Sports History Network

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

In 1944, Boston Braves' pitcher Red Barrett pitched a complete game in just 58-pitches.

In 1984, Zola Budd and Mary Decker got entangled during the Women's Olympic 3000m Final, ending Decker's bid to win gold.

In 1974, the NFL players ended their strike after scab players were used in an exhibition game. They went on strike to oppose the Rozelle Rule.

The World Football League (WFL) remains a significant yet often overlooked chapter in the annals of American football history. This podcast episode elucidates the fervent passion of dedicated fans who have taken it upon themselves to rectify the absence of a dedicated trading card set for this league, which was originally announced by Topps in 1974 but ultimately never materialized. We delve into the motivations and collaborative efforts of a group of enthusiasts who have successfully created a series of trading cards that pay tribute to the players and teams that graced the WFL. Through this exploration, we gain insight into the historical context of the league, the process of card creation, and the emotional resonance these memorabilia hold for both collectors and former players alike. Join us as we navigate the intersection of nostalgia and sporting legacy, shedding light on a crucial piece of football history that deserves recognition and celebration.

Here are some links for you to check out.

www.wflfootballcards.com

www.usflfootballcards.com

https://www.facebook.com/WFLfootballcards2

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063602160952

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:13 The Unproduced Trading Cards of 1974

04:07 The Genesis of WFL Trading Cards

09:37 The Process of Creating Trading Cards

11:28 The Evolution of Sports Cards

18:23 Transitioning from WFL to USFL: A Personal Journey

24:33 Football History and Card Collecting

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

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 genesis of the World Football League (WFL) trading cards can be traced back to an announcement made by Sports Illustrated in 1974, which hinted at Topps' ambitious plans to create a dedicated trading card set commemorating this burgeoning league. This revelation ignited immense excitement among both football aficionados and collectors; however, the anticipated set was never realized, leaving a significant void in the annals of football memorabilia. For decades, the absence of these cards has been felt by enthusiasts who yearned for a tangible connection to a league that, despite its brief existence, left an indelible mark on the sport's history. The discussion that unfolds in this episode navigates the passionate efforts of dedicated fans who have taken it upon themselves to rectify this historical oversight by producing their own WFL trading cards, thereby preserving the legacy of the league and its players. As the conversation progresses, we delve into the personal narratives of the individuals behind the creation of these trading cards. Each participant shares their unique journey into the realm of WFL fandom, often recounting formative experiences that solidified their allegiance to the league. These anecdotes reflect not only a shared nostalgia for a time when the WFL captivated audiences with its vibrant colors and distinctive logos, but also a collective ambition to honor and memorialize the players who were part of this unique chapter in football history. The camaraderie among the creators is palpable, as they recount how their mutual admiration for the league facilitated their collaboration in bringing these trading cards to life. In addition to exploring the motivations behind the card creations, the episode also addresses the practical aspects of producing these collectibles. From sourcing historical photographs to designing card templates that evoke the essence of 1970s football memorabilia, the creators describe the multifaceted process involved in bringing these cards to fruition. Listeners are invited to reflect on the importance of preserving sports history, as well as the joy that comes from rekindling fond memories through the tangible medium of trading cards. This episode ultimately serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the WFL and the passionate individuals committed to ensuring that its history is not forgotten, but rather celebrated and cherished through these newly minted cards.

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

What happens when one swing changes everything at Yankee Stadium?

That's where this week's journey through Indian All-Stars History begins.

Join us as we look back at the week of August 9 through August 15, where Native athletes deliver unforgettable performances across baseball, boxing, track and field, basketball, gymnastics, and motorsports.

This week's stories include:

• Rudy York delivering the game-winning three-run home run against the New York Yankees.
• Ashton Locklear capturing gold on the uneven bars while helping Team USA win the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships.
• Adrian Houser battling through illness to strike out ten batters and earn a Major League victory.
• Billy Mills setting a new United States record in the ten-thousand meters.
• Tom Longboat defeating both relay teams and legendary English runner Alfred Shrubb in two remarkable distance races.
• Shoni Schimmel scoring twenty points in a single quarter, one of the greatest scoring bursts in WNBA history.
• Joe Hipp winning the final fight of his professional boxing career.
• Clarence "Taffy" Abel becoming the first American-born player to establish himself as a regular in the National Hockey League.
• Virgil Hill, Marvin Camel, Henry Armstrong, Joe Lewis, and George "Comanche Boy" Tahduwahnipah adding more memorable moments to their remarkable careers.
• Dexter Stacey continuing his climb in the NASCAR Pinty's Series with his best finish at Trois-Rivières.

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!

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

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky was traded to Los Angeles.

In 1989, former NHL first round draft pick Duncan McPherson went missing in Austria and would not be found again until in 2003.

In 2012, Usain Bolt won the 200m for the second straight Olympics, becoming the first Olympian to win the 100m and 200m in back-to-back Olympics.

In 1976, Cal Hubbard was inducted into the Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. He'd been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969. He is the only person to be inducted into both of those HOFs.

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

In 2024, Steph Curry scored 36 to lead a 17 point comeback against Serbia in the Olympic Semifinal.

In 1984, Cheryl Miller 16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals as the US Women's Olympic Basketball team won gold for the first time.

In 1988, the lights were finally turned on at Wrigley Field.

In 1905, Ty Cobb's mother shot his father accidentally, thinking it was an intruder.

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

In 2007, San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds hit home run number 756, passing Hank Aaron on the all-time list.

In 2016, Ichiro Suzuki picked up his 3,000th hit in Major League Baseball.

In 1999, Wade Boggs became the first MLB player to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit.

In 2016, golfer Jim Furyk shot a 58 to set the record for the lowest PGA Tour event record.

This discussion centers on the proposition that the 2011 NFL Draft class may be regarded as the preeminent defensive class in the history of the league. I present insights derived from Bill Barnwell’s recent article, which articulates compelling arguments and highlights an array of exceptional players, including J.J. Watt, Von Miller, Richard Sherman, and Patrick Peterson, many of whom are poised for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While we recognize the formidable talent of the 2011 cohort, we also examine rival classes, notably from 2009, 2010, and 1981, which boast their own distinguished players and achievements. The conversation further ventures into the 1969 draft class, featuring icons such as Joe Greene and Roger Wehrli, suggesting that this class, often overlooked, merits significant consideration in the discourse surrounding the greatest defensive draft classes. Ultimately, we invite our audience to reflect on these historical contexts and share their perspectives regarding the most illustrious draft classes in NFL history.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

A comprehensive exploration of the National Football League's most illustrious defensive draft classes commences with an examination of the 2011 class, posited by ESPN's Bill Barnwell as potentially the greatest in history. This fundamental assertion is bolstered by a plethora of formidable players, including J.J. Watt, Von Miller, Richard Sherman, and Patrick Peterson, all of whom have not only made indelible impacts on their respective franchises but have also established themselves as perennial Pro Bowl selections. The discussion meticulously details their accolades, highlighting Watt's unparalleled ability to disrupt offensive plays and Miller's sustained excellence across numerous teams. The speakers delve into the statistical achievements of these athletes, noting that many are likely to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, thus cementing the 2011 draft class's legacy within the annals of NFL history. As the dialogue unfolds, the speakers introduce alternative classes that could rival the 2011 cohort, notably the 1981 draft class, which produced Hall of Famers such as Lawrence Taylor and Ronnie Lott. The comparison extends to the 1969 draft class, featuring legends like Joe Greene and Ted Hendricks, whose remarkable careers and contributions to the sport further complicate the discourse surrounding the title of 'greatest defensive draft class.' By juxtaposing these classes, the conversation not only underscores the significance of the 2011 class but also encourages a broader contemplation of NFL history and the defining moments that shape it. The speakers conclude by urging listeners to engage in their own analyses of draft classes, illustrating the rich tapestry of talent that the NFL has witnessed over the decades.

Gridiron America is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, we time travel back to November 9, 1946, in the first of our planned public domain time capsule episodes, and put the listener in front of their old school AM radio, as number one ranked Army takes on number two ranked Notre Dame, in a classic game of gridiron trench warfare, at Yankee Stadium, in front of a packed house of 74,121.

Going into this match up, both teams were undefeated, and averaged over 30 points a game going into the game. Army had a 25-game winning streak, last losing to Notre Dame in 1943 (26–0), but had won the last two contests between the schools by scores of 59–0 and 48–0. Army had the defending Heisman Trophy winner, Doc Blanchard, also known as "Mr. Inside", the man who would win it that year, Glenn Davis, also known as "Mr. Outside", and one of the nation's top quarterbacks in Arnold Tucker.

Notre Dame had the quarterback who would win the Heisman the next year, Johnny Lujack, and end Leon Hart of Notre Dame won the Heisman in 1949 (the only time ever that a college football game had four Heisman Trophy winners). Lujack, along with several other teammates and coach Frank Leahy, had returned to the team for the 1946 season after serving in World War II. Both Tucker and Lujack were also outstanding defensive backs at a time when football players, college as well as professional, usually played both offense and defense.

GRIDIRON AMERICA BACKGROUND

Gridiron America (formerly, the From the 55 Yardline podcast), is anchored by former sports executive David Cieslinski, former international professional football player Mike Tackett, and football nerd Greg St. James.

All three are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen or tabletop.

Gridiron America Radio is dedicated to both current and historical American football talk, including the “what if” questions that all sports fans ask and try to answer with the help of statistics, math and computer modeling provided by SportsMaster Simulation Games www.SportsMaster-Simulation.games. In addition to the gridiron game, the team will on occasion look at other sports through the same eyes of that of grown men who still remember their childhood and the thrill of rolling the dice or picking up a joystick.

The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose sports writing can be found at www.Adamsonmedia.com.

David, Mike and Greg, can be contacted directly via the podcast’s website at www.GridironAmerica.net, as well as:

On X at https://x.com/GridironAMRadio

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GridironAmerica/

On Threads at https://www.threads.com/@gridironamerica

On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gridironamerica

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

In 1930, minor league baseball player Gene Rye hit three home runs in the same inning.

In 1992, Texas Ranger pitcher Nolan Ryan plunked KC's Willie Wilson and tossed out of the game for the first and only time in his career.

In 1978, John Mahaffey won the PGA Championship, his first and only major. It denied Tom Watson the chance to win the PGA Championship, the only major he missed out on.

In 1926, American Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel.

And if you would like to check out the first website, you can find here: info.cern.ch

In 2001, the Cleveland Indians scored 12 runs in the final three innings to erase a huge deficit to force extra innings and win it in the 11th.

In 1921, KDKA provided live updates on the baseball game between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, becoming the first game to be broadcast on the radio.

In 1963, Craig Breedlove got his 'Spirit of America' rocket propelled car up to 407 miles per hour to set a new land speed record.

Mentioned in this episode:

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