THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY: 9/15

1946 – A game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cubs is called when players, umpires and fans are attacked by gnats.

1950 – Yankees first baseman Johnny Mize has a three homer game for a record sixth time in his career.

1952 – The Boston Braves play in their final home game before moving to Milwaukee in the off-season.

1960 – Maurice “Rocket” Richard announces his retirement from the NHL. At the time of his retirement, he held the NHL record with 544 career goals.

1975 – Notre Dame beats Boston College 17-3 in the first ever college football “Holy War”.

1978 – Muhammad Ali becomes the first three time heavyweight champion in boxing history, defeating Leon Spinks in a unanimous 15 round decision.

1990 – White Sox closer Bobby Thigpen becomes the first player in MLB history to record 50 saves in a season.

1995 – Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith sets an MLB record with 1,554 career double plays.

1996 – The Texas Rangers retire Nolan Ryan’s #34. It’s the first number retired in franchise history.

1997 – Ken Griffey Jr. becomes the sixth player in MLB history to have a combined 100 home runs over two seasons.

2004 – NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announces a lockout of the players union.