Sports History Network

The central theme of our discussion revolves around the notion that a religious experience in sports is not merely a contemporary phenomenon but has been a recurrent aspect of American history. Our esteemed guest, Art Remillard, author of "Bodies in Motion: A Religious History of Sports in America," elucidates the ways in which sports have acquired sacred meanings and characteristics over time. He...

In 2000, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick made their debuts in New England. Brady as the third string backup to Drew Bledsoe and Michael Bishop. On the other sideline, Giovanni Carmazzi was supposed to be the future QB in San Francisco. Things did not go well. In 2012, swimmer Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympic athlete. In 1928, 16-year old American Betty Robinson became the first woman...

During the decade of the 1980'sz in the time between the retirement of Muhammad Ali and the rise of Mike Tyson, the sport of boxing was never more popular. Thanks to the talents, toughness and swagger of four fighters with various talents and differing styles. In this episode of the podcast. Dana Auguster and Charles Combs discuss the Four Kings era highlighted by Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran,...

Gridiron Greats Magazine podcast is part of the  Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY With the authors of the new book: Leo Lyons, the Rochester Jeffersons and the Birth of the NFL - John Steffenhagen (Leo Lyon's Great Grandson) and Jeffery Miller GRIDIRON GREATS MAGAZINE BACKGROUND Gridiron Greats covers 150+ years of North American football...

In 1990, Major League Baseball Commissioner Faye Vincent banned New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for life. In 1980, Houston Astros pitcher J.R. Richard suffered a stroke that ended his career. In 1989, Javier Sotomayor became the first high jumper to successfully top 8-feet. In 1983, golfer Andy Bean violated rule 19 and hit a putt with the grip of his club, a mistake that cost him nearl...

The discourse in this episode centers on the evolution of the Washington NFL franchise in the aftermath of the Joe Gibbs era, highlighting the challenges and transitions faced by the team. Our guest, Ed Kleese, delves into the complexities of fandom and loyalty amidst the highs and lows of team performance. He articulates his journey as a devoted supporter, tracing his affinity for the franchise b...

Charlie Berry is one of the most unique individuals in the history of sports. Not only did he play Major League Baseball for 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox, he also played in the NFL with the Pottsville Maroons in 1925 and 1926. Pottsville, which owned the best record in the 1925 season to claim the NFL Championship, was stripped of its title (che...

 The 1972 Olympic Gold Medal Match was between the USA and the USSR. This was more than just a game. This was a battle of political ideologies. Going into the game the USA had never lost an Olympic game. But the Soviets would not be intimidated. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher   MUSIC "Коробейники" by VladimirGLenin "Horiz...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY Mark covers the life and career of enigmatic Billy "The Kid" Martin, long time player and manager in the MLB. Many say he should be in the Hall of Fame for his incredible coaching prowess. Others say his off-field antics don't deserve a place in the Hall. This is part 1 of a 3 part s...

In 1991, New York Yankees fans jeered Jose Canseco after rumors erupted of him and Madonna becoming an item. In 1988, Bo Jackson hit a home run after the timeout he asked for was denied. In 1908, John McFarlan was denied a perfect game because the final guy refused to step into the batter's box. In 1996, Carl Lewis won the gold medal in the long jump becoming part of an elite crowd to win gold in...

This podcast episode delves into the intriguing narrative surrounding the concept of the "12th man" in football, emphasizing notable instances of unsportsmanlike conduct throughout the sport’s rich history. We engage in a conversation with Timothy P. Brown of footballarchaeology.com, who recounts several remarkable incidents that illustrate the lengths to which players and fans have gone in their...

In 1991, Montreal Expos pitcher Dennis Martinez pitched the 13th perfect game in MLB history. Catcher Ron Hassey was behind the plate, becoming the only pitcher to catch two perfect games. In 1994, Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers was perfect against the California Angels. In 1993, New York Mets pitcher Anthony Young broke his string of 27 consecutive losses. In 1989, St. Louis Cardinal Vince Co...

This podcast episode meticulously examines the inaugural decade of the National Football League, focusing on the eminent players who defined this formative era. We delve into the selections for the All-Decade team established in the 1960s, scrutinizing the criteria and individuals nominated by historians Ken Crippen and John Turney. Through a comprehensive analysis, we reevaluate the original choi...

We wrap up our three part series on the greatest New York players by number, this time covering numbers 68 through 99. A lot of offensive and defensive linemen this time around, and a few obscure names--but lots of legends too: Sam Huff, Michael Strahan, Kevin Mawae, and Aaron Judge to name a few. And we even name a best player ever for #0. Enjoy! Hello Old Sports is part of the Sports History Net...

In 1993, Boston Celtic Reggie Lewis collapsed and died during a pickup game. He'd collapsed during a playoff game in April. In 1999, Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders surprisingly retired from the NFL. In 1988, New York Yankees pitcher Tommy John committed three errors on the same play. In 1987, it was the end of a legendary streak when the Billings (Montana) Mustangs beat the Salt Lake Cit...

In 1986, Mike Tyson knocked out Marvis Frazier in 30 seconds. It was his quickest knockout in his career. In 1998, three spectators attending the US 500 at Michigan International Speedway after Adrian Fernandez's wreck on lap 175. In 2009, another Tour de France ended. Lance Armstrong made his comeback. If he had chosen to stay retired, would his 7 Tour wins still be intact.? In 1984, MLB commissi...

In 1908, icy relations between the US and Britain led to a controversial ruling in the men's 400 m and the most unusual finish to an Olympic race. Also in 1908, it was the first black American to ever win an Olympic medal. In 1952, an FBI agent was chased by a Russian in the 3000m Steeplechase. In 1999, Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France. This win has since been vacated but the influence of wh...

This episode delves into the intriguing historical pranks and uniform changes that have shaped the narrative of American football. We recount a remarkable incident from 1896 when Auburn fans employed an ingenious strategy to thwart Georgia Tech's arrival for a pivotal game, leading to a memorable victory for Auburn. Furthermore, we explore recent modifications to the Pittsburgh Steelers' uniforms,...

In 1983, it was the 'Pine Tar' incident when Kansas City's George Brett was called out after a Billy Martin protest for too much pine tar on his bat. In 1908, the London Marathon was the first marathon run at a distance of 26.2 miles. Before it had been 25 miles. If the finish line had been where it typically was, there would have been a different winner. In 1952, Emil and Dana Zatopek became the...

This podcast features a compelling discussion with Thomas Hall of GridironIntelligence.com, who presents an innovative statistical metric for the upcoming football season that promises to enrich our understanding of the game. Central to our dialogue is the concept of "actual pass distance," which offers a more nuanced perspective on quarterback performances by measuring the precise distance the ba...

NO NONSENSE, OLD SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING HISTORY is presented by the  Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY Mark and his son, Everett, discuss Olympic Weightlifting judging over the years. One of the hotly debated topics is the "press-out" rule. SHOW BACKGROUND My name is Mark Morthier, and I host yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History...

In 1995, John Daly won a four-hole playoff against Constantino Rocca to win the Open Championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews. In 2000, Tiger Woods won his first British Open, becoming the youngest to win all four majors in a career. In 2006, Tiger won his third Open Championship. It was his first win after his father, Earl, had passed away. In 1989, Greg LeMond eclipsed a 50 second deficit t...

We wrap our story on Jerry West by reviewing his time as an NBA executive. He was arguably a better executive than he was a player, and was already one of the greatest players of all time. As an executive alone he went to the NBA Finals 14 times. That is some true excellence.  CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher   MUSIC "50s N...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports 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 how the Soviets dominated weightlifting in the 1970s a...

In 1992, the Dream Team played an intrasquad scrimmage that had the intensity of an NBA Finals Game 7. In 2001, David Duval won his first and only major championship thanks to an error by Ian Woosnam's caddy. In 1963, Sonny Liston beat Floyd Patterson for the second time. In 1990, Greg LeMond won his third Tour de France. In 1984, American Marianne Martin won the first Women's Tour de France. THIS...