Sports History Network

In 1950, NASCAR raced 500 miles for the first time. The Southern 500 wreaked havoc on tires and was a battle of attrition. In 1991, the notation that Babe Ruth was the record holder for home runs in a 154 game season was finally removed from the record books. There was never an asterisk. In 1993, New York Yankee Jim Abbott pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. In 1972, U.S. swimmer Ri...

This podcast episode presents an engaging discourse centered around our audacious predictions for the inaugural week of the NFL season by Host Darin Hayes and Guest Ed Kleese. We delve into a series of bold forecasts, each reflecting our insights and analyses of upcoming games and player performances. We explore the prospects of various teams and players, offering predictions that range from indiv...

NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the  Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of “No-Nonsense Old-School Weightlifting History,” we’ll explore how weightlifting in the 1980s differed from today. We’ll compare gear and equipment like weightlifting shoes, belts, and singlets. We’ll also cover h...

In 1989, a World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Chile ended in chaos. In 1977, Japan’s Sadaharu Oh hit career homer number 756, passing Hank Aaron’s total. In 2008, it was the first official use of replay in major league baseball. In 1906, the first prize fight was hosted in the Nevada desert featuring Battling Nelson and Joe Gans. In 1970, Vince Lombardi died after battling colon cancer....

Johnny Neumann was one of those players who should be remembered as an ABA superstar. But his youth and immaturity undermined his own career. He started out hot, averaging 18 points/game as a rookie, but then quickly saw his numbers drop. Neumann is a cautionary tale about what it takes to achieve greatness in the pros.  CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY Mark jumps back into the 1990 NFC Championship, picking up in the 2nd half. You can read the full blog post here . 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 area. He...

In 1972, US middle distance runner Dave Wottle won the gold medal in one of the most dramatic comebacks in the 800m final. In 1995, Northwestern beat Notre Dame after being a 28-point underdog. In 1956, F1 rookie Peter Collins gave up his race car to teammate Juan Manual Fangio midway through the final race to allow Fangio a chance to capture the championship title. In 1979, Philadelphia Eagles ki...

This podcast episode delves into the illustrious history of the 1904 Chicago North Division High School football team, a group that produced numerous notable athletes who would go on to achieve great success in the realm of football. We engage in an insightful conversation with Timothy P. Brown, who elucidates the remarkable achievements of this team, particularly highlighting their impressive per...

The podcast episode features an engaging discussion with Ed Kleese, centering on the most memorable moments from Week 1 of the NFL season across the last three decades. It delves into a selection of standout games that not only captivated fans but also left an indelible mark on the annals of football history. As we explore these moments, we reflect on the emotional resonance they evoke, ranging fr...

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 2007, Appalachian State beat Michigan 34-32 in the greatest college football upset. In 1984, Mississippi Valley State's Jerry Rice caught 17 passes for 294 yards and 5 TDs in an 86-0 win. In 1996, Tiger Woods finished tied for 60th and cashed his first PGA Tour check of $2,544. In 1985, Bill Elliott won the Southern 500 and in doing so won the inaugural Winston Million Dollar prize. In 1989, Ma...

In 1969, boxer Rocky Marciano was killed in a plane crash in route to Des Moines, Iowa. In 1972, US sprinters Rey Robinson and Ed Hart were disqualified from their heat races due to a mixup in scheduling. In 1937, Detroit Tiger rookie Rudy York hit two home runs to finish the month of August with 18 home runs. That bested Babe Ruth's record of 17 for homers in a calendar month. And in 1990, Ken Gr...

In 1904, the Olympic marathon is a marvel in that anybody finished and a wonder that it ever made it back into the Olympics afterward. In 1991, long jumper Mike Powell topped Bob Beamon's seemingly impossible mark. In 2003, Katie Knida became the first female to play in a college football game. And on this day in 1917, William ‘Pop’ Gates was born.

Football Is Family is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sports' Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY Today we talk to author and podcaster Jordan Treske about his Wisconsin sports love, his book, his podcast, and anything else we could come up with. Check out his X page at Jordan Treske (@JordanTreske) / X Check out his book Building the Milwaukee Bucks: Kareem Abdul-...

In 2004, Brazilian runner Vanderlei de Lima was leading the marathon until the 22nd mile when Irishman Cornelius Horan surged onto the course, grabbed de Lima and pushed him into the crowd. In 1973, Nolan Ryan came close to another no-hitter. It would have been the first time in MLB history a pitcher had thrown 3 in a season if he'd gotten a little help. In 1925, New York Yankee Babe Ruth was susp...

In 2000, Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia squared off in the made-for-tv matchplay event 'The Battle at Bighorn.' In 1954, Arnold Palmer won the US Amateur after four previous attempts. His win on this day was what he called his 'turning point', giving him the confidence that he could turn pro. In 1988, LA Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda attacked the Phillie Phanatic. In 1970, Detroit Tiger pitcher Denn...

The 2025 football season is rapidly approaching, and this episode delves into significant historical moments currently unfolding in the realm of American football. We explore the exhilarating events surrounding cut-down day, wherein NFL teams reduced their rosters from 90 players to the mandated 53. Noteworthy among these developments is the reunion of star wide receiver Amari Cooper with the Las...

In 1972, Baltimore Colt All-Pro defensive end Bubba Smith tore up his knee when he got caught up with the first down chains. He missed the entire year and he was never the same. In 1997, Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp scored an exceptional hat trick against Leicester. In 1985, top seed and World Number one John McEnroe was nearly bounced in the first round of the US Open by Shlomo Glickstein. In 1977,...

A great theme to this podcast is our in-depth exploration of the most illustrious quarterbacks of the 1980s and 1990s, featuring insights from our esteemed guest, Ed Kleese. We embark on a captivating journey through football history, engaging in a spirited draft of these legendary athletes. Each selection is accompanied by thoughtful analysis, as we deliberate on the criteria that define greatnes...

Ladies and Gentlemen, football is back and not a moment too soon. In this episode of the Historically Speaking Sports Podcast, hosts Dana Auguster and Charles Combs are joined by fellow football fans and good friends Mark Boutte and David Bashay to talk out of course, football. We will discuss our our hopes this year for out teams as well as debate on who is the most overrated and underrated quart...

The NBA has had a variety of Big 3s in its history, but we want to go back to the 1940s to share the story of the original Big 3. We share the championship run of the Minneapolis Lakers, which featured George Mikan, Vern Mikkelson, and Jim Pollard.  CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher   MUSIC "1940s Slow Dance" by Doug "Horizo...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY Dave DePaola and Joe Zagorski join Mark to talk about 1970s NFL and how they believe this was the golden era of the league. 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...

In 1951, the plane carrying Toronto Maple Leaf Bill Barilko and his pilot friend Dr. Henry Hudson is presumed to have crashed on this day. The plane was not found for nearly 11 years. In 1939, the first ever sports event was broadcast on television. In 2001, Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk played 7 sudden death playoff holes before Tiger finally pulled out the win. In 1990, José Maria Olazabal played hi...

The episode delves into the fascinating historical narrative of Park H. Davis, a pivotal figure in American football history, who, despite his status as a backup player at Princeton, ascended to the esteemed position of head coach at the University of Wisconsin in 1893. We explore the unique circumstances that led to this extraordinary appointment during an era when coaching was often entrusted to...

In 1996, Tiger Woods stormed back from being down five after the morning round to win his 3rd consecutive US Amateur championships. The match is mostly known for the act of sportsmanship that happened on the day's 34th hole. In 1946, Ben Hogan won the PGA Championship for his first of what would be 9 major golf titles. In 1889, Cincinnati and Brooklyn players were arrested during a game for playin...