Contrary to popular belief, the word golf is not an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden". In fact, in the 15th century the spelling was "gowf"

The earliest known reference to golf appears in an 1457 Act of the Scottish Parliament by James II of Scotland

Mike Austin holds the world record for the longest drive in professional play, driving 515 yards at the Winterwood Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1974

Until 1936, a jump ball in basketball occurred in at center court after every basket made

The term soccer originated in England, first appearing in the 1880s as an Oxford "-er" abbreviation of the word "association"

Only one major league ballplayer has been fatally injured during a game. Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman was killed when struck in the head by a pitch on August 16, 1920