Back in Time: October 17

SI Staff | Oct 17, 2008

Back in Time: October 17

Bob Beamon

Tony Duffy/Getty Images

At the Olympic Games in Mexico City, Bob Beamon sets the world record in the long long with a leap of 29 feet, 2 1/2 inches.

Bay Area Earthquake

Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images

As the Giants and A's get ready to play Game 3 of the World Series, the Bay Area is hit by a massive earthquake. The game is quickly postponed by Commissioner Fay Vincent, and he wisely orders the evacuation of Candlestick Park.

Paul Coffey

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Penguin Paul Coffey sets the NHL defenseman scoring record with 1,053 career points (309 goals and 744 assists).

John Smoltz

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Led by John Smoltz, the Atlanta Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in seven games to win the NL pennant.

David Justice

Doug Kanter/Getty Images

David Justice's three-run homer propels the Yankees to their record 37th American League pennant in a come-from-behind victory over the Mariners, 9-7. The victory sets up a Subway Series in New York for the first time in 44 years.

Patrick Roy

Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images

Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche achieves his 448th victory as a goalie in the NHL. Roy passed Terry Sawchuck to become the record holder for career victories.

Born on this Day

Getty Images

Evel Knievel (1938) <br>Danny Ferry (1966)<br>Ernie Els (1969) <br>Joe McEwing (1972) <br>Keith McKenzie (1973)<br>John Rocker (1974)