnson hit a bird, providing the only
angle on the strange event. Arizona Diamondbacks — The Arizona Diamondbacks were taping the Spring Training game where pitcher Randy Johnson hit a bird, providing the only angle on the strange event. Arizona Diamondbacks

A 1970 image of Cayo Alcatraz, an island in Cuba, revealed the presence of sports
courts that didn’t match Cuban tastes, signaling to U.S. intelligence agencies that
the Russians were planning something. Central Intelligence Agency — A 1970 image of Cayo Alcatraz, an island in Cuba, revealed the presence of sports courts that didn’t match Cuban tastes, signaling to U.S. intelligence agencies that the Russians were planning something. Central Intelligence Agency

An attempt to switch places backfired for twins at the 1984 Summer Olympics in
Los Angeles, California. U.S. Air Force — An attempt to switch places backfired for twins at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. U.S. Air Force

Baseball player Joe Medwick, a star for the St. Louis Cardinals in
the 1930s, confidently told the pope after he was traded to the
Brooklyn Dodgers that “I, too, used to be a Cardinal." St. Louis
Cardinals — Baseball player Joe Medwick, a star for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1930s, confidently told the pope after he was traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers that “I, too, used to be a Cardinal." St. Louis Cardinals

Wade Boggs shared his favorite chicken recipes with fans in Fowl Tips. The cover
celebrated Boggs as the 1983 Major League Batting Champion. Narragansett
Graphics — Wade Boggs shared his favorite chicken recipes with fans in Fowl Tips. The cover celebrated Boggs as the 1983 Major League Batting Champion. Narragansett Graphics

When did athletes start wearing numbers on their uniforms? By
1948, when Babe Ruth attended a ceremony to retire his number,
jersey numbers were common – but not when Ruth started
playing in 1914. New York Herald Tribune — When did athletes start wearing numbers on their uniforms? By 1948, when Babe Ruth attended a ceremony to retire his number, jersey numbers were common – but not when Ruth started playing in 1914. New York Herald Tribune

The chaotic first Indy 500 took nearly seven hours and featured 40 cars – but 14
failed to cross the finish line. Henry Ford Collection — The chaotic first Indy 500 took nearly seven hours and featured 40 cars – but 14 failed to cross the finish line. Henry Ford Collection

Early sports trading cards featured athletes of all kinds, including pool players,
oarsmen, boxers, sharpshooters, and wrestlers. These 1887 sports cards come from
Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Metropolitan Museum of Art — Early sports trading cards featured athletes of all kinds, including pool players, oarsmen, boxers, sharpshooters, and wrestlers. These 1887 sports cards come from Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Churchill Downs has hosted the Kentucky Derby annually since 1875, with as
many as 170,000 crowding into the historic site to watch the race. Library of
Congress — Churchill Downs has hosted the Kentucky Derby annually since 1875, with as many as 170,000 crowding into the historic site to watch the race. Library of Congress

The Tour de France has attracted crowds since its earliest days, as shown in this
1906 photograph of the cyclists leaving Paris during the first stage. Bibliothèque
nationale de France — The Tour de France has attracted crowds since its earliest days, as shown in this 1906 photograph of the cyclists leaving Paris during the first stage. Bibliothèque nationale de France

Before the third game of the 1903 World Series, fans swarmed the field, rushing into
the outfield and forcing police to clear the field before the game. Boston Public
Library — Before the third game of the 1903 World Series, fans swarmed the field, rushing into the outfield and forcing police to clear the field before the game. Boston Public Library

Before he dunked on the competition, Michael
Jordan was cut from his high school varsity
team. But a summer growth spurt turned
things around for the future All-Star.
Wilmington StarNews — Before he dunked on the competition, Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity team. But a summer growth spurt turned things around for the future All-Star. Wilmington StarNews

Jesse Owens took home four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin
Olympics, setting new world records that would stand for
decades. National Archives — Jesse Owens took home four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, setting new world records that would stand for decades. National Archives

All-star baseball player Hank Aaron nearly ended up playing in
the same outfield as another all-star, Willie Mays. Associated
Press — All-star baseball player Hank Aaron nearly ended up playing in the same outfield as another all-star, Willie Mays. Associated Press

A signed photo of Babe Ruth from c. 1920, during the same time
the baseball player was hunting frogs and gambling when he
wasn’t on the field. Wikimedia Commons — A signed photo of Babe Ruth from c. 1920, during the same time the baseball player was hunting frogs and gambling when he wasn’t on the field. Wikimedia Commons

What makes Simone Biles successful? A lot of hard work – and some pizza. From her
first Olympic appearance in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles has impressed the world
with her talent. Agência Brasil — What makes Simone Biles successful? A lot of hard work – and some pizza. From her first Olympic appearance in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles has impressed the world with her talent. Agência Brasil

Babe Ruth claimed that he called his shot during the 1932 World Series. But he also
admitted that the story was a myth. Library of Congress — Babe Ruth claimed that he called his shot during the 1932 World Series. But he also admitted that the story was a myth. Library of Congress

For two decades, the Olympics featured an unusual sport: tug-of-war. Bibliothèque
nationale de France — For two decades, the Olympics featured an unusual sport: tug-of-war. Bibliothèque nationale de France

Boxer John Lawrence Sullivan was the last heavyweight champion
of bare-knuckle boxing and the first heavyweight champion of
gloved boxing. He was known as the Boston Strong Boy.
Wikimedia Commons — Boxer John Lawrence Sullivan was the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing and the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing. He was known as the Boston Strong Boy. Wikimedia Commons

Abner Doubleday was a Civil War general. But he did not invent
baseball – although that’s a common myth that many still believe.
Library of Congress — Abner Doubleday was a Civil War general. But he did not invent baseball – although that’s a common myth that many still believe. Library of Congress

The All American Girls Professional Baseball League inspired the movie A League
of Their Own. Wikimedia Commons — The All American Girls Professional Baseball League inspired the movie A League of Their Own. Wikimedia Commons

The Brooklyn Dodgers became second-place champs in five World Series
appearances in the 1940s and 50s. Detroit Public Library — The Brooklyn Dodgers became second-place champs in five World Series appearances in the 1940s and 50s. Detroit Public Library

There’s a clear winner in the race between
Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus if you only look
at second-place finishes. Columbus
Metropolitan Library — There’s a clear winner in the race between Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus if you only look at second-place finishes. Columbus Metropolitan Library

Raymond Poulidor, left, came in second during the 1964 Tour de France, while his
friend Jacques Anquetil, center, took first. Nationaal Archief — Raymond Poulidor, left, came in second during the 1964 Tour de France, while his friend Jacques Anquetil, center, took first. Nationaal Archief

Most Olympians would be thrilled to win a medal. But
psychologists found that silver medalists are less happy than
bronze medalists. Wikimedia Commons — Most Olympians would be thrilled to win a medal. But psychologists found that silver medalists are less happy than bronze medalists. Wikimedia Commons

Ken Griffey, Jr. racked up 630 home runs during a 22-year career
in the majors. But he only made a single postseason appearance.
Wikimedia Commons — Ken Griffey, Jr. racked up 630 home runs during a 22-year career in the majors. But he only made a single postseason appearance. Wikimedia Commons

An 1818 painting by Alexander Carse captured dozens of Scottish villagers
competing in the ‘ba game. McManus Gallery — An 1818 painting by Alexander Carse captured dozens of Scottish villagers competing in the ‘ba game. McManus Gallery

James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, holding a ball and basket. The sport
became popular before switching from baskets to hoops with nets. Wikimedia
Common — James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, holding a ball and basket. The sport became popular before switching from baskets to hoops with nets. Wikimedia Common

A 1540 illustration in the “Golf Book of Hours” shows golf players competing.
British Library — A 1540 illustration in the “Golf Book of Hours” shows golf players competing. British Library

Some figure skaters prioritized artistry and fluid movements, while others did
athletic leaps on the ice. In this 1894 illustration, skaters show off their skills.
Wikimedia Commons — Some figure skaters prioritized artistry and fluid movements, while others did athletic leaps on the ice. In this 1894 illustration, skaters show off their skills. Wikimedia Commons

Many Native American tribes across the northeast played lacrosse, which could
involve over 1,000 players. Smithsonian American Art Museum — Many Native American tribes across the northeast played lacrosse, which could involve over 1,000 players. Smithsonian American Art Museum

Popular around the world, boat races existed long before rowing became a sport.
Venetians often held gondola races for centuries. Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia — Popular around the world, boat races existed long before rowing became a sport. Venetians often held gondola races for centuries. Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia

Before television, fans had to visit the ballpark if they wanted to see a game.
Spectators at a 1910 baseball game in Philadelphia crowded onto the roofs of
surrounding buildings to catch a view of the field. Television would transform
sports, bringing in millions of new fans. Library of Congress — Before television, fans had to visit the ballpark if they wanted to see a game. Spectators at a 1910 baseball game in Philadelphia crowded onto the roofs of surrounding buildings to catch a view of the field. Television would transform sports, bringing in millions of new fans. Library of Congress

A 1905 advertisement for Spalding gloves sold infielder gloves for between $1.50-
$3.00. The invention of baseball gloves changed the sport for the better. Wikimedia
Commons — A 1905 advertisement for Spalding gloves sold infielder gloves for between $1.50- $3.00. The invention of baseball gloves changed the sport for the better. Wikimedia Commons

In its 2008 advertisements for the LZR Racer swimsuit featuring the world’s most
famous swimmer, Michael Phelps, Speedo highlighted the high-tech nature of the
suit while nodding to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man. Speedo — In its 2008 advertisements for the LZR Racer swimsuit featuring the world’s most famous swimmer, Michael Phelps, Speedo highlighted the high-tech nature of the suit while nodding to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man. Speedo

Before technology could determine whether a tennis ball hit the line, players often
found themselves arguing with umpires while pointing to faint smudges in the
chalk. Wikimedia Commons — Before technology could determine whether a tennis ball hit the line, players often found themselves arguing with umpires while pointing to faint smudges in the chalk. Wikimedia Commons

The first penalty flag, sewn by Irma Beede, was made out of a Halloween costume
and bed sheets. Youngstown State University Sports Information Department — The first penalty flag, sewn by Irma Beede, was made out of a Halloween costume and bed sheets. Youngstown State University Sports Information Department

As the horses ran down the stretch during the 2010 Belmont Stakes, it looked to be a
close race – but sports technology could capture 3,000 frames per second to ensure
that the correct horse carried the day. Wikimedia Commons — As the horses ran down the stretch during the 2010 Belmont Stakes, it looked to be a close race – but sports technology could capture 3,000 frames per second to ensure that the correct horse carried the day. Wikimedia Commons

An Olympian, professional basketball player, and professional golf player, Babe
Didrikson was named the best female athlete of the half century by the Associated
Press in 1950. Texas Golf Hall of Fame — An Olympian, professional basketball player, and professional golf player, Babe Didrikson was named the best female athlete of the half century by the Associated Press in 1950. Texas Golf Hall of Fame

Olympian Johnny Weissmuller posed for a portrait during one of
the last art competitions held at the Olympics. Smithsonian
Institution — Olympian Johnny Weissmuller posed for a portrait during one of the last art competitions held at the Olympics. Smithsonian Institution

Look closely at Jim Thorpe’s feet. Yes, he’s wearing two different shoes. And yet he
still won his race at the 1912 Olympics. Wikimedia Commons — Look closely at Jim Thorpe’s feet. Yes, he’s wearing two different shoes. And yet he still won his race at the 1912 Olympics. Wikimedia Commons

Gertrude Ederle made history and set a new record by swimming across the English
Channel in 14 hours and 34 minutes. Library of Congress — Gertrude Ederle made history and set a new record by swimming across the English Channel in 14 hours and 34 minutes. Library of Congress

As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, World Heavyweight champion
Joe Louis helped with recruitment efforts during World War II.
U.S. Office of War Information — As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, World Heavyweight champion Joe Louis helped with recruitment efforts during World War II. U.S. Office of War Information

Every Olympian has a different path to the Olympics. For Abebe Bikila, a barefoot
run in 1960 would make Olympic history. Wikimedia Commons — Every Olympian has a different path to the Olympics. For Abebe Bikila, a barefoot run in 1960 would make Olympic history. Wikimedia Commons

Carl Lewis competed in so many events during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that
he declined to take several of his long jump attempts after ensuring that he would
win gold with his first jump. UCLA Library — Carl Lewis competed in so many events during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that he declined to take several of his long jump attempts after ensuring that he would win gold with his first jump. UCLA Library

Nadia Comaneci stunned the world when she scored a perfect 10 during the 1976
Montreal Olympics. The Romanian gymnast was just 14 years old at the time.
Wikimedia Commons — Nadia Comaneci stunned the world when she scored a perfect 10 during the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The Romanian gymnast was just 14 years old at the time. Wikimedia Commons

When a family of ducks swam across the river during the
Olympics, one athlete stopped rowing to let them pass. The
kindness did not hurt Bobby Pearce’s chances – he still won gold.
Wikimedia Commons — When a family of ducks swam across the river during the Olympics, one athlete stopped rowing to let them pass. The kindness did not hurt Bobby Pearce’s chances – he still won gold. Wikimedia Commons

Olympic athletes often become close friends. The friendship medal
physically combined silver and bronze to demonstrate that
commitment. Wikimedia Commons — Olympic athletes often become close friends. The friendship medal physically combined silver and bronze to demonstrate that commitment. Wikimedia Commons

Serena and Venus Williams faced off 31 times in their careers, including nine Grand
Slam finals. Overall, Serena won 19 of the 31 matches and seven Grand Slam titles
against her sister. Wikimedia Commons — Serena and Venus Williams faced off 31 times in their careers, including nine Grand Slam finals. Overall, Serena won 19 of the 31 matches and seven Grand Slam titles against her sister. Wikimedia Commons

Lina Radke won gold in the 800 meter race at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, with
Kinue Hitomi taking silver. After the race, officials canceled the event, worried that
the distance was too long for women. Wikimedia Commons — Lina Radke won gold in the 800 meter race at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, with Kinue Hitomi taking silver. After the race, officials canceled the event, worried that the distance was too long for women. Wikimedia Commons

Race officials tried to physically remove Kathrine Switzer from the 1967 Boston
Marathon after accidentally letting her register for the race. Boston Herald — Race officials tried to physically remove Kathrine Switzer from the 1967 Boston Marathon after accidentally letting her register for the race. Boston Herald

Janet Guthrie made history as the first woman to drive in the Indy 500 and the
Daytona 500 – and she even finished in the top 10 with a broken wrist.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum — Janet Guthrie made history as the first woman to drive in the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500 – and she even finished in the top 10 with a broken wrist. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The female gladiators of Rome battled in front of audiences, competing for glory.
Ancient Greeks and Romans also celebrated the Amazons, a tribe of women
warriors. Capitoline Museum, Rome — The female gladiators of Rome battled in front of audiences, competing for glory. Ancient Greeks and Romans also celebrated the Amazons, a tribe of women warriors. Capitoline Museum, Rome

Althea Gibson broke the color line in tennis and won 11 Grand
Slam titles, including five singles titles, five doubles titles, and
one mixed doubles title. Library of Congress — Althea Gibson broke the color line in tennis and won 11 Grand Slam titles, including five singles titles, five doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title. Library of Congress

From the early years of college sports, the yearbook always
featured athletes, as in this 1904 Nebraska yearbook that
showcased a Cornhusker football player. Wikimedia Commons — From the early years of college sports, the yearbook always featured athletes, as in this 1904 Nebraska yearbook that showcased a Cornhusker football player. Wikimedia Commons

In 1907, crowds flocked to Philadelphia to watch the University of Pennsylvania
football team defeat Cornell. Library of Congress — In 1907, crowds flocked to Philadelphia to watch the University of Pennsylvania football team defeat Cornell. Library of Congress

In college, he was known as Lew Alcindor. But
as a pro, the world called him Kareem Abdul-
Jabbar. Wikimedia Commons — In college, he was known as Lew Alcindor. But as a pro, the world called him Kareem Abdul- Jabbar. Wikimedia Commons

The scoreboard for the 1916 football game between Georgia Tech and Cumberland
proves that college blowouts can happen. Wikimedia Commons — The scoreboard for the 1916 football game between Georgia Tech and Cumberland proves that college blowouts can happen. Wikimedia Commons

Maudine Ormsby wasn’t the most likely homecoming queen, but she captured the
hearts and minds of OSU students in the 1920s. The Ohio State University - University Libraries — Maudine Ormsby wasn’t the most likely homecoming queen, but she captured the hearts and minds of OSU students in the 1920s. The Ohio State University - University Libraries

Students at UC Santa Cruz turned the banana slug into the school’s mascot. While
the university pushed for the more dignified sea lion, undergrads cheered for the
banana slug. After years of having two competing mascots, the university officially
adopted Sammy the Slug. UC Santa Cruz Special Collection — Students at UC Santa Cruz turned the banana slug into the school’s mascot. While the university pushed for the more dignified sea lion, undergrads cheered for the banana slug. After years of having two competing mascots, the university officially adopted Sammy the Slug. UC Santa Cruz Special Collection

Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe and baseball legend Joe
DiMaggio made headlines around the world when they tied the
knot at the San Francisco City Hall in 1954. Radio-TV Mirror — Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe and baseball legend Joe DiMaggio made headlines around the world when they tied the knot at the San Francisco City Hall in 1954. Radio-TV Mirror

Nike sold millions of pairs of Air Jordans, including this 1985 pair
that Michael Jordan wore in a game and signed. Smithsonian
Institute — Nike sold millions of pairs of Air Jordans, including this 1985 pair that Michael Jordan wore in a game and signed. Smithsonian Institute

Jesse Owens made history at the 1936 Berlin Olympics – and by
wearing a free pair of shoes sent to him by Adidas, he also changed
sports marketing forever. German Federal Archives — Jesse Owens made history at the 1936 Berlin Olympics – and by wearing a free pair of shoes sent to him by Adidas, he also changed sports marketing forever. German Federal Archives

Athletes sometimes play themselves in films – as in this
photograph of Gary Cooper and Babe Ruth during the filming of
The Pride of the Yankees. Samuel Goldwyn Company — Athletes sometimes play themselves in films – as in this photograph of Gary Cooper and Babe Ruth during the filming of The Pride of the Yankees. Samuel Goldwyn Company

A League of Their Own changed very little about the uniforms
worn by the Rockford Peaches and other athletes in the All-
American Girls Professional Baseball League. But the skirts were
not well suited to the sport. State Library and Archives of
Florida — A League of Their Own changed very little about the uniforms worn by the Rockford Peaches and other athletes in the All- American Girls Professional Baseball League. But the skirts were not well suited to the sport. State Library and Archives of Florida

Gladiators were so famous in ancient Rome that a 4th-century mosaic listed them by
name. Marks even indicated which gladiators died during the recreated battle and
which won. Galleria Borghese — Gladiators were so famous in ancient Rome that a 4th-century mosaic listed them by name. Marks even indicated which gladiators died during the recreated battle and which won. Galleria Borghese

Men, women, and children of all social classes played cuju, as captured in a 12th-
century painting. National Palace Museum — Men, women, and children of all social classes played cuju, as captured in a 12th- century painting. National Palace Museum

Ancient Greeks battled in the dangerous sport of pankration, which had few rules.
The Metropolitan Museum — Ancient Greeks battled in the dangerous sport of pankration, which had few rules. The Metropolitan Museum

Every Mayan city had a ball court because the sport was tied to Mesoamerican
religion. The hoop, attached near the top of a high wall, made the sport extremely
challenging. Wikimedia Commons — Every Mayan city had a ball court because the sport was tied to Mesoamerican religion. The hoop, attached near the top of a high wall, made the sport extremely challenging. Wikimedia Commons

Long after Rome and the Byzantine Empire fell, the Hippodrome of Constantinople
hosted athletic competitions. Wikimedia Commons — Long after Rome and the Byzantine Empire fell, the Hippodrome of Constantinople hosted athletic competitions. Wikimedia Commons

Romans enjoyed sports so much that they flooded their arenas to host naval battles
for thousands of cheering spectators. Rijksmuseum — Romans enjoyed sports so much that they flooded their arenas to host naval battles for thousands of cheering spectators. Rijksmuseum

Ancient Egyptians competed in a jousting match that took place on the water,
making the sport deadly for those who fell into the Nile too close to a crocodile.
Wikimedia Commons — Ancient Egyptians competed in a jousting match that took place on the water, making the sport deadly for those who fell into the Nile too close to a crocodile. Wikimedia Commons

Youth sports includes everything from sack races to Olympic-level competitions.
National Library of Wales — Youth sports includes everything from sack races to Olympic-level competitions. National Library of Wales

When the Dutch rowing team lost their coxswain, they turned to
a local French Boy, who might be the youngest Olympian in
history – except no one knows his name or age. Wikimedia
Commons — When the Dutch rowing team lost their coxswain, they turned to a local French Boy, who might be the youngest Olympian in history – except no one knows his name or age. Wikimedia Commons

Pelé was still a teenager when he helped lead Brazil to the World Cup finals in 1958.
Wikimedia Commons — Pelé was still a teenager when he helped lead Brazil to the World Cup finals in 1958. Wikimedia Commons

In the early 1900s, high school sports took off, with teams competing against other
schools, as this Seattle High School football team from 1904. Museum of History
& Industry, Seattle — In the early 1900s, high school sports took off, with teams competing against other schools, as this Seattle High School football team from 1904. Museum of History & Industry, Seattle

Little League gave young athletes an opportunity to strengthen their teamwork and
sports skills – and local businesses sponsored teams. Wikimedia Commons — Little League gave young athletes an opportunity to strengthen their teamwork and sports skills – and local businesses sponsored teams. Wikimedia Commons

Caitlin Clark started making headlines as a teenager playing for the University of
Iowa. Wikimedia Commons — Caitlin Clark started making headlines as a teenager playing for the University of Iowa. Wikimedia Commons

Commoners were not supposed to hunt the rabbits in England’s forests. But ferrets
and stealthy tactics gave them an edge – and inspired the sport of ferret legging.
Wikimedia Commons — Commoners were not supposed to hunt the rabbits in England’s forests. But ferrets and stealthy tactics gave them an edge – and inspired the sport of ferret legging. Wikimedia Commons

An 18th-century representation of different sports shows Foster Powell, the famous
pedestrian, walking as two boxers compete next to him. British Museum — An 18th-century representation of different sports shows Foster Powell, the famous pedestrian, walking as two boxers compete next to him. British Museum

Venetians staged massive battles on their bridges, which often left competitors to
drag themselves out of the canals. Germanisches Nationalmuseum — Venetians staged massive battles on their bridges, which often left competitors to drag themselves out of the canals. Germanisches Nationalmuseum

Why not play polo on bicycles? The sport of cycle polo caught on in the early 20th
century before fading away. Wikimedia Commons — Why not play polo on bicycles? The sport of cycle polo caught on in the early 20th century before fading away. Wikimedia Commons

The strange sport of eel pulling triggered an uprising known as the Eel Riot when
police tried to stop players from competing in 1886. Wikimedia Commons — The strange sport of eel pulling triggered an uprising known as the Eel Riot when police tried to stop players from competing in 1886. Wikimedia Commons

The Tuscan town of Siena has held races in its piazza for centuries. While most
featured horses, for years buffalo used to compete in the unusual event. Wikimedia
Commons — The Tuscan town of Siena has held races in its piazza for centuries. While most featured horses, for years buffalo used to compete in the unusual event. Wikimedia Commons

Strange But True Sports History

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