Only A Game

Missing the thrill of the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments? We have an alternative for you: March Mammal Madness, where science and bracketology collide! Also, this week on Only A Game, the story of one family's poetry battles ... about Duke men's basketball. And the controversial origin of Chess City, which is tucked away inside the Russian republic of Kalmykia. Plus, the story behind Expos Fest, an annual celebration that's about more than baseball. Join us!

The NBA and NHL seasons have been suspended. MLB Opening Day is postponed. March Madness has been canceled. This week on Only A Game, a look at how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting sports. Also, we'll look back 70 years to uncover why 12 members of the Czechoslavakian national hockey team were charged with treason. And the story of a young artist who found her place among the women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

In 1969, the University of Texas football became the last team to win the national championship with an all-white roster. This week on Only A Game, the story of Texas football's long road to integration. Also, six years ago in Minnesota, a high school basketball game slowed down ... way, way down. And the story of Chris Clark: the 37-year-old doctor and mother of two who surprised everyone by winning the 2000 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Join us!

Two years ago, Kristi Kirshe was working at a law firm when she decided to join a friend who was playing on a recreational rugby team. Now, she has a good shot of making the Tokyo Olympics. Also this week on Only A Game, the story of the fastest man who won't be on the starting line at this weekend's Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta. And the story behind a photo of rival soccer fans that became a "symbol of unity" during recent protests in Chile. Join us!

When Anthony Ianni joined the Michigan State basketball team, he kept his autism diagnosis a secret from his teammates — including from star Draymond Green. This week on Only A Game, the argument that led to understanding. Plus, we share the story of Darius Victor's journey from the Ivory Coast to Maryland to the XFL. And we re-share — and get an update on — one of our favorite stories: about the man who collects signatures from world leaders ... on baseballs. Join us!

This week on Only A Game, the Flying Fathers, a team featuring a former NHL player, two horses that played goalie, seven frozen toes ... and a bunch of hockey-playing priests. Also, Ashlee Yates' life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with epilepsy. But her health struggles ultimately led her to stand-up comedy — and to telling jokes about her husband, San Diego Padres pitcher Kirby Yates. Plus the Astros say "sorry, not sorry" for their sign-stealing scandal. Join us!

The Oscars are Sunday night, and we wanted to get in on the fun. So this week on Only A Game, three sports stories with a Hollywood connection. First, the story of the Universal Pictures basketball team, which went to the Olympics — with a little help from Frankenstein. Also, swimmer-turned-movie star Esther Williams and a decades-long game of "exceedingly low cunning and vile stealth." Also, how Major League Baseball's first $100,000 bonus baby helped shape modern baseball. Join us!

Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, died in a helicopter crash. This week on Only A Game, how players, fans and sexual assault survivors are responding. We'll also revisit our 2015 conversation with Kobe's "muse": his former English teacher. Also, the story of a Basque expat who found a home in Mexico City with the help of ... jai alai. And with Super Bowl Sunday coming up, a look at the connection between college football graduation rates and the lack of NFL head coaching diversity. Finally, our ...

After NBA All-Star Al Horford joined the Boston Celtics, a different Horford became a fan favorite. This week on Only A Game, the ongoing love story between Al's younger sister Anna and the Celtics community. Also, a former high school quarterback remembers her experience as the only girl on the gridiron in Sicily. And what a British baseball fan learned on his mission to attend 162 baseball games and visit all 30 MLB ballparks in a single season. Join us!

The Davidson College men's basketball program is best known for producing NBA superstar Stephen Curry. This week on Only A Game, another story out of Davidson ... about the math-minded students who are helping the athletic department. Also, the story of the American Classic Arcade Museum. And while participation in most high school sports is down, there are a few exceptions ... like girls' wrestling. Join us!