1892 - Sports

Sports

Wilfred Baddely wins in men's singles at Wimbledon, Lottie Dod in women's singles; Oliver Campbell wins in U.S. men's singles, Mabel Cahill in women's singles.

San Francisco-born prizefighter James John "Gentleman Jim" Corbett, 26, takes the heavyweight title from the "Boston Strong Boy" John L. Sullivan—the "Great John L."—in the first title-match prizefight to be fought with padded gloves according to the 25-year-old marquess of Queensberry rules (Sullivan has insisted on those rules); Corbett scores a knockout in the 21st round of the match September 7 at New Orleans.

Chicago's 16-year-old A. G. Spalding Company acquires Wright & Ditson, started by cricketer-baseball player George Wright, and becomes a major factor in tennis balls and rackets. Spalding also begins making golf clubs and balls that will so improve the game that golf will gain new popularity in the United States and in Britain.

Notre Dame invites Yale football coach Walter Camp to help it develop a team that will be as good as eastern teams. The new University of Chicago appoints former Yale player Amos Alonzo Stagg as the first professional football coach, paying him $2,500 per year. Yale beats Harvard in their annual football match despite Harvard's use of a "flying wedge" that will be banned next year because it is too dangerous.