The 1960s was an eventful decade that witnessed many landmark events: from Vietnam War and Civil Rights protests to assassinations attempts against President John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. Professional sports was at its zenith at this point with overshadowing baseball and football seasons providing year-round excitement with compelling narratives to follow – not forgetting its rise of superstar athletes using their fame to raise awareness on important social issues while setting records or entertaining fans!
Some of the most notable sporting events of the 1960s included baseball games in which stars like Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and Bill Mazeroski set records that still stand. In 1969, New York Mets unexpectedly won their inaugural World Series – earning themselves the nickname of “Miracle Mets.” They upset heavily favored St Louis Cardinals in seven-games series to convert fans who had long supported rival teams such as Yankees.
National Basketball Association teams enjoyed great growth throughout this decade. Boston Celtics dominated with 9 out of 10 championship wins; Wilt Chamberlain was the only player ever to achieve this feat during one era! Center Bill Russell won 9 titles while Wilt Chamberlain made history by being the only person in history who won all 10 championships during one time frame.
The 1964 Summer Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan were another highlight of the decade. These Games were the best organized ever seen before at an Olympics, breaking 25 of 61 Olympic records set at previous Games. Many top track and field athletes from that era competed, such as Wilma Rudolph and Peter Snell who each won medals; similarly iconic images showed African-American runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos with fists raised, showing solidarity with oppressed people around the globe.
Joe Namath and Gale Sayers were two legendary football players of the 1960s, while college and pro basketball stars like Satchel Paige and Bobby Hull made significant waves in basketball. Boxer Muhammad Ali not only impressed audiences with his fighting styles but was also an advocate for conscientious objectors as well as African-Americans experiencing discrimination daily.
Coverdale takes us back to some of the most remarkable sporting moments from the 60s that took place both on a grand scale and more intimate settings, like neighborhood pools and ball parks. He explores numerous sports events during this decade that collectively formed its legacy; making this book both informative and entertaining; essential reading for both fans of sports as well as non-fans alike! This exceptional work should not be missed!