Sports History Network

The Spirits of St. Louis was one of the wildest teams in the ABA, and that is saying something. They had so much talent, but could not find success on the court. They had players like Marvin Barnes, Moses Malone, Mike D’Antoni, and Fly Williams, and still could not win consistently. 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

Join Mark and Dave for an exclusive episode of Yesterday's Sports on the Sports History Network as they sit down with legendary Hall of Fame defensive tackle Bob Lilly, their all-time favorite NFL player.

Join them for the thrilling conclusion of this three-part series with Hall of Fame defensive tackle Bob Lilly. In this episode, Bob shares captivating stories from his legendary career with the Dallas Cowboys, including his awe-inspiring feats of strength and memorable moments on the field.

Dive into tales of camaraderie, resilience, and the evolution of football as Bob reminisces about his father's incredible strength, his own college days, and his experiences with fellow football legends. Don't miss this intimate conversation with one of the greatest players in NFL history!

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)

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Yesterday's Sports on the Sports History Network features special guest Bob Lilly

(04:18) There were stories about you picking up a Volkswagen in college or. 58 or something

(09:29) Bob Bell: I played racquetball with both hands throughout my career

(16:28) Andrew Nagle: Some modern fans say guys from that era wouldn't make team today

(23:01) You only allowed one touchdown in six games during 1970 NFL season

(28:44) Chuck Holly should have been in Hall of Fame long ago, says Terminator

(34:18) Bob Leto: Did you see the Colorado game last weekend

(38:14) Dave: Michael Strahan made all the plays. If you watch all the films, Dave

(41:44) When I learned to drive the tractor I had my dad mow 50 acres

(47:36) Grace: I have your first rookie card from when you were young

(50:50) This concludes our three part podcast with Bob Lilly

This podcast delves into the fascinating evolution of language within the context of American football, highlighting how certain terms have shifted in meaning over the years. Timothy Brown from FootballArchaeology.com shares intriguing tidbits from historical articles, showcasing how phrases that once seemed commonplace can now carry different connotations. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a humorous account of a football game in a prison setting and quotes from players that reflect the game's rough nature. The discussion also touches on how language changes, with examples of archaic terms that have fallen out of use or transformed in meaning. Join Darin Hayes and Timothy Brown as they explore these linguistic nuances while celebrating the rich history of football.

This information comes from his original post titled: Football and Archaic Language -

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.

Heading into the 1994 season, the San Diego Chargers were coming off of an 8-8 season under second year head coach Bobby Ross.

There was little to be expected from the team from southern California. After all, the Chargers did lose their top running back and receiver from the season before on offense and their best defensive back to retirement.

Yet with a stunning rally against the rival Denver Broncos in the opening game of the regular season, the San Diego Chargers began the season 6-0 and eventually winning and AFC West title after sweeping the season series against the Kansas City Chiefs led by the great Joe Montana who experts predicted were going the win the division in 1994

In this episode of the podcast, we will go back 30 Years to not only celebrate one of the best seasons in Chargers' history, but one of the most unexpected postseason runs in NFL history.

Later in the show, host Dana Auguster would explain his fandom of then San Diego Chargers despite the fact of growing up in south Louisiana.

To contact the show, please send all emails to [email protected].

Ray Nitschke, a legendary figure in American football history, takes center stage in this episode of the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch. Celebrated for his fierce and aggressive style of play, Nitschke's life story is one of grit and determination. Born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke grew up in the shadow of Chicago, where he would eventually become a nightmare for the city's beloved Bears. As a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers from 1958 to 1972, Nitschke was a cornerstone of the team's defense during its most glorious years under the iconic coach Vince Lombardi. The podcast delves into his journey from a troubled youth, orphaned at a young age and raised by his older brothers, to a celebrated athlete who would intercept 25 passes and earn his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Nitschke's legacy is not only measured by his statistics but also by the respect he commanded on the field, earning him a reputation as one of the toughest players to ever don a football jersey.

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.

The discussion extends to the fascinating anecdotes that illustrate Nitschke's toughness and resilience. One particularly harrowing story recounts an incident during a practice session where a steel tower fell on him, narrowly missing a catastrophic injury due to his helmet. Instead of succumbing to pain, Nitschke continued to practice, embodying the spirit of a player who thrived on adversity. This narrative serves as a testament to his character, showcasing how he channeled his aggressive nature into a successful football career, thereby inspiring countless fans and future players alike. Additionally, the episode features insights from historian Joe Ziemba, who draws comparisons between Nitschke and pop culture icons, further illustrating the larger-than-life persona that Nitschke cultivated both on and off the field.

Listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of football history, punctuated by humorous and poignant reflections on Nitschke's influence in the NFL. The episode encapsulates the essence of what makes sports so compelling—heroic stories of individual athletes who, through sheer will and determination, rise to greatness. By revisiting Nitschke's extraordinary legacy, the podcast not only honors a football icon but also celebrates the spirit of the game itself, emphasizing how such players help define the very culture of American football.

Joined by many of our Sports History Network colleagues, Andrew and Dan discuss the lives and legacies of Frank Ryan, Golden Richards, Andy Russell, Larry Lucchino, O.J. Simpson, Whitey Herzog, Carl Erskine, Jimmy Johnson, Jim Otto, Bill Walton, Larry Allen, Chet Walker, Jerry West, Willie Mays, and Orlando Cepeda.

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

A captivating journey into the colorful world of NFL nicknames unfolds, shedding light on the intriguing intersections between football and pop culture. The episode delves into the fascinating realm of fictional and comic book-inspired names that have permeated the league, showcasing how these monikers not only reflect the players' personas but also connect them to broader cultural narratives. From Richard Sherman’s ‘Optimus Prime’ to Curtis Martin’s playful moniker, the discussion highlights how these names enhance the spectacle of the game and create memorable identities for the players. The hosts engage in a lively exploration of these characters, providing a backdrop of historical context that enhances the listener's understanding of how these nicknames emerged and what they signify within the football community.

I had a lot of help from some guests back in 2021...

Dana Auguster is the host of SHN's Historically Speaking Sports podcast. A natural speaker and knowledgable sports historian, you want to listen closely to what Dana recalls!

As the conversation progresses, the spotlight shifts to iconic NFL figures such as Roger Staubach, famously known as ‘Captain America.’ The hosts reminisce about his legendary status, recounting tales of his remarkable comebacks and his ability to perform under pressure. The episode juxtaposes Staubach’s career with that of modern legends like Tom Brady, emphasizing the evolution of the quarterback position and the narratives surrounding its heroes. The discussions are rich with anecdotes and statistical analysis, providing listeners with a deeper appreciation for the gameplay and the personalities that have shaped the NFL over the decades.

The episode culminates with an examination of other memorable nicknames, including Calvin Johnson's ‘Megatron’ and Marion Barber's ‘Marion the Barbarian.’ Each player’s story is tied back to their unique contributions to the game, demonstrating how these nicknames serve not only as clever labels but also as a testament to their skills and impact on the field. The hosts invite listeners to reflect on their favorite players and the stories behind their nicknames, creating an engaging dialogue that resonates with football fans of all ages. Through this exploration, the podcast reinforces the idea that the NFL is not just a sport but a vibrant tapestry woven with history, culture, and personal narratives.

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.

The Tonawanda Kardex, a team with the shortest franchise history in professional football, is the focal point of this podcast episode. Originating from the All Tonawanda Lumberjacks in the early 1900s, they played only one game in the 1921 season before fading into obscurity. Host Darin Hayes invites historian Ken Crippen to share insights about this little-known team and its connection to the early days of the NFL from a recording made in 2021. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by the Kardex, including financial struggles and competition from stronger teams like the Buffalo All-Americans. Listeners will also learn about the broader context of football in Western New York during that era, including the impact of weather on games and the unfortunate fate of similar all-star teams.

PFRA historian originally from Western NY Ken 's Website

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.

What if the forward pass in American football had never been legalized? This episode delves into the pivotal changes brought about in 1906 that allowed the forward pass to transform the game from a brutal, ground-and-pound style to the dynamic, high-scoring spectacle we know today. Host Darin Hayes explores the historical context surrounding the introduction of this rule, including the safety concerns that prompted significant reforms in college football. He discusses how the forward pass not only reshaped gameplay but also played a critical role in ensuring the survival and popularity of football as a major American sport. With fascinating anecdotes of iconic plays and players, this episode paints a vivid picture of how different the football landscape could have been without the forward pass.

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.

We bring you the final entry into our series on the lost teams of the ABA: the Houston Mavericks. Eventually, they relocated to become the Carolina Cougars, and finally became the Spirits of St. Louis. They were a wild team at a wild time.

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]