Sports History Network

The focal point of this discourse revolves around the historical evolution of the extra point play in football, a practice that transpires after each touchdown. We are joined by Timothy P. Brown of FootballArchaeology.com, who shares the journey of the extra point, detailing its contentious beginnings and the debates that have shaped its current form. The topic comes from one of Tim's recent Tidbi...

September 3rd, 1995 was the start of the 76th season of the National Football league. The San Francisco 49ers were the defending Super Bowl champions and every team was looking at the new season with new hope, possibilities and opportunities. For two of the now 30 teams in the National Football League however, the hope, possibilities and opportunities were new. On this early fall afternoon, in 199...

In 1978, Muhammad Ali beat Leon Spinks to win his third In 1969, Steve Carlton struck out 19 and lost to the New York Mets In 1971, Larry Yount was brought in to pitch in his major league debut but never threw an official pitch and never pitched again in the majors. In 1973, Archie Griffin started a string of 31 consecutive 100 yard rushing games. In 2002, Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon started a...

Today, we delve into the fascinating realm of sports history through the lens of R.L. Cubit II, an author who chronicles his remarkable experiences within the world of athletics, particularly football. Our discussion centers on his book, " Bleacher Kings Sports Almanac ," which encapsulates a plethora of sporting events that he has witnessed over the years, evoking a sense of nostalgia while highl...

1926 was one of the most dynamic and exciting seasons in baseball history, featuring legends like Babe Ruth, Rogers Hornsby, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Ty Cobb. It saw a gambling scandal involving two of the greatest players in baseball history, a mid-season acquisition that changed the history of a franchise, and a parallel season in the Negro Leagues with some of the all time greats in Blac...

In 1969, tire issues caused concern among NASCAR drivers at the brand new track at Talladega. It led to a 17-driver boycott. In 1991, San Diego State freshman running back Marshall Faulk set a new rushing record with 386 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 2003, Baltimore Raven running back Jamal Lewis rushed for a then NFL record 295 yards in a win over Cleveland. In 1994, the remainder of the Major Leagu...

Football Is Family is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sports' Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY We talk to Hank Gola about his book City of Champions. I encourage you to listen to his great story and then pick up his book at your local bookstore or online. Amazon.com: City of Champions: An American story of leather helmets, iron wills and the high school kids fro...

In 1992, San Francisco' Steve Young and Buffalo's Jim Kelly went head-to-head in an offensive air assault. It became the first NFL game with zero punts. In 1981, the Atlanta Falcons scored 31 points in the 4th quarter against Green Bay to tie an NFL record. In 2015, Tennessee Titan Marcus Mariotta became the first rookie QB to put together a perfect QB rating in his first start. In 1958, Florida S...

Today, we have two very special guests to the show: Todd Marinovich and Lizzy Wright. Todd was a former first-round draft pick with the Oakland Raiders back in 1991. Todd and Lizzy just published Todd’s memoirs, titled: Marinovich: Outside the Lines in Football, Art, and Addiction , which can be purchased at marinovichbook.com. In this memoir, Todd is very open about the struggles that he faced wi...

In 2009, Serena Williams exploded at a linesman after a foot fault. It cost her the match and a record amount of money. In 1992, Michael Chang and Stefan Edberg played a record setting marathon match at the US Open. In 1971, Johnny Miller won his first PGA Tournament after canceling a fishing trip. In 1976, Niki Lauda made his return to F1 just 33 days from a fiery crash. In 1995, the Harlem Globe...

Who Invented This Sport? is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY It looks like a mace, but the implement used for the sport of hammer throwing is not a decedent of medieval weaponry. In fact, hammer throwing athletes didn’t begin hurling a 16-pound iron ball attached to a wire that is attached to a handle until the beginning of the 1900s.&nb...

In 1985, Pete Rose picked up hit number 4,192 to pass Ty Cobb as the all-time MLB hits leader. In 1906, Boston Americans right fielder Jack Hayden and his teammate, second baseman Hobe Ferris got into a horrific fight that led to Hayden losing teeth and both being arrested. In 1991, it was an unusual combined no-hitter in Atlanta. In 2015, Meadville (Pa.) High School beat DuBois (Pa.) High School...

In 2016, Central Michigan benefitted from an officiating error to get an untimed down and then shocked Oklahoma State on the final play. In 1978, the Oakland Raiders pulled off the 'Holy Roller' to beat San Diego. In 1972, an imposter jumped into the men's Olympic marathon with about a kilometer to go and then ran around the track as if he was the leader. In 1983, a linesman was struck by ball dur...

Week one of the NFL season for 2025 has concluded. As we transition into week two, it is imperative to reflect upon the performances and predictions from the previous week. Our discussion will reveal the bold forecasts made regarding teams and players, evaluating the accuracy of our insights, particularly those of Ed Kleese and me. The episode will shed light on these performances, with particular...

The ABA did everything they could to land Lew Alcindor as an ABA player with the New York Nets. They prepared a file on him and were ready to offer nearly a million dollars more than the Milwaukee Bucks. So, why did Alcindor sign with the Bucks? The ABA misread the negotiations, and this is that story.  CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and pu...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Mark sits down with Ed Kleese to discuss the Washington Redskins' storied past. From the glory days of the 1991 Super Bowl champions to the challenges of the 1980s, Ed provides a heartfelt look at what it means to be a fan through thick and thin. YESTERDAY'S SPORTS B...

In 1972, the US Men's basketball team had their Gold Medals stolen from them by the Soviets and FIBA. In 2020, the Atlanta Braves scored 29 runs to set a new National League record. In 1965, LA Dodger Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs. The game set records for fewest hits in a game (1) and baserunners (2). In 1960, the Denver Broncos and the Boston Patriots played the firs...

The central theme of this discourse revolves around an exploration of the evolution of the football snap, particularly the technique of snapping the ball between the quarterback's legs. As we delve into this fascinating aspect of football history with the esteemed football archaeologist Timothy P. Brown, we uncover the nuanced changes in rules and strategies that have shaped the game over the deca...

We discuss the last games (or fights) for five of the greatest of all time: Rocky Marciano, Willie Mays, Gordie Howe, Jerry Rice, and Kobe Bryant. Books to Complement This Episode: Unbeaten: Rocky Marciano's Fight for Perfection in a Crooked World The Boxing Kings: When American Heavyweights Ruled the Ring Amazin': The Miraculous History of New York's Most Beloved Baseball Team 24: Life Stories an...

Gridiron Greats Magazine podcast is part of the  Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY With Author Joe Zagorski and his new book on Dolphin Great Larry Little 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...

In 2002, the Kansas Chiefs beat the Cleveland Browns on an untimed field goal after Dwayne Rudd took off his helmet before the play was over. In 1960, Wilma Rudolph became the first female track athlete to win three gold medals during an Olympic Summer games. In 2001, Venus and Serena Williams played against each other in a grand slam finals match for the first time. In 1957, Althea Gibson became...

In this enlightening episode, we engage in a profound discussion with the esteemed author Vincent Genovese, who reflects upon the remarkable narrative of the Pottsville Maroons and their contentious claim to the 1925 NFL championship. The episode elucidates the intricate details surrounding the Maroons' historical achievements, emphasizing the pivotal role played by their coach, Doc Striegel, and...

In 1980, Green Bay kicker Chester Marcol scored the game winning touchdown against Chicago. In 2003, Carolina Panther QB Jake Delhomme sparked a second half comeback to beat Jacksonville Jaguars. In 1979, ESPN hit the air with the words, 'If you're a fan, if you're a fan, what you'll see in the minutes, days and weeks that follow may convince you, you've gone to sports heaven.' In 1889, the St. Lo...

In 1976, LA Dodger Steve Yaeger nearly died but he turned his horrific injury into a new piece of equipment. In 1995, Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken became Major League Baseball's new Iron Man. In 1924, St. Louis Browns pitcher Urban Shocker pitched both games of a double header. In 2004, Tiger Woods lost his number one ranking after holding it for 264 consecutive weeks. In 1975, tennis player Martin...

In 2013, Peyton Manning became the sixth NFL QB to throw 7 TDs in a game. In 1906, the first legal forward pass was thrown in a football game. In 1997, Houston's Tony Peña pulled off the second fake intentional walk of his career. In 1972, eight members of Black September, an offshoot of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, invaded the Israeli Olympic living quarters with guns drawn, taking ho...