Sports History Network

In 2003, Ben Curtis won the Open Championship at Royal St. Georges. It was first appearance in a golf major and his first professional win.

In 1985, Mary Decker Slaney dusted Zola Budd and the rest of the field in a rematch of the 3000 meter debacle at the LA Olympics the previous summer.

In 1969, Gaylord Perry proved his former manager Alvin Dark to be quite a fortune teller when he hit a home run about an hour after Neil Armstrong stepped on the surface of the moon.

In 1986, Greg LeMond became the first American to wear the Yellow Jersey as the leader of the Tour de France.

The discourse presented in this episode centers on the origins of American football, with our esteemed guest, Bert Gambini, positing that the pivotal moment in football's history occurred on October 16, 1880. Gambini articulates that this date marks the first instance of gridiron football being played under the critical rule of scrimmage, a significant departure from previous iterations of the game. Throughout the discussion, we meticulously analyze various claims regarding the inception of football, including widely accepted dates such as 1869 and 1876, yet we ultimately find them lacking in defining the essence of what constitutes football. Gambini's research highlights the importance of understanding the transformation of the game from its rudimentary forms to the establishment of structured play, notably through the introduction of possession rules. This episode serves not only as an exploration of football's historical timeline but also as an invitation to reconsider the narratives that have long shaped our understanding of the sport's evolution.

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 profound examination of the origins of American football unfolds in this enlightening discussion, wherein the speakers engage with the esteemed historian Bert Gambini. The discourse traverses various proposed starting points of football, including the commonly cited years of 1869, 1874, and 1876, culminating in Gambini's compelling assertion that the true inception occurred in 1880. Gambini articulates a critical distinction between earlier forms of the game and the establishment of scrimmage rules, which he argues fundamentally transformed football into the sport we recognize today. The conversation delves into the socio-historical context surrounding these developments, highlighting the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of football's evolution. Gambini's meticulous research, which includes references to contemporaneous newspaper reports, illuminates the obscured narratives and misconceptions that have persisted over time, challenging the audience to reconsider widely held beliefs about the game’s origins. This episode serves not only as a chronicle of football history but also as an invitation to engage critically with the sources that shape our understanding of the past. The speakers emphasize the importance of recognizing scrimmage as a pivotal moment in football’s development, underscoring that this rule change marked a departure from its rugby roots. Gambini’s insightful analysis prompts a re-evaluation of the historical timeline, advocating for a recognition of the 1880 game between Rutgers and the Stevens Institute as the first true gridiron football match. This perspective not only enriches our comprehension of football's lineage but also invites further scholarly inquiry into the myriad influences that have shaped the sport over the decades.

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

What do a record-breaking WNBA All-Star performance, one of boxing's fastest knockouts, and the greatest all-around athlete in history have in common?

They all happened this week in Native sports history.

Join Bill Black as we travel through the week of July 19–25, celebrating the incredible achievements of Native athletes from the past and the present. This week's featured story follows Shoni Schimmel as the Umatilla star steps onto the WNBA All-Star stage and delivers one of the greatest performances in league history. Along the way, we'll revisit memorable moments from Henry Armstrong, Virgil Hill, Jack Dempsey, Jim Thorpe, Cory Witherill, Bobby Madritsch, George "Comanche Boy" Tahdooahnippah, Dexter Stacey, Brandon Rios, Koda Glover, and Elizabeth Phillips.

Every week brings another chapter in the story of Native athletic excellence.

Imagine running through the tunnel and onto the court. The lights are bright. The crowd is roaring. You take one deep breath, knowing this could be the biggest moment of your life.

For Shoni Schimmel, it was.

This week, we celebrate one of the greatest performances in WNBA All-Star history while also looking back at unforgettable moments from boxing, baseball, mixed martial arts, and auto racing.

🏀 Shoni Schimmel rewrites the WNBA All-Star record book.

🥊 Henry Armstrong continues one of boxing's greatest careers with multiple victories.

🥊 Jack Dempsey scores one of the quickest knockout victories of his legendary career.

⚾ Jim Thorpe continues his professional baseball journey.

🏎️ Cory Witherill and Dexter Stacey represent Native excellence in motorsports.

⚾ Bobby Madritsch and Koda Glover reach the Major Leagues.

🥊 Virgil Hill, Brandon Rios, George "Comanche Boy" Tahdooahnippah, and Elizabeth Phillips add memorable victories to Native sports history.

Visit NDNAllStars.com for more stories celebrating great Native athletes from the past and the present.

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!

In Part 3 of our occasional series on the last career game (or fight) of legends in five sports, today we examine the last career appearances of Ty Cobb, Joe Louis, Bobby Orr, Larry Bird, and Lawrence Taylor.

Books to Complement This Episode:

"Last Time Out: Big League Farewells of Baseball's Greats"

"Connie Mack: The Turbulent and Triumphant Years, 1915-1931"

"Connie Mack's '29 Triumph: The Rise and Fall of the Philadelphia Athletics Dynasty"

"Unbeaten: Rocky Marciano's Fight For Perfection in a Crooked World"

"The Boxing Kings: When American Heavyweights Ruled the World"

"Searching for Bobby Orr"

"Kooks and Degenerates on Ice: Bobby Orr, the Big Bad Bruins, and the Stanley Cup Championship That Transformed Hockey"

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

In 2009, 59-year old Tom Watson came within a shot of becoming the oldest to win a major golf championship.

In 1946, home plate umpire Red Jones ejected 14 players and coaches in an effort to silence a critic and yet he never found him.

In 1990, Pete Rose was sentenced to prison for tax evasion.

In 1909, Neal Ball recorded the first unassisted triple play in MLB history.

Total Sports Recall (TSR) is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

TOTAL SPORTS RECALL HOMEPAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

Part three of a four part series reviewing the first 20 overall number one draft picks in each of the four major sports. This episode covers pro basketball, the NBA and the old American Basketball Association or the ABA. Many great players have been drafted first in each league's overall number one selection and those players are revealed in this episode with a history of their background.

TOTAL SPORTS RECALL BACKGROUND

Host Harv Aronson brings you an array of sports history topics recalling great moments and athletes from sports yesteryear.

No sport is left alone with an emphasis on football and baseball but there will be reflections on past boxing, mixed martial arts, basketball, golf, and an occasional hockey memory.

Harv Aronson has been an established sportswriter with one published book under his wing and brings with him nearly 55 years of sports knowledge and exposure to sports as a fan.

With a degree in communications and journalism, Harv will be using his radio voice to entertain listeners with popular stories and events from the past as well as some surprises. Some podcasts will bring interviews with a sports personality and perhaps the opportunity for listeners to join in on the show.

HOSTS - HARV ARONSON

Harv Aronson was born and raised in Pittsburgh but now lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his beautiful wife Melissa. You can listen to Harv’s Total Sports Recall Podcast, which is also available on Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. He currently writes for AbstractSports.com, the Sports History Network, and the magazine Gridiron Greats.

Harv wrote the published book "Pro Football's Most Passionate Fans" and as a professional writer has had articles published in an array of sports publications. Harv loves all sports but football and baseball are at the top of his interest. His passion is for sports history. Visit Harv’s portfolio at https://www.clippings.me/totalsportsrecall.

You can contact Harv using his official podcast email address which is [email protected].

You may also reach out to Harv on X using the handle @TotalSportsRecl.

Leave a voice message for the Total Sports Recall podcast to be aired at a later date.

In 1912, tennis players Karl Behr and Richard Norris Williams, both Titanic survivors played each other in a Boston Tennis Tournament.

In 1999, Jean Vandevelde came to the final hole at Carnoustie needing only a double bogey to win the Claret Jug, instead, a triple-bogey plunged him into a three-way playoff and lost.

In 1962, Bob Allison and Harmon Killebrew both hit grand slams in the same inning in a 14-2 win over Cleveland.

In 1987, Don Mattingly hit a home run, matching a MLB record for homering in 8 straight games.

in 1930, American Bert Patenaude scored the first hat trick in World Cup history, but it took 76 years to recognize it.

In 1993, Graeme Obree set a new cycling hour record on a bike he built from scrap metal and parts from his washing machine.

In 1990, the Minnesota Twins turned two triple plays against the Boston Red Sox. It's the only time that's ever happened in MLB.

In 1941, Joe DiMaggio went 0-3 with a walk, ending his hitting streak at 56 games.

In 1950, Uruguay stunned Brazil in the World Cup Final, winning 2-1.

In 1983, Hale Irwin's whiff of a tap-in during Saturday's round cost him a shot at the Claret Jug on Sunday.

In 1959, Bill Wright became the first African American to win a USGA event when he won the PubLinks Championship.

In 1941, Joe DiMaggio hit safely in his 56th consecutive game.

StatMan and Robin is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Statman and Robin look back at Baltimore training camps with the Ravens in 2001 and Colts in 1971 and the television coverage they received. They also review the Colts' history with exhibition/pre-season games and two devastating injuries suffered during them.

STATMAN AND ROBIN BACKGROUND

The city of Baltimore has a rich sports history dating back to the “Hit ‘em where they ain’t” Orioles of the 1890’s. Since then, the Colts, Orioles, Ravens and nearby Maryland Terrapins have provided fans with thrilling victories and crushing defeats, and we’ve been there for them all going back to the 1966 World Series champion Orioles.

We’ll bring you the stories of our teams through the years featuring not just the action on the field, but memories of the players, coaches, executives and the city itself. From the champs to the bad teams that make us appreciate the good ones even more, there are stories we want to share for posterity. We hope the younger fans learn, and older fans relive those memories and perhaps learn something they didn’t know.

We’ll also occasionally add stories of some lesser-known Baltimore teams, in sports like indoor soccer, lacrosse, and even Canadian football. Also, don’t forget the Baltimore Bullets.

We hope you will enjoy our bi-weekly shows as much as we will enjoy reliving these great times of our lives.

HOSTS - JIM JOHNSON & ROBIN HAINES

Jim Johnson bio:

I’m Jim Johson (aka StatMan), one of the co-hosts of Baltimore Sports History. I escaped the doldrums of Washington, DC sports in the 1960s when I moved to the Baltimore area during the 1970 World Series, which the Orioles won, and met Robin Haines. We quickly bonded over sports, a bond that lasted past school years through families and careers.

I have written about sports for various websites over the years. I did “The Courtmaster” column covering ACC and Maryland Terps men’s basketball (and a National Championship) in the early 2000’s. I also wrote about college football in the mid 2000’s. More recently, I wrote about Baltimore football history and the AFC North for Baltimore Sports and Life from 2021-2023. Now happily retired, I enjoy going back to the history of my favorite teams and sharing it with Robin, and you.

Robin Haines bio:

I'm Robin Haines, a retired R.N. and lifelong Baltimore area resident who grew up hearing my dad talk about the pre-1954 minor league Orioles. The seed was planted for my growth into a die-hard Baltimore sports follower (and when you're named after a baseball Hall of Famer-well, there's a story there).

I met Jim Johnson when we were both around 12 years old, and we have shared the ups and downs (and many quirks) of the Baltimore sports scene for most of our lives. You know how a sports story or event you share with someone can instantly take you back to an earlier version of yourselves? That's how it is with Jim and me, and I hope to share that connection on this podcast.