Back in Time: October 20

SI Staff | Oct 20, 2009

Back in Time: October 20

Julius Erving

Irving Penn/SI

New Jersey Net Julius Erving, the ABA's most famous player, is sold to the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA.

Mark Gastineau

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Despite leading the AFC in sacks, Mark Gastineau abruptly retires from football "for personal reasons." At the time of his retirement, Gastineau was the NFL's all-time leader in sacks.

Andre Ware

Joe Patronite/Getty Images

Led by Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware, the Houston Cougars ran up 1,021 yards against Southern Methodist University in a 95-21 rout of the Mustangs.

Cincinnati Reds

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

In one of the biggest upsets in World Series history, the Reds sweep the Oakland A's to give Cincinnati its first Series trophy since 1976

Carlos Delgado

Tom Hauck/Getty Images

Toronto signs Carlos Delgado to a record four-year, $68 million contract. The Blue Jay first baseman's average salary of $17 million is the most in major league history.

Johnny Damon

Ezra Shaq/Getty Images

The Red Sox become the first team in baseball history to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first three games. Johnny Damon's two home runs, including a grand slam in the fourth, and Derek Lowe's solid pitching performance helps Boston claim the ALCS.

Born on this Day

Louis Requena/Getty Images

Mickey Mantle (1931) <br>Juan Marichal (1937)<br>Keith Hernandez (1953)<br>Tim Belcher (1961) <br>Evander Holyfield (1962) <br>Herman Moore (1969) <br>Juan Gonzalez (1969) <br>Eddie Jones (1971) <br>Dexter Coakley (1972) <br>Reidel Anthony (1976)