Sports History Network

The 1951 National League Pennant Race featured an epic comeback, an intracity rivalry, sign stealing, a manager with ties to both teams, and perhaps the most famous broadcasting call in sports history. Join us as we travel back to the days of Jackie Robinson, Sal "The Barber" Maglie, Willie Mays, Roy Campanella, and of course Ralph Branca and Bobby Thomson.

Books to complement this episode:

"Pennant Races: Baseball At It's Best" by Dick Anderson

"Charlie Dressen: a Baseball Odyssey" by David Fleitz

"The Giants of the Polo Grounds" by Noel Hynd

"New York City Baseball" by Harvey Frommer

"The Echoing Green" by Joshua Prager

Also check out the SABR Games Project at https://sabr.org/gamesproject

Hello Old Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. Contact the show at [email protected] and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HelloOldSports

In 1972, 8 members of Black September, an offshoot of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, invaded the Israeli Olympic living quarters. Eleven Israeli athletes, coaches, and support staff along with one police officer were killed before it ended.

In 1906, the first legal forward pass was thrown in a football game.

In 1994, Jerry Rice scored 3 times and became the all-time leader in TDs scored.

In 1971, British F1 driver Peter Gethin won the Italian Gran Prix at Monza by the narrowest margin of .01 of a second.

In 1991, the 'asterisk' (that never really existed) was removed from Roger Maris' record for home runs in a single season. There was a notation but never an asterisk.

In 1983, Greg LeMond became the first American to win the World Championships.

In 1993, New York Yankee pitcher Jim Abbott pitched a no-hitter. Abbott was born with only one hand.

In 1950, NASCAR raced 500 miles for the first time. It was a debacle with pit crews resorting to stealing tires off cars in the parking lot.

In 1991, the 'asterisk' (that never really existed) was removed from Roger Maris' record for home runs in a single season. There was a notation but never an asterisk.

In 1983, Greg LeMond became the first American to win the World Championships.

In 1993, New York Yankee pitcher Jim Abbott pitched a no-hitter. Abbott was born with only one hand.

In 1950, NASCAR raced 500 miles for the first time. It was a debacle with pit crews resorting to stealing tires off cars in the parking lot.

When Football Is Football is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

CARDINALS: ONE GAME PLAYED OUTSIDE CHICAGO

A century ago, things were much easier when creating game arrangements in the struggling National Football League, including for the Chicago Cardinals, the NFL’s oldest team. Instead of an army of highly qualified league representatives, bolstered by an ample array of computer considerations, the Cardinals relied on just one individual to put together the schedule each year.

With no formal scheduling requirements, a team like the Cardinals could gobble up as many home games as possible, resulting in the fact that there was no need to chase after away games. In fact, over a five-year period from 1921-1925, the Cardinals scheduled just one game outside of the city of Chicago........

Read the entire episode blog post and check out some other cool info regarding this episode here.

WHEN FOOTBALL WAS FOOTBALL BACKGROUND

Each episode takes the listener back to the very early days of the National Football League. Author Joe Ziemba will share a forgotten or lost story from one of the NFL’s two oldest teams: The Bears and the Cardinals. Team championships, individual exploits, or long-buried items of interest from the earliest years of the NFL will be dusted off and resurrected for the listener.

Not for the football faint-of-heart since these programs will document when the struggling Bears nearly went out of business or when Cardinals’ players earned $15 a game and were proud of it! It’s NFL history—with a twist!. See Joe's books below.

Cadets, Canons, and Legends: The Football History of Morgan Park Military Academy

When Football Was Football: The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL (Edition 2)

Music for the episode - https://www.purple-planet.com/

In 1977, Sadaharu Oh hit career home run #756.

In 1975, LA Dodger Steve Garvey started his National League record streak of playing in 1,207 consecutive games.

In 1970, Chicago Cub Billy Williams ended his then National League record of consecutive games played at 1,117.

In 1906, Battling Nelson fought Joe Gans in the desert of Nevada. Nelson was disqualified for low blows.

In 1970, NFL legendary coach Vince Lombardi died at the age of 57 from colon cancer.

This episode delves into the intriguing history of Week One matchups in the NFL, particularly those that will unfold in the 2026 season. Our discussion, led by the erudite Ed Cleese, uncovers the fascinating fact that there are three matchups this year that have never occurred before in Week One since 1980. Among these novel encounters is the highly anticipated game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, marking a significant milestone in their historical rivalry. Furthermore, we explore the rare occurrences of certain teams, such as the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers, meeting for the first time in Week One, despite their long-standing presence in the league. Through a meticulous examination of past games, we aim to enrich our understanding of football history as we prepare for the upcoming season.

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The episode opens with Darren Hayes expressing excitement as he welcomes back Ed Cleese, who brings his extensive knowledge of football history to the table once again. The primary focus of their discussion is the upcoming NFL season, particularly the intriguing matchups set for Week One in 2026. Ed has conducted thorough research into past encounters, and he shares fascinating insights about how these matchups have unfolded over the years.

Among the highlights of their conversation is the revelation that three matchups will feature for the first time in Week One: the New England Patriots versus the Seattle Seahawks, the Chicago Bears against the Carolina Panthers, and the Miami Dolphins facing the Las Vegas Raiders. Each of these games carries a unique historical significance, with Ed detailing the context behind these matchups and what they might mean for the teams involved. He emphasizes how the NFL's scheduling can lead to unexpected pairings, which adds to the excitement of the season.

The episode continues with Ed discussing other matchups that have occurred only once in the past, such as the Buccaneers against the Bengals, and the Jets facing the Titans, with both hosts reflecting on the implications of these historical encounters. They draw upon rich anecdotes and statistics that not only entertain but also educate the audience about the sport's past. This thorough exploration of Week One games serves as a prelude to the excitement that the new NFL season promises, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the historical narratives that shape the game today.

In 1972, Chicago Cub pitcher Milt Pappas came up one pitch shy of a perfect game, walking the 27th man he faced.

In 1995, Northwestern upset Notre Dame 17-15.

In 1972, Dave 'the Throttle' Wottle came from worst to first to win the Gold Medal in the 800m.

In 1977, Reneé Richards became the first Transgender Woman to play in a Major Tennis Tournament

Gridiron America is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week we talk CFL week 13 with noted Canadian sports writer and author Howie Mooney. Howie is one of the more prolific sports writers in Canada with six books to his name that cover the spectrum of games both north and south of the border.

You can find his books at https://www.amazon.com/Books-Howie-Mooney

GRIDIRON AMERICA BACKGROUND

Gridiron America (formerly, the From the 55 Yardline podcast), is anchored by former sports executive David Cieslinski, former international professional football player Mike Tackett, and football nerd Greg St. James.

All three are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen or tabletop.

Gridiron America Radio is dedicated to both current and historical American football talk, including the “what if” questions that all sports fans ask and try to answer with the help of statistics, math and computer modeling provided by SportsMaster Simulation Games www.SportsMaster-Simulation.games. In addition to the gridiron game, the team will on occasion look at other sports through the same eyes of that of grown men who still remember their childhood and the thrill of rolling the dice or picking up a joystick.

The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose sports writing can be found at www.Adamsonmedia.com.

David, Mike and Greg, can be contacted directly via the podcast’s website at www.GridironAmerica.net, as well as:

On X at https://x.com/GridironAMRadio

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GridironAmerica/

On Threads at https://www.threads.com/@gridironamerica

On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gridironamerica

Under the Radar is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Two-time Olympian Margaret Hoelzer swam to two silver medals and a bronze at the 2008 Summer Games. But her toughest opponent may have been the trauma she carried as a victim of sexual abuse. Hear how Margaret Hoelzer met that challenge and became a national spokesperson to help young girls everywhere.

UNDER THE RADAR BACKGROUND

Under the Radar: Olympic Athletes Ya Gotta Meet is a podcast dedicated to highlighting the stories of unsung Olympic athletes past and future who are little-known and yet well worth getting to know. True to the Olympic spirit, these athletes have either demonstrated their heroism in past Games or have a chance to shine in future ones. Your host is Doug Levy, a retired sportswriter, reporter, lobbyist, and business owner who brings his love for all things Olympic Games to each podcast.

Every month, Doug will help you learn about athletes who competed just outside the limelight – or have yet to bask in the media spotlight. Each episode will feature an interview with athletes about the Olympic Games journey they took or the Olympic Games story they hope to write. So, sit back and learn about some competitors that NBC-TV and the mainstream media either never really discovered -- or have yet to uncover.

HOST - DOUG LEVY

Doug Levy is a lover of all things sports with a special affinity for the magic that comes come with every rendition of Summer and Winter Olympic Games. A 1984 University of Oregon graduate, he began his career as a sportswriter and columnist, news reporter, and political reporter for two daily newspapers in Washington State. He then spent 35 years in government affairs and politics, including 25 years owning/operating his lobbying business.

After retiring from lobbying at the end of 2022, Doug returned to his roots and spent two years of research, interviews, and writing for his first book, “Hero Redefined: Profiles of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar.” The book was published in late January 2025 and has earned words of praise from Olympic athletes and sports luminaries such as Sebastian Coe, Frank Shorter, Mac Wilkins, Mitch Gaylord, Willie Banks, and the President of the Golden State Warriors, Brandon Schneider. Doug lives just outside of Seattle, Wash., with his wife of nearly 40 years, Teri, and their dog Riley. They have two sons, Zach, 33, and Cody, 30. To learn more about Doug, visit www.authordouglevy.com

HERO REDEFINED: PROFILES OF OLYMPIC ATHLETES UNDER THE RADAR (Amazon link)