Professional Sports 1959

Alf Dean using a rod and reel hooks a 2,664lb, 16' 10" white shark

1959 Baseball

World Series – Los Angeles Dodgers win 4 games to 2 over the Chicago White Sox. The Series MVP is Larry Sherry, Los Angeles

The San Francisco Giants officially name their new stadium Candlestick Park.

1959 Football

Tom Landry accepts coaching job with Dallas Cowboys (stays until 1988)

AFL announced with 8 teams

Vince Lombardi signs a 5 year contract to coach Green Bay Packers

NFL Championship – Baltimore Colts won 31-16 over the New York Giants

1959 Basketball

NBA Finals – Boston Celtics win 4 games to 0 over the Minneapolis Lakers

1959 Hockey

Art Ross Memorial Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer during the regular season: Dickie Moore, Montreal Canadiens

Hart Memorial Trophy for the NHL's Most Valuable Player: Andy Bathgate, New York Rangers

Stanley Cup – Montreal Canadiens win 4 games to 1 over the Toronto Maple Leafs

World Hockey Championship: Belleville McFarlands from Canada

On November 1, Montreal Canadiens goaltender, Jacques Plante, was injured when struck in the face by a flying puck. He offers to return to play on the condition that he wears his goalie mask. His example soons leads to the mask becoming standard equipment for goalies and a symbol of the game itself.

Athletes of the Year 1959

Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year: Ingemar Johansson, boxing

Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year: Maria Bueno, tennis

Professional Sports 1959

1959 Boxing

New York City, Ingemar Johansson scored a 3rd round TKO over Floyd Patterson to win the World Heavyweight Championship

1959 Golf

Masters Tournament - Art Wall, Jr.
U.S. Open - Billy Casper
British Open - Gary Player
PGA Championship - Bob Rosburg
PGA Tour money leader - Art Wall, Jr. - $53,168

Ryder Cup - United States 8½ to 3½ over Britain in team golf

Women's Western Open - Betsy Rawls
LPGA Championship - Betsy Rawls
U.S. Women's Open - Mickey Wright
Titleholders Championship - Louise Suggs
LPGA Tour money leader - Betsy Rawls - $26,774

1959 Grand Slam Tennis

Australian National Championship – Alex Olmedo
French National Championship – Nicola Pietrangeli
Wimbledon championship – Alex Olmedo
United States National Championship – Neale Fraser

Australian Championship – Mary Carter-Reitano
French Championship – Christine Truman
Wimbledon championship – Maria Bueno
U.S. Championship – Maria Bueno

Davis Cup – Australia wins 3-2 over the Australia in world tennis.

1959 Horseracing

Kentucky Derby – Tomy Lee
Preakness Stakes – Royal Orbit
Belmont Stakes – Sword Dancer

College Sports 1959

Football 1959

1959 Heisman Trophy - Billy Cannon, LSU HB

1959 SUGAR BOWL: #2 Mississippi Rebels     21 over #3 LSU Tigers 0

1959 COTTON BOWL: #1 Syracuse Orangemen 23 over #4 Texas Longhorns 14

1959 ROSE BOWL: #8 Washington Huskies 44 over #6 Wisconsin Badgers 8
1959 ORANGE BOWL: #5 Georgia Bulldogs 14 over   #18 Missouri Tigers 0

1959 college football champions - Syracuse Orange

Basketball 1959

NCAA Men's Basketball Championship – California wins 71-70 over West Virginia