- May 1 Catcher Moses Walker is acknowledged as the first African-American to play major league baseball joining the Toledo Blue Stockings
- May 16 10th Kentucky Derby: Isaac Murphy aboard Buchanan wins in 2:40.25
- May 22 1-armed pitcher Hugh Daily fanned 13 hitters
- May 23 12th Preakness: S Fisher aboard Knight of Ellerslie wins in 2:39.5
Cricket History
May 26 Australian cricket fast bowler Fred Spofforth takes 7-34 & 7-3 against an England XI in a tour match in Birmingham; match over in just 4 hours
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
Footballers
NFL Stars
Tennis Champions