Bay Area Records
Photo credit Yahoo Sports
Stephen Curry recently hit his 4,000th regular season 3-pointer, becoming the first player in NBA history to do so. Curry has held the record for most 3-pointers made since December 2021, when he surpassed Ray Allen’s previous record of 2,973.
As of 2023, James Harden is over 800 3-pointers behind Curry, with 3,160. While Curry’s goal of 5,000 3-pointers remains speculative, it seems likely given his continued dominance in shooting.
Here are some other seemingly unbreakable records set by Bay Area athletes:
Jerry Rice holds three major NFL records: 1,549 receptions, 22,895 receiving yards, and 197 receiving touchdowns. These records are still standing and are considered monumental. What’s even crazier is that the same person set all three records—truly a one-of-a-kind achievement in NFL history.
Wilt Chamberlain set 72 NBA records, with a few standing out. He scored 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks—a record that still seems untouchable. The next closest person is Kobe Bryant with 81 points. Chamberlain also had 118 games with 50+ points, far surpassing Michael Jordan’s 31. His 50.4 points per game during the 1961-62 season is still the highest in NBA history, and he holds the top four spots for points per game in a season, with Michael Jordan in fifth at 37.1 in 1986-87.
Note: The Warriors were based in Philadelphia at the time of Wilt Chamberlain’s record-breaking performances.
The San Jose Sharks hold an NHL record of 71 consecutive games without a point, which is now unbreakable since teams now earn points for losing in overtime. This record was set in an era before the current overtime rules.
The Golden State Warriors set the NBA regular season record for most wins in a season with 73-9 in the 2015-16 season. While the Chicago Bulls' 72-10 record from the 1995-96 season is close, the Warriors’ 73 wins are technically a higher total, though many still consider the Bulls’ record to be one of the most impressive due to the quality of competition they faced.
Photo credit The 33rd Team
Joe DiMaggio set a 61-game hitting streak for the San Francisco Seals in Minor League Baseball back in 1933. What makes this even more remarkable is that he was just 18 years old and hadn’t even graduated high school yet!
Barry Bonds holds two major MLB records: most career home runs (762) and most home runs in a single season (73). These records are often debated due to the steroid era, but they are still officially recognized and cement Bonds' place as one of the greatest hitters in MLB history.
Jack LaLanne, at age 60, swam from Alcatraz to Fisherman’s Wharf, handcuffed and shackled at the ankles, while towing a 1,000-pound boat. This feat remains one of the most incredible displays of physical endurance ever.
Rickey Henderson, born in Oakland and known for his time with the A's, holds the MLB record for the most career stolen bases (1,406) and the most stolen bases in a season (130 in 1982). Lou Brock, with 938 career steals, is the second closest to Henderson, but that still leaves a gap of 468 stolen bases. Henderson’s 130 steals in a season are even more remarkable when compared to the leader of last year’s season (67 steals).
Photo credit Bleed Cubbie Blue
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Warriors, holds the record for most career regular-season wins among NBA coaches with 558 wins (as of 2023). This record might not be "unbreakable," but with the fast turnover of NBA coaches, it’s a tough one to surpass.
People in San Francisco set a Guinness World Record in 1986 when 110,000 people participated in the Bay to Breakers foot race, making it the largest foot race in history. It remains one of the most iconic events in the Bay Area.
Jack Clark, coach of the Cal Rugby team, holds the record for the most national titles in college rugby with 29 championships—24 in 5-man rugby and 5 in 7-man rugby. Since Clark is still coaching, this record is likely to continue growing.
Steve Kerr almost set another record when, in the 1986-87 college season, the 3-point line was first introduced. Kerr shot 199 3-pointers with a 57.3% shooting percentage, which would have been an NCAA record. However, he fell one shot short of qualifying for the official record, which required 200 attempts. Maybe Kerr can go back to college and hit one more 3-pointer to claim that record!
Stephen Curry also holds the NBA record for the highest career free throw percentage at 91.12%. The only other players over 90% are Steve Nash and Mark Price. What makes Curry’s free throw percentage so impressive is that it continues to improve with age, making it a tough record to break.
If I missed any sports records or if you have thoughts on the list, feel free to share them in the feedback section!
