Sports History Network

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

Two goal lines are set hundreds of yards to a mile apart on city streets or across village greens throughout the U.K. Soon blood will puddle on the former and soak the latter.  Up to a hundred a side batter, sometimes maiming and even killing each other, fighting to get a bladder filled ball over the opposing side’s goal. The battle rages for hours. Folk football was nothing but mob football and existed for centuries—perhaps a millennium. It was a sport played and passed down by commoners—the people, the folk. It was blood and circuses for the elite.

Then, in the early 1800s, football began to morph into a sport for privileged boys at elite boarding schools like Eton, Charterhouse and Rugby. Several of these schools are in towns with long folk football histories. British football begins to slowly take a more orderly form as middle class and aristocratic young men take the past and forge a future. 

In part two of our series, football historian Timothy Brown, a.k.a. The Football Archeologist, joins us to discuss the diverse developments of British football during the first half of the 1800s. He'll also stride the pitches of that period and scout for any techniques, tactics, and even instincts that point to the birth of American football, 1874.

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, a podcast that spans the world of sports origins stories. 

Roger and David’s life-long friendship began in college, where 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 2012, BYU overcame a 25-point deficit to beat Iona in a First Four game of the NCAA Tournament.

In 1992, a fight between LSU and Tennessee in a quarterfinal game of the SEC Tournament led to bench clearing brawl and led to the ejection of Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal had to sit out the next game against Kentucky.

In 1998, Valparaiso's Bryce Drew hit the game winner against Ole Miss in one fo the all-time great upsets in NCAA Tournament history.

In 1983, NC State beat Virginia in the ACC Tournament final. Many believe it was the only way the Wolfpack were going to make it to the NCAA Tournament.

In 2011, Minnesota Timberwolf Kevin Love scored just six ending his NBA record run of 53 consecutive double-doubles.

In 1954, the Milwaukee Braves Bobby Thomson broke his ankle in three places in a spring training game. Unfortunate and painful for him, but it opened up a spot for a young Henry Aaron to play left field for the Braves that season. 

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.

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1944, a group of Duke students played a secret basketball game against the all black team at North Carolina College. It remained secret for more than 50 years.

Music credit: Streetlife - Silentfilm from the album Over Midnight by artist Lobo Loco

In 1985, Boston Celtic Larry Bird scored 60 against the Atlanta Hawks in New Orleans.

In 1966, Chicago Blackhawk Bobby Hull set an NHL record with his 51st goal in the season.

stirlingsoap.com

sportshistorynetwork.com/giveaways

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 Soap - Shave Soaps - This DiSH Testimonial

This episode is brought to you by the Stirling Soap Company. I’m a big fan of shave soap. I’ve been using different brands for years. I recently gave Stirling’s shave soaps a try and I’ve been very happy with the results. Stirling’s shave soaps give you a great lather and a frictionless feel that allows the razor to glide over the skin for a super close shave. No skin irritation and a clean, refreshing feel with no soapy residue after. I can tell you without a doubt, it’s simply the best shave I’ve ever had. My wife has noticed too. And here’s the thing, with the ability to purchase one ounce sample pucks, you can try out different scents to find the right one for you. Give Stirling Soap a try today. Visit Stirling Soap dot com. That’s S-T-I-R-L-I-N-G SOAP dot COM.

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the evaluation of the offensive prowess exhibited in the National Football League (NFL) during the 2024 season, juxtaposed against historical performances throughout the league’s extensive history.

Check out the infographic

We delve into the statistical analysis of the top 200 NFL offenses, highlighting the remarkable achievements of ten teams from the 2024 season that secured their positions within this elite cohort. By meticulously calculating points scored per game, we elucidate the competitive nature of offenses from both contemporary and historical perspectives, offering insights into how these modern teams compare to their predecessors. This exploration not only illuminates the evolution of offensive strategies but also underscores the impressive scoring capabilities achieved in recent years. Join us as we dissect these statistics and celebrate the legacy of potent NFL offenses, illuminating the remarkable journey of the game from its inception to the present day.

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.

Football Is Family is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sports' Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

We talk about the history of NFL free agency and how far it has gone from the time it began until now.

ABOUT FOOTBALL IS FAMILY

Do you bleed your favorite football team’s colors each weekend? Does the difference of a W or L in the box score dictate how you respond for the rest of the week? Or do most of your conversations with your family and friends revolve around your favorite football team?

If you answered yes to any (or maybe all) of these questions, then you are in the right place. The host of this podcast truly believes that “Football Is Family” and he is on a mission to share the stories of other fans out there sharing how they have been touched by the greatest sport on Earth. Listen below to the trailer and learn more about the host and show.

HOST - JEREMY MCFARLIN

Growing up in Middle Tennessee, I didn’t have a pro football team that was close enough to me to feel a part of. My first memory of pro football was Super Bowl 22. I picked the Broncos to win, and, even though they didn’t win, I followed them from that point on.

John Elway was (and is) my favorite player. I have played as the Broncos on Tecmo Bowl, Tecmo Bowl Super Bowl, Madden, and 2K Sports. I fondly remember the moments when the Broncos won Super Bowls 32 and 33.

Around this time, the Oilers came to Tennessee. I was hooked. I finally had a team just down the road from my hometown of Bon Aqua. Oiler (and later Titans) mania hit this area. Jerseys, hats, footballs, merchandise, and several autographs later, I’m a Titans fan through and through.

It’s the dedication, the love, and the passion for football that helps me realize that football is family. Each fan base has a story, a history, and a love for their team. That’s what I want to talk about each and every podcast.

You can follow me @jeremy_mcfarlin. Message me if you want to share your reasons why your football team is family.

Jim Gilliam was a terrific infielder for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers for 17 years. After starting his career in the Negro Leagues, he followed in the footsteps of his idol, Jackie Robinson. Signed by the Dodgers, like Robinson, he was sent to Montreal to play for the Royals. After a few seasons, he found his way to Brooklyn and was named Rookie of the Year in 1953. Gilliam, a favorite of Dodger manager Walter Alston, was called the ultimate team player. No matter where Alston needed him to play, Gilliam was up to the task. He was a terrific fielder and a career .266 hitter. Interestingly, though, Gilliam was always on the trading block and rarely got an opening day start because the Dodgers always thought they had someone better. But they didn't, and through it all, Gilliam was one of the most reliable infielders the team ever had. He played in seven World Series for the Dodgers and won four of them. He was so integral to the Dodgers' success that twice he was called out of retirement to help the team. After his playing days were over, Gilliam stayed a part of the organization by serving as a coach and was a member of three other Dodger teams that went to the World Series. In fact, Gilliam was so important to the franchise that his No. 19 was retired by the team. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Steve Dittmore, author of "Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger," joins for a wonderful discussion about Gilliam, the challenges he faced, his career, and so much more.

What is the perfect body type for an NBA player? You might be thinking really tall, right? Well, that is part of it. In this episode we will look at wing span, long legs, and narrow hips as physical patterns that we see all over the NBA and have a direct impact on performance.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Flashing Lights" 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

After winning the World Series in 1961 and 1962 under Manager Ralph Houk, the 1963 New York Yankees set out to win their fourth American League Pennant in a row and third World Series in a row........

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 1945, Byron Nelson won the first of what would be 11 consecutive wins on the PGA Tour.

In 1984, after five previous tries, Maryland's Lefty Driesell finally won the ACC tournament.

In 2006, Syracuse completed their improbable run in the Big East Tournament, becoming the first to win four games to win the title.

In 1974, MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn told Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves that Aaron had to play in the season opening series against Cincinnati.

In 1979, Randy Holt racked up an NHL record 67 penalty minutes, a record that still stands.

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 podcast delves into the historical significance of sideline gear within American football, mainly focusing on the evolution of equipment worn by players not on the field.

This information comes from his original post titled: The good old days of sideline gear-

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.