Sports History Network

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

After a one month break due to Greg being away from the studio and mic for his sojourn back to America, the guys are back on the air. We start off by looking at the just completed UFL semifinals and then transition to a talk about the first week of the new CFL season. Afterward we talk about the new media deal the CFL has signed and ponder what changes might be coming to American CFL coverage. We then wrap up by talking about the Bears who say and very much look to be, on the move to Indiana.

GRIDIRON AMERICA RADIO BACKGROUND

Gridiron America Radio (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, from Gridiron Japan Radio.

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 continued writings. sports coverage and articles 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

In 1993, Drazen Petrović was killed in a car accident in Germany.

In 1986, Bo Jackson was drafted by the Kansas City Royals to play Major League Baseball and decided to play baseball instead of play for Tampa Bay in the NFL after they lied to him.

In 1892, Jack Doyle of the Cleveland Spiders became the first successful pinch hitter in major league baseball history.

In 1998, the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz by 42 points in an NBA Finals game. That margin of victory is an NBA Finals record.

In 1997, a scoring mistake at the Indy Racing League event at Texas Motor Speedway awarded the trophy to the wrong driver. The actual winner, Arie Luyendyk, was awarded the trophy the following day.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stirling Roastery - This DiSH

In 1956, the NHL's six teams vote 5-1 to change the power play, releasing the penalized player after a goal was scored by team with the man advantage.

In 1984, Boston's Kevin McHale clotheslined LA's Kurt Rambis, sending him flying. The foul set the tone for the remainder of the series.

In 1993, Baltimore's Cal Ripken was involved in a bench-clearing brawl. He twisted his knee in the melee and came close to not playing in the next day's game which would have ended his pursuit of Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak prematurely.

In 1969, New York Jets QB Joe Namath announced he was quitting football instead of relinquish ownership of his Manhattan bar. He changed his mind two months later.

In 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes won a wild game one, with Rod Brind'Amour scoring a late third period goal and Cam Ward repelling every shot in the final frantic seconds.

In 1974, Dave Winfield was drafted by the San Diego Padres with the third overall pick. It was the fourth professional team that had drafted him to play in four different leagues.

In 1977, the Portland Trailblazers won the NBA Championship, becoming the first team to come back from an 0-2 deficit.

In 1937, War Admiral won the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

Every sports fan has that moment when they experience something that connects them to a team and they are hooked to them forever. In this episode, Statman and Robin share their experiences of how they got hooked by two of their favorite teams.

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.

In 1976, the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns played 3OTs in the 'Greatest NBA Game Ever Played.'

In 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup with Chris Chelios becoming the oldest active player to win the cup.

In 1974, 10 cent beer night in Cleveland led to debauchery and violence.

In 1992, Michael Jordan hit 6-10 from 3-point range as the Chicago Bulls beat the Portland Trailblazers in game one of the NBA Finals.

In 1975, the New York Cosmos signed Pelé to play in the NASL.

In 2012, Tiger Woods won the Memorial Tournament to equal Jack Nicklaus' for career wins.

In 2013, former NFL great Deacon Jones died. Jones was the one who coined the term 'sack.'

In 1888, the poem 'Casey at the Bat' was published for the first time in the San Francisco Examiner.

The focal point of this podcast episode is a comprehensive examination of the illustrious career of Bill Mazeroski, a Hall of Fame second baseman renowned for his unparalleled defensive prowess and memorable World Series accomplishments. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the profound impact Mazeroski had on the game of baseball, particularly highlighted by his iconic walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series, a moment that remains etched in the annals of sports history. We also explore Mazeroski's exceptional statistics, including his record for the most double plays turned, which showcases his remarkable skill on the field. As we pay tribute to this remarkable athlete, we reflect on his significance not only to the Pittsburgh Pirates but also to the broader landscape of Major League Baseball. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Bill Mazeroski and the enduring influence of his contributions to the sport. The discussion revolves around the illustrious career of Bill Mazeroski, a revered figure in baseball history, particularly noted for his remarkable defensive prowess and his pivotal role in the 1960 World Series. The podcast begins by paying tribute to Mazeroski, who passed away in February 2026, underscoring his legacy as a second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The speakers delve into Mazeroski's unique status, not merely as a player celebrated for his batting averages and home runs, but as an exceptional defensive player whose skills transformed the second base position. They highlight his record of double plays and Gold Glove awards, emphasizing that his induction into the Hall of Fame was primarily due to his defensive excellence rather than offensive statistics. The conversation progresses to the iconic moment of his walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees, which remains a defining moment in both his career and baseball history. The speakers reflect on the improbability of the Pirates' victory over a formidable Yankees team, establishing Mazeroski's home run as a legendary moment in sports, encapsulating the essence of baseball nostalgia and the significance of individual moments within team sports.

Takeaways:

• Bill Mazeroski, a distinguished second baseman, is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, earning eight Gold Glove awards throughout his illustrious career.
• The only walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning during World Series Game Seven history was struck by Mazeroski, solidifying his legacy in baseball lore.
• Mazeroski's remarkable record of 1,706 double plays remains unmatched, highlighting his unparalleled impact on the game defensively.
• His offensive statistics may not be as impressive, yet Mazeroski's defensive prowess undeniably justifies his induction into the Hall of Fame.
• Despite his quiet demeanor, Mazeroski's contributions to the Pittsburgh Pirates have cemented him as a beloved figure in the city's sports history.
• The 1960 World Series, where Mazeroski's dramatic home run secured the championship for the Pirates, stands as a defining moment in baseball history.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sportshistorynetwork.com
• baseballreference.com
• mcfarlandbooks.com
• sportsfh.infomail.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sports History Network
• baseballreference.com
• Amazon
• McFarland Books

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

Join Mark as he relives the 1996 New York Yankees season, the first World Series Championship for the team since 1978. It was also one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history. Tune in for part 1 of this 3 part series.

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)

In 2010, Detroit Tiger pitcher Armando Galarraga pitched a perfect game for 26 batters. The 27th was called safe at first but replays showed he was out.

In 1993, Charles Smith was denied on multiple occasions on a potential go-ahead bucket in an ECF game against Chicago.

In 2000, Indiana's Reggie Miller scored 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter to sink the hopes of the New York Knicks in the ECF.

In 1935, Babe Ruth retired from baseball.

In 1941, New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig died from ALS.