On Father’s Day 1962, 22-year-old Jack Nicklaus outdueled local favorite Arnold Palmer in an 18-hole playoff at Oakmont to win his first career major. Palmer seemed to know what was ahead, warning after the match, “Now that the big guy is out of the cage, everybody better run for cover.” Nicklaus would go on to win 17 more majors over the next 25 years.

The Shaq and Penny Magic were the only team to prevent a Jordan-led roster from reaching the NBA Finals between 1991 and 1998. Of course, MJ was still knocking the rust off from his minor league baseball excursion, re-joining the Bulls just two months prior. The Magic won the series in six games, but were swept by Hakeem and the repeating Rockets in the Finals.

Swipe for some 90's NBA nostalgia. ➡

Former nWo member Dennis Rodman turns 64 years old today! This Sports Illustrated issue from October '95 marks his second appearance on the cover, and first in a Chicago Bulls uniform (or a uniform of any kind, for that matter). A quarter-century after last played in the NBA, The Worm remains one of the most unique players and memorable characters in the history of the league.

"Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

Happy birthday to Yogi Berra, born on this day in 1925. 10-time World Series champion and king of the quotable quip — even if he didn't say most of what he said. This July 11, 1955 issue of Sports Illustrated was his first appearance on the cover Of the 32 newsstand issues slabbed by CGC, 18 are graded higher than this 7.5.

13-time NBA All-Star John Havlicek on the cover of Sports Illustrated on this day in 1966. The Celtics had just closed out the Lakers to secure their 8th straight title, sending Red Auerbach out on top in his final season as head coach. “Hondo” would appear on four more SI covers during his playing days, but none as iconic as this, his first.