Events in Sports History in September 1971

US Men's Tennis Open

Sep 1 Australian John Newcombe becomes 1st male top-seed to lose in US Open 1st round when beaten by eventual finalist Jan Kodeš 6-2, 6-7, 6-7, 3,-6

Sports History

Sep 1 Pittsburgh Pirates start what is believed to be first all-black line-up (including several Latinos) in MLB history‚ in 10-7 win v Philadelphia Phillies; includes future Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell

US Men's Tennis Open

Sep 2 Teenage debutants Chris Evert & Jimmy Connors win their first matches at the US Open Tennis Championships at Forest Hills

Sep 5 Astros pitcher J R Richard debut, strikes out 15 Giants in a 5-3 win
Sep 5 NY Mets Don Hahn hits 1st inside the park homer at Phillies Vet
Sep 9 NHL great Gordie Howe retires (for the first time), after 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings

US Open Women's Tennis

Sep 11 US Open Women's Tennis, Forest Hills, NY: In an all-American final Billie Jean King beats doubles partner Rosemary Casals 6-4, 7-6

US Men's Tennis Open

Sep 12 US Open Men's Tennis, Forest Hills, NY: American Stan Smith wins first career Grand Slam event; beats Czech star Jan Kodeš 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6

Baseball History

Sep 13 Frank Robinson hits his 500th HR

Baseball Outfielder and Manager Frank Robinson

Sep 14 Cleveland Indians & Washington Senators, play 20 innings
Sep 18 Ryder Cup Golf, Old Warson CC: US beats Europe, 18½-13½; after leading by 1 match, GB loses all Friday morning 4-ball matches to lose momentum
Sep 19 New York City Marathon: inaugural women's race won by Beth Bonner in 2:55:22; 2nd men's race won by Norman Higgins in 2:22:54
Sep 21 AL OKs Washington Senator move to Arlington (Texas Rangers)
Sep 24 Houston Astros beat San Diego Padres, 2-1, in 21 innings