Sports History Network

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 2005, Sergio Garcia gave up a six shot lead in the final round of the Wachovia Championship, becoming only the fifth to do that on the PGA tour.

In 1970, Willis Reed made his dramatic return in game 7 of the NBA finals.

In 1968, Catfish Hunter pitched a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins.

In 2016, Bryce Harper stepped up to the plate 7 times against Chicago but walked six times and was hit by a pitch and therefore had zero official plate appearances. According to ESPN stats, it was the first time in at least the previous century that a player had reached base 7 times without recording a plate appearance.

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 Official PFRA Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

LINKS

The Official PFRA Podcast Website

The Professional Football Researchers Association Website

EPISODE SUMMARY

Jon and George interview Upton Bell. Bell is a former NFL Personnel Director and GM, former WFL Owner and GM, and the son of former NFL Commissioner Bert Bell.

THE OFFICIAL PFRA PODCAST BACKGROUND

The Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) was founded in Canton, Ohio in 1979 to foster the study of professional football as a significant and athletic institution; to establish an accurate historical account of professional football; and to disseminate research information. In each episode of The Official PFRA Podcast, co-hosts George Bozeka and Jon Bozeka will discuss the storied history of pro football, including interviews with prominent pro football historians and authors, and former players.

Born in Canton within walking distance of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, George is the current President of the PFRA. He has had a number of articles published in the PFRA’s official magazine The Coffin Corner and he is the lead editor for the PFRA’s Great Teams in Pro Football History book series.

Jon has been a radio broadcaster in the Canton area since 2014. He has been involved in every facet of radio sports coverage including play-by-play and color commentary for local high school and college football broadcasts. He is also a stringer for CBS Radio’s Eye on Sports show covering all Cleveland Browns Sunday home games.

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 2002, Allen Iverson faced the media to assure everybody he was going to be in Philly the following year. Instead, the presser turned into questions about practice and his comittment to the team.

In 1989, Michael Jordan hit the game winning shot over Cleveland's Craig Ehlo to win their first round playoff series and advance.

In 1995, Jordan's pocket was picked and the Orlando Magic won game one of their playoff series. After the game, Nick Anderson said ‘45 ain’t 23’.

Also in 1995, Indiana's Reggie Miller scored 8 points in the final 18.4 seconds to beat New York in game one of their playoff series.

In 1957, a line drive nearly cost pitcher Herb Score his eyesight.

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.

Maybelle (May) Blair is a baseball pioneer. In the movie, "A League of Their Own," Madonna's character was named after Maybelle, Mae Morabito. However, the character Madonna played was nothing like the real May. May did not join the AAGPBL (All-America Girls Professional Baseball League) until it was firmly established. But along the way, May certainly made her mark in baseball and softball. She played highly-competitive softball on the west coast, was discovered by a scout looking for great talent for a women's professional softball team, the Chicago Cardinals who were owned by the same Charles Bidwell who owned the NFL's Chicago Cardinals, and she made such an impression on everyone, that she ultimately wound up in the AAGPBL with the Peoria Redwings. While her career on the diamond is truly something to marvel at, today at the age of 95, she's still going strong making appearances and signing autographs, and remains a proponent of omen's professional baseball. In fact, there is a women's professional baseball league set to launch in May 2026. May's off the field life is also quite remarkable. And on today's episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Kat Williams, author of the book, "All the Way," a biography on May, joins the show to discuss the life of this baseball pioneer.

Only two players can say that they played for both the best team in NBA history and the worst team in NBA history. Leroy Ellis and John Trapp were those two players. They played for both the 1972 LA Lakers (69-13) and the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers (9-73). This is their story.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan

"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

Believe it or not, the Philadelphia Phillies franchise dates back to 1883, when Chester A. Arthur was President of the United States. The Phillies were originally known as the Philadelphia Quakers, but they were renamed the Phillies in 1890. Despite some outstanding seasons, the Phillies did not achieve first place until 1915, when they lost to the Red Sox in the World Series, four games to one.

In 1932, Phillies outfielder Chuck Klein won the NL MVP award, and the following year, he claimed the elusive Triple Crown. Despite having some good players on the team, the Phillies wouldn’t win the NL Pennant again until 1950, with pitcher Jim Konstanty winning the NL MVP that same year. However, the Phillies had the misfortune of facing the powerhouse New York Yankees in the World Series and lost four games to zero.

From 1951 to 1975, the Phillies experienced just nine winning seasons and no pennants. One of the few highlights was when pitcher Steve Carlton won the Cy Young Award in 1972. However, that would all change in 1976.

You can read the full blog post here.

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)

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1954, Roger Bannister became the first human to run a mile in less than 4 minutes.

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.

Today’s discourse focuses on the intriguing history surrounding the last Heisman Trophy winner who did not don a face mask during his collegiate career. Timothy Brown from FootballArchaeology.com joins us to elucidate this captivating narrative, which spans the evolution of football equipment and player safety protocols.

The topic comes from one of Tim's recent Tidbits titled: The Last Heisman Winner without a Face Mask.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the trajectory of the Heisman Trophy, commencing with its inaugural recipient, Jay Berwanger, and culminating with analysis of the changing landscape of helmet design and the adoption of protective gear. Furthermore, we delve into the implications of these advancements on player safety, particularly highlighting the transition from minimal facial protection to the now-ubiquitous face mask. As we reflect on these pivotal moments in football history, we invite our listeners to appreciate the rich tapestry of the sport and the continuous evolution of its practices.

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.

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1991, Larry Bird's head hit the floor when he dove for a loose ball. He suffered a concussion and was advised not to play anymore. He ignored that advice and led the Celtics to victory.

In 1993, the Charlotte Hornets coughed up a double digit lead only to win the game with Alonzo Mourning hitting the shot.

In 1973, Secretariat set a record for fastest win at the Kentucky Derby.

In 1904, Cy Young pitched the first perfect game in the 20th century.

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 1950 season marked a pivotal juncture in the annals of the National Football League, as the Cleveland Browns, freshly transitioned from the All-America Football Conference, commenced their inaugural campaign in the NFL with remarkable vigor and tenacity. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of that transformative season, accentuated by the presence of esteemed guest George Bozeka, the president of the Professional Football Researchers Association.

PRFA historian that hails from Canton, Ohio You find George's podcast, The Official PFRA Podcast here.

Our discourse will illuminate the Browns' triumph in the NFL Championship, particularly their breathtaking victory over the Los Angeles Rams, a game that has since been lauded as one of the most significant in football history. We will explore the formidable talents that graced both teams, including the legendary Otto Graham and the formidable Marion Motley, while also reflecting on the broader implications of this season for the league at large. Join us as we traverse through the rich tapestry of football history, celebrating the legacy of the 1950 Browns and the indelible mark they left on the sport.

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.

Takeaways:

• The transition from the 1940s to the 1950s marked a significant transformation in the National Football League.
• During the 1950 season, the Cleveland Browns established themselves as a formidable team by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles.
• The 1950 NFL Championship game featured a dramatic and intense contest between the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams.
• Paul Brown's coaching innovations greatly influenced the success of the Cleveland Browns during the 1950 season.
• The rivalry between the Browns and the Rams highlighted the competitive nature of the league during this era of professional football.
• The historical context of the Browns' success in the AAFC contributed to their struggle for respect in the NFL.