Sports History Network

We are in the mist of College Bowl season and this is the time of year where legends are born, where underdogs rise, dynasties show signs of cracking and one play could live forever. In this episode, Dana Auguster and Charles Combs are counting down their five most memorable bowl games that they have seen in our lifetimes. Along with the games, Dana and Charles will add personal antidotes about ea...

Gridiron Baltic is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY *********** GRIDIRON BALTIC BACKGROUND Gridiron Baltic is a monthly podcast exploring connections between American football in the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. On the surface, America’s Game may seem to have little in common with three small-nation states in Eastern Eur...

In 2003, the San Francisco 49ers came from 24 points down to beat the New York Giants in Wildcard Playoff game. There was a controversial end that led NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue to say it was the worst reffing blunder in his 13 year career. In 1971, boxer Sonny Liston was found dead in his Las Vegas home. Was he murdered for not taking a dive? In 1988, Pete Maravich died playing a pickup game...

This episode delves into the intricate and esteemed history of college football jersey number three, highlighting its significance and the illustrious players who have donned it throughout the years. We examine the profound legacy of the number, with particular emphasis on the traditions of various collegiate programs, including the memorialization of Abraham Reinhart at Utah Tech and the retireme...

In 2004, Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck made a bold statement but didn't deliver. In 1981, the Cleveland Browns Brian Sipe threw an interception to end their season on a play called 'Red Right 88.' The reason they ran it was due to their kicker struggling to kick the ball straight. In 1976, 48-year old George Blanda played his final game, wrapping up a 27 year career that spanned four decades. --- Also...

Gridiron Baltic is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY *********** GRIDIRON BALTIC BACKGROUND Gridiron Baltic is a monthly podcast exploring connections between American football in the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. On the surface, America’s Game may seem to have little in common with three small-nation states in Eastern Eur...

In 1973, George Steinbrenner and 11 others bought the New York Yankees from CBS. In 1946, jockey George Wolff fell off his mount in a horse race and died the following day. In 1983, Dallas Cowboy Tony Dorsett scored the longest rushing touchdown in NFL history. In 1987, the Cleveland Browns beat the New York Jets in the 'Marathon by the Lake.' In 1993, (though not mentioned during this edition of...

In 2000, the Oakland Raiders denied the Kansas City Chiefs a playoff spot with impressive win at Arrowhead. Raiders coach Jon Gruden said it was a game he'd gladly watch on an endless loop. In 1982, the San Diego Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins in OT in the 'Epic in Miami.' In 1994, Houston Oilers DC Buddy Ryan punched Houston Oilers OC on the sideline during a game. In 1984, Nebraska Cornhuskers...

The current discourse centers on the notable outcomes of the second round of the College Football Playoffs for the 2025-2026 season, particularly emphasizing the alarming trend regarding teams that receive first-round byes. It has been observed that, in a strikingly similar pattern to the previous year, a majority of these teams have succumbed to defeat in their subsequent matchups, raising pertin...

Under the Radar is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY Curt Tomasevicz first made a name for himself as a walk-on football player for the storied Nebraska Cornhuskers' program. After graduation, he was restless for a next journey, so when a female track athlete mentioned bobsledding, he tried it and went all in. Ultimately, he captured a go...

Pro Football in the 1970s is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear . JOE ZAGORSKI'S BOOKS ON AMAZON From the Outhouse to the Penthouse: The Football Journey of Hall of Famer Larry Little Free Spirit at Free Safety: The Incredible (But True!) Football Journey of Bill Bradley The 2,003-Yard Odyssey: The Juice, The Electric Company, and an Epic Run...

In 1902, the first Rose Bowl, or what would become known as The Rose Bowl was played. Michigan beat Stanford 49-0. In 1979, Charlie White's 'Phantom Touchdown' helped USC beat Michigan 17-10 in the Rose Bowl. In 1991, a questionable 'block in the back' call brought back Rocket Ismael's 90-yard punt return that would have won the game for Notre Dame. Instead Colorado won 10-9 and was named co-champ...

This is a replay of the Jan. 1, 2025 edition. In 1954, Alabama's Tommy Lewis came off the bench to tackle Rice running back Dickie Maegle. In 1985, the drivers of the Boomer Sooner Schooner came onto the field a bit early and got bogged down. A 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty was called and it cost Oklahoma points in their Orange Bowl game against Washington. In 2007, Boise State beat Oklahoma in...

In 1967, the Green Bay Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 to win the NFL Championship. It was the coldest game in NFL history and became known as 'The Ice Bowl.' In 1988, the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles in a dense fog at Soldier Field. In 1972, the plane carrying Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente to Nicaragua crashed, killing all on board. In 1935, Notre Dame and Northwestern en...

Week 18 Showdown: A Season of Parity, Ending in a Deadlock! Darin Hayes welcomed listeners back to the "Pig Pen" at Pigskin Dispatch, the official portal for football history, to set the stage for the final week of the National Football League season. Joined by co-host Ed Kleese, the episode focused on the tradition of their weekly "big bowl predictions" and a look back at a truly bizarre NFL seas...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE EPISODE SUMMARY Monday Night Football (Part 2) - Mark and Dave Relive The Early Days of Monday Night Football YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the...

 From 1949 until 1965, the NBA employed the concept of the Territorial Draft Pick, which allowed team to automatically take a player that played their university basketball within 50 miles of the NBA team’s arena. It allowed college superstars to play locally where their fans could see them play in the NBA. It made sense at the time. Join us as we take a look back. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head resea...

Gridiron Greats Magazine podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY With Football Library Collector and Football Author Ben Carpenter GRIDIRON GREATS MAGAZINE BACKGROUND Gridiron Greats covers 140+ years of North American football history and memorabilia. It was founded in 2002 and published by Franklin Rose who then turned over to Bob...

In 1968, LA Laker center Wilt Chamberlain gave HS Junior Bill Walton a little encouragement. In 1978, the NHL swallowed up four WHA teams. In 1990, Orlando's Scott Skiles dished out 30 assists to set a new NBA record. In 1988, Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders capped the greatest season in collegiate football with a 5 TD, 222-yard performance against Wyoming and win in the Holiday Bowl. In 1907, a co...

The Great Rose Bowl Hoax: When a 3-6 Harvard Team Was "Invited" to Pasadena While the modern era is seeing a slow return of Ivy League teams considering postseason play—a novelty perhaps best illustrated by the news that some Ivy teams might secure bowl slots in 2025—it’s easy to forget that nearly a century ago, one of the ancient institutions received perhaps the most absurd bowl invitation in h...

In 1978, Ohio State's Woody Hayes punched Clemson linebacker Charlie Bauman after a turnover. It led to Hayes' firing a few days later. In 1982, Alabama's Paul 'Bear' Bryant coached his final game. In 1963, the Chicago Bears beat the New York Giants to win the NFL Championship. YA Tittle had five interceptions.

The Deuce’s Dynasty: Ranking College Football’s Most Legendary Number 2s In college football, a jersey number is more than just identification; it’s a symbol. It can denote a position, a tradition, or, most often, a legacy. Few numbers boast the sheer star power and positional diversity of Number 2 . From Heisman winners to defensive legends and unstoppable all-purpose weapons, this digit has been...

Going all the way back to the days of George Mikan, the NBA's Lakers have dominated the sport like no other team. But in recent years self-centeredness and shortsightedness both on and off the court have put this proud franchise in peril. In this episode, author Yaron Weitzman joins us to talk about his book, " A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the Lebron Lakers ". The book tells the tal...

In 1958, the Baltimore Colts beat the New York Giants to win the NFL Championship. In 1975, the Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings with a dramatic TD in the final minute of the game. In 1902, Syracuse and the New York Knickerbockers played the first indoor football game at Madison Square Garden. Syracuse won 6-0. In 2000, Boston's Milt Palacio stole the ball and the show, sinking a buzzer b...

In 1953, a Bobby Layne to Jimmy Doran pass and catch with under 2 minutes to play won the Championship for the Detroit Lions over Cleveland. In 1998, Emmit Smith ran for two touchdowns to pass Marcus Allen to become the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns. In 1974, Ohio State's Archie Griffin won the first of his two Heisman trophies. Did he deserve the second one? In 1991, Tim Hardaway Sr. set...