On this day: June 8
Match Abandoned After Cows Wander Onto Pitch
On 8 June 1964 a football match was abandoned when cows entered the playing field, making play impossible. The incident reflects the more informal ground conditions and farm-adjacent stadiums common in mid-20th-century football.
Researchers Revisit 1962 Study of Contagious Laughter
On June 8, 1962, clinicians documented an outbreak of contagious laughter among patients in a psychiatric hospital; researchers have since revisited the case to examine social and neurological factors that may explain how laughter spreads.
First BAA/NBA Draft Held in 1947, Setting Pro Basketball’s Professional Path
On June 8, 1947, the Basketball Association of America held its inaugural draft (later recognized as the NBA draft), a formative event that assigned college and amateur players to professional teams and helped formalize player entry into the pro ranks.
The First Modern Professional Wrestling Championship Match, June 8, 1905
On June 8, 1905, American heavyweight Frank Gotch defeated Georg Hackenschmidt in what is widely regarded as the first modern professional wrestling championship match, marking a shift toward organized title matches and the rise of wrestling as a spectator sport.