Sports History Network

In 1921,  Chicago White Sox players Eddie Cicotte, Chick Gandil, Happy Felsch, Lefty Williams, Buck Weaver, Swede Risberg, Fred McMullin, and Shoeless Joe Jackson were banned from baseball 24 hours after being acquitted in their trial. 

In 1987, Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Niekro was caught with an emery board in his pocket which he used to scuff the baseball.

In 1939, catcher Joe Sprinz of the San Francisco Seals attempted to catch baseball dropped from a blimp 800 feet above. It didn't go well.

In 1948, Satchel Paige made his Major League Baseball debut as a starting pitcher.

In 1979, Sam Snead became the oldest golfer to make the cut at a major tournament.

In 1936, Jesse Owens won the first of his four gold medals at the Munich Olympics.

In 1984, Mary Lou Retton became the first US woman to win the Olympic all-around competition.

In 1949, the BAA and the NBL merged to form the NBA.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS BACKGROUND

Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports History is a 365-day journey remembering those significant events that made a lasting impact.

Mentioned in this episode:

NBA 75 and Golf Round I'll Never Forget Promo for Firefly Books

In 1979 New York Yankee catcher Thurman Munson was killed in a plane crash.

In 1960, the Continental Baseball League disbanded.

In 1928, it was the women’s 800 meter final, the last to be run by women for another 32 years.

In 2012, Gabby Douglas won the women’s all-around gold medal at the Olympics.

In 1997, the Barons became the first team to do a bobblehead giveaway.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS BACKGROUND

Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports History is a 365-day journey remembering those significant events that made a lasting impact.

Mentioned in this episode:

NBA 75 and Golf Round I'll Never Forget Promo for Firefly Books

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

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 For A Record

America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker: The Story of NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier

The Year the Packers Came Back: The 1972 Resurgence

The NFL in the 1970s: Pro Football's Most Important Decade

EPISODE SUMMARY

CHECK OUT THE NFL IN THE 1970S FACEBOOK PAGE

CHECK OUT JOE'S WEBSITE - JOE ZAGORSKI WRITER

There are many great pro linebackers who are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.  But there are quite a few more who are not, but who probably should be.  I will try to mention just a few of them in this episode of this podcast. 

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

PRO FOOTBALL IN THE 1970S BACKGROUND

Reliving Gridiron Glory: Pro Football in the 1970s with Joe Zagorski

Professional football is one of the most exciting spectator sports in America. The decade of the 1970s saw the sport grow by leaps and bounds, thanks mostly to exciting players who quickly became icons.  NFL players such as Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, O.J.Simpson, Terry Bradshaw, “Mean” Joe Greene and Fran Tarkenton are still considered household names today.

During the 1970s, the growing millions of pro football fans also witnessed numerous exciting games and plays, many of which are still remembered and discussed today.  Plays like Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception in 1972, or the original Hail Mary Pass in 1975, or the Sea of Hands game in 1974, or the Ghost to the Post game in 1977…so many memories, and all during one of the greatest decades in NFL history.

Joe Zagorski’s Pro Football in the 1970s podcast explores all the great memories that occurred in the NFL during that memorable decade.  Each segment will tackle a specific event or player in the NFL during the 1970s.  Each episode will also include a trivia question from some aspect of that particular episode’s theme or topic. 

Joe Zagorski’s Pro Football in the 1970s podcast takes listeners back to a time of old school pro football, where the game might have been simpler in the form of strategy, but it was also more pure and more robust than it had ever been before.  Practically everything that happened during that decade on pro gridirons gets attention in this podcast. 

In 1978, Pete Rose's quest to catch Joe Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak came to an end at 44 games.

In 1996, Michael Johnson became the first man to win both the 200 and 400 in the same Olympic games.

In 1976, Formula One race car driver Niki Lauda nearly died in a fiery crash at the Nurburgring.

In 1928, Gene Tunney retired.

In 2004, Daigo Umehara pulled off an incredible 15-strike parry of Justin Wong in Street Fighter 2 at the EVO Championships. It was a highly influential maneuver that drew a lot of people to street fighting games.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS BACKGROUND

Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports History is a 365-day journey remembering those significant events that made a lasting impact.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stirling Roastery - This DiSH

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 compellingly argues that while sports may not constitute a new religion, they undeniably embody elements of reverence and devotion akin to religious fervor. Drawing upon his own experiences and academic insights, Remillard highlights the intricate connections between football and broader societal themes, including identity, tradition, and cultural conflict. Throughout this episode, we delve into the historical significance of various sports figures and events, illuminating the profound impact of sports on American cultural and religious landscapes.

Arthur Remillard has recently written a book on the subject, which is the topic of our conversation: Bodies In Motion: A Religious History of Sports in America.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

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.

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 to win Gold in an Olympic track event. Why did it take so long for an American woman to win gold in Track at the Olympics?

In 1972, Dick Allen jetted around the bases for two inside the park home runs.

In 1938, Kennesaw Mountain Landis suspended New York Yankee Jake Powell following a racist radio interview.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS BACKGROUND

Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports History is a 365-day journey remembering those significant events that made a lasting impact.

Mentioned in this episode:

NBA 75 and Golf Round I'll Never Forget Promo for Firefly Books

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, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler.

This era of boxing was highlighted by epic fights, controversial decisions and a whole lot of swagger and personality.

Later in the show, we will send a shout out to one of the most incredible and famous fights that involved two of the gentlemen that we talked about.

On April 15, 1985 in Las Vegas in a fight that was nicknamed "The War", Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler put on one of the greatest fights in boxing history. A fight that only lasted three rounds.

Please subscribe to the show and if you are interested in contacting the show, please write to us at [email protected].

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 history and memorabilia. It was founded in 2002 and published by Franklin Rose who then turned over to Bob Swick and Swick Enterprises starting with Issue 23.

Editor and publisher, Bob Swick has been collecting football cards since 1965. He has written about football cards and memorabilia since 1990 for several major sports collecting publications including Sports Collectors Digest and had his own column, Turning The Pages.

He self-published Bob Swick’s Football Times in the 1990s; he has been interviewed in Tuff Stuff, the Giants Report, the Packers Report, and the Beckett Football Monthly magazine. He has also been a contributor to the Beckett Annual Football Price Guide. Bob also collects programs, yearbooks, media guides, ticket stubs, pocket schedules, and team photos of the Green Bay Packers, of which he is a shareholder.

He is also a member of The Professional Football Researchers Association. Bob brings his expertise to the magazine in the form of his love of all things football-related. His BA in journalism and MS in Economics brings a unique focus to the niche of football memorabilia and history.

We want to thank everyone who takes the time to subscribe to and support Gridiron Greats Magazine. Besides our knowledgeable, generous contributors and most talented illustrator, Jared Kraus, all administrative activities are performed by Bob Swick and his wife, Brenda. Thank you all for your support. We are ever so grateful.

See our Contributors page for a bio on some of our fantastic writers. Without them, this magazine would not exist. We are grateful for their continuing support.

If you would like to be a contributing writer, or subscriber or want to advertise in Gridiron Greats, please contact the Publisher via the information above. Portions of the material presented are the opinion of the contributing writers and not necessarily those of Swick Enterprises, LLC. 

CONTACT US If you are interested in any particular football topic that you would like to either see featured in Gridiron Greats or would like to write about, and if you have a Super Collection you want to be considered for an upcoming publication please feel free to contact Bob via email. 

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 nearly $60,000.

THIS DAY IN SPORTS BACKGROUND

Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports History is a 365-day journey remembering those significant events that made a lasting impact.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stirling Roastery - This DiSH

NBA 75 and Golf Round I'll Never Forget Promo for Firefly Books

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 back to the formative Gibbs years, while also confronting the subsequent decline and organizational turmoil. This exploration reveals not only the historical significance of pivotal moments but also the emotional connection that fans maintain with their teams, regardless of their fortunes. As we reflect on the past, we also contemplate the present state of the franchise and the resurgence of hope among its supporters, underscoring the cyclical nature of sports fandom.

Find Ed's work at th Links referenced in this episode:

• X - @SkinsMemories77

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

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.