Only A Game

Dale Berra used cocaine throughout his career as a Major League Baseball player. But when his family had had enough of his drug use, Dale's father, Yogi, showed his tough love. Join us!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S. women's national soccer team's 1999 World Cup title. This week on Only A Game, we hear from Kristine Lilly, Julie Foudy and others about the '99ers off-field fight for gender equity. Plus, American Georgia Cloepfil reflects on her experience playing professional soccer in South Korea. And why Norwegian soccer star Ada Hegerberg won't be taking the pitch at the Women's World Cup underway in France. Join us!

With Golden State in the NBA Finals for the fifth straight season, we tell the story of Lloyd Canamore — a superfan who started working as a snack vendor at Warriors games in the late '70s. Also this week on Only A Game, we'll meet Leigh Ann Harris, a Seattle woman who lost her home but kept pursuing her goal of running seven marathons. And the story of the Syracuse 8 — a group of nine Syracuse football players who boycotted the 1970 season to protest racial discrimination. Join us!

Kane Pitman left his job at an oil refinery in Australia to move to Milwaukee to cover the Bucks as a freelance reporter. This week on Only A Game, the story behind Pitman's 9,800-mile journey. And decades after meeting him at a pizza shop, OAG's Gary Waleik reconnects with former Celtics big man Rick Robey. And former Olympic hopeful Kristal Bodenschatz (née Uzelac) makes a comeback at age 32. Join us!

In 2017, Baltimore Raven John Urschel left the NFL to finish his doctorate in mathematics at MIT. This week on Only A Game, we learn how Urschel's passion for math developed. Plus, the story of a friendship between NHL winger Ryan Reaves and broadcaster Scott Oake. And a former Washington Bullettes dancer gets back on the hardwood with The Wizdom — the Washington Wizards' over-50 dance team. Join us!

Last year, high school girls' lacrosse players in Florida were required to wear specially designed protective headgear. It's the latest chapter in an ongoing debate about whether adding more protective equipment will really make the sport safer. This week on Only A Game, we take a dive into this history. Plus, we give a "Double Play" to a Mother's Day tribute from LA Times columnist Bill Plaschke. And a former college soccer player gets an unexpected call to take the field with Lionel Messi. Join us!

Our friends at the show "Death, Sex & Money" recently released an episode that features a conversation between writers Damon Young and Kiese Laymon. Some of it is about basketball. A lot of it isn't. We think you'll enjoy the whole thing.

"Game of Zones" is an animated video series that imagines what would happen if real-life NBA drama unfolded in a medieval, "Game of Thrones"-inspired universe. This week on Only A Game, the story of the two brothers behind the hit series. Plus, how a St. Louis runner continued his career after losing his sight. And the PA announcer who's been behind the mic for eight Lakers championships. Join us!

From 2015–2018, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers made four straight NBA Finals appearances. But when LeBron left for the Lakers this past offseason, the Cavs success left with him. This week on Only A Game, how Clevelanders found solace ... in a 10-piece chicken nugget giveaway. Plus, how Howard University became the first HBCU to win a Div. I NCAA championship ... twice. And the time former NBA player Jason Collins met President Obama. Join us!

In 1994, Eric Murangwa played goalie for one of Rwanda's top soccer clubs. He was 19 years old and one of the country's most beloved players. He was also Tutsi. When the Rwandan genocide began, he was forced to run and hide. This week on Only A Game, Murangwa shares the story of how he survived. Also, the story of Satchel Paige and his connection to a group called the House of David. And to flip or not to flip?The "controversy" surrounding baseball bat flips. Join us!