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.
Match Called Off After Cows Wander Onto Pitch
A football match was abandoned when cattle entered the playing field, disrupting play and forcing officials to halt the game. The incident highlighted challenges of venue security and the occasional unpredictability of outdoor sports.
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.
June 8, 1905: A Turning Point in Professional Wrestling History
On June 8, 1905, a match often cited as the first modern professional wrestling championship took place, marking a shift from catch-as-catch-can and legitimate challenge matches toward promoted title bouts that shaped the sport’s future.
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.