Sports History Network

In today’s NBA, the level of scouting is incredible. Every team keeps a complete file on every other NBA player and every significant university and overseas player. But where did all of this scouting come from? It came from the mind of Bill Bertka, the first full time scout in the NBA. He was hired by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1968 and he still works for the Lakers today at the age of 97.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Funky Retro Funk [Funk Music]" by MokkaMusic

"Horizons" by Roa

SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

sportshistorynetwork.com

sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

FACEBOOK

m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

BUSINESS CONTACT

[email protected]

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Mark sits down with his son again to talk about how weightlifting competitions have changed over the years. This is the second of a 2-part episode covering these changes.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

Gridiron Greats Magazine podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Authors Jeffery Payne and Darin L. Hayes talk about their new book: Marooned, The Rise, the Fall, and the redemption of the NFL's Pottsville Maroons

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. 

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1992, the Dream Team lost in a scrimmage to a group of college players.

In 1980, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Ted Stepien dropped softballs off of Cleveland's tallest building and things did not go well.

In 1985, tennis player Anne White debuted an all-white bodysuit at Wimbledon.

In 2007, the USMNT got a huge win after an incredible goal scored by Benny Fellhaber.

In 1921, golfer Bobby Jones, stormed off St. Andrew's after a very tough hole.

In 1977, Eddie Stankey stepped down as manager of the Texas Rangers after just one game.

In 1968, Detroit Tiger outfielder Jim Northrup joined a rare fraternity when he hit a pair of Grand Slams in one game.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1917, Babe Ruth was ejected after issuing a walk to the first batter he faced. Ernie Shore followed that up by retiring 26 consecutive.

In 2010, Landon Donovan scored the winning goal against Algeria to help the US advance to the knockout stage.

In 2013, 44-year old Ken Duke won his first PGA Tour event, becoming the oldest first time winner.

In 2007, a minor league pitcher slammed an actual door that locked him inside and he was stuck for a while before he could be extricated.

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.

The pivotal moment in National Football League history that we shall explore today is the remarkable 1961 season of the Green Bay Packers, a year that heralded the inception of a formidable dynasty under the esteemed guidance of Vince Lombardi. Following a narrow defeat in the previous championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers rebounded spectacularly, culminating in a resounding victory over the New York Giants with a score of 37 to 0. This victory not only secured their championship but also marked the dawn of Lombardi's legendary tenure as one of the greatest coaches in the annals of football. We shall delve into the strategies employed by the Packers, examining the contributions of key players such as Bart Starr and Jimmy Taylor, alongside a discussion of the defensive prowess that stifled the Giants' offense throughout the game. Join us as we engage with Bob Swick, a distinguished expert from Gridiron Grades magazine, to gain deeper insights into this historic season and its lasting impact on the NFL.

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.

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome to the NDN All-Stars podcast! Join me, Bill Black, as we celebrate the many great Native American athletes who have made an impact in their sports!

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SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

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NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Who Invented This Sport? is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters for Sports Yesteryear.

WHO INVENTED THIS SPORT? BACKGROUND

Who Invented This Sport? is a sports time machine invented by two lifelong friends who are obsessed with the origins of sports as diverse as basketball and bobsledding and beyond. Each episode, we travel back through time and share with you a particular sport’s sources and evolution. The heroes of these treasure hunts are the sports inventors, innovators, and pioneers. And since history is not only the past but also the present and future, we interview sports experts, who will discuss their sport’s yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The Who Invented This Sport? podcast spans the sports globe and travels through time to report on gems from the fascinating and ingenious world of sports origins history.

HOST BIOS (ROGER HARB AND DAVID DREWS)

Roger Harb and David Drews are the creators and producers of Who Invented This Sport.

Roger and David’s life-long friendship began in college, when one summer they started their first business adventure together–a window washing partnership. Under a scorching Tennessee sun, the two washed windows and further bonded while discussing sports and other important matters. 

Later collaborating on numerous media projects, including documentaries, these two sports enthusiasts dreamed of one day finding a means to share unique, intriguing sports stories with fellow students of sports history. The advent and popularity of podcasts opened the door for Roger and David to create and launch Who Invented This Sport.       

Roger has 30 years experience in radio and television marketing, broadcasting, and production. Over the past 40 years, David has transitioned from being a commercial banker to a high school English teacher to a filmmaker and novelist. David is the author of the recently released  Iron Tigers–a novel inspired by the team that conquered Dixie and launched Southern football.

Roger and David are grateful for the opportunity to explore and share a variety of sports origin stories and how each evolved.

This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1986, Argentina beat England 2-1 in the World Cup Quarterfinals with Diego Maradona scoring two iconic goals.

In 1938, Joe Louis knocked out Max Schmeling in the first round.

In 1994, the US Soccer team beat heavily favored Columbia 2-1. The first goal was an own goal that ended up costing Andres Escobar his life.

In 2009, Lucas Glover made a three foot putt to win the US Open at Bethpage Black

In 2014, Michelle Wie won the US Women’s Open at Pinehurst.

Also in 2014, Kevin Streelman set a PGA record by birdieing 7 consecutive holes to win the Travelers Championships.

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.

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome to the NDN All-Stars podcast! Join me, Bill Black, as we celebrate the many great Native American athletes who have made an impact in their sports!

--------------------------------------------------------------

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

---------------------------------------------------------------

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!