Today marks 51 years since Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the iconic Battle of the Sexes. This match, played in Encinitas, CA, shares the same zip code—92024—as Phlash Phelps' city of the day. It's a curious coincidence, especially since the match was not just about tennis. It was about equality, and it became a catalyst for social change, reminding us that King's influence extends far beyond sports.

But here’s where the alignment between two pioneering women becomes even more striking. 181 years ago, Margaret Fuller published The Great Lawsuit: Man Versus Men, Woman Versus Women in The Dial. In her essay, Fuller declared that men and women deserve the same rights, including property ownership and voting. She wrote, "Man has gone but little way; now he is waiting to see whether Woman can keep step with him." But instead of calling out, like a good brother, "You can do it if you only think so," or impersonally, "Anyone can do what he tries to do," the old-school boys scoff: "Girls can't do that; girls can't play ball."

In 1843, Fuller argued against the same dismissive attitude that Billie Jean King faced 130 years later.

51 years ago, Billie Jean King proved girls can play ball. 181 years ago, Margaret Fuller challenged the world to recognize it.

Ain't that peculiar?

Read more about Billie Jean King's latest achievement—being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal—by checking out this article: Billie Jean King Makes History with Congressional Gold Medal.