Sports History Network

This podcast episode delves into the remarkable connection between Jim Thorpe and the illustrious Heisman Trophy winners, particularly focusing on the art of drop kicking, a skill that has largely vanished from contemporary football. We embark on a historical exploration of this once-celebrated technique, illustrating how it was executed by legendary players before the advent of the forward pass rendered it obsolete. As we navigate through the annals of football history, we unearth the stories of remarkable athletes who excelled in this craft, including those who eventually received the Heisman distinction. By examining the evolution of the football itself and the changing dynamics of the sport, we illuminate the factors that contributed to the decline of the drop kick. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of these extraordinary figures and the forgotten skills that defined an era of football that stands in stark contrast to the modern game we witness today.

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.

In our thorough exploration of the relationship between Jim Thorpe and the evolution of football kicking techniques, we present an engaging examination of the historical context that birthed the Heisman Trophy and its connection to the art of drop kicking. The conversation traverses the timeline of football, analyzing how the transition from drop kicking to place kicking reflects broader changes in the sport’s dynamics, including advancements in training, athlete specialization, and game strategy. We also delve into the implications of these changes on the identity of football players, particularly the shifting perception of the kicker's role within the team framework. By engaging with the nuances of these historical developments, we encourage our audience to appreciate the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation in football, emphasizing the importance of understanding sports history as we navigate its modern iterations. Ultimately, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of athletes like Jim Thorpe while simultaneously inviting a critical examination of how past practices inform the present and future of the game.

Under the Radar is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Yaseen El-Demerdash was born with Poland syndrome, leaving him missing a right pectoral muscle. But forget disability -- this 23-year-old paralympic swimmer oozes ability. Learn about multiple achievements he's packed into life and how he just wants to make an impact on the world.

UNDER THE RADAR BACKGROUND

Under the Radar: Olympic Athletes Ya Gotta Meet is a podcast dedicated to highlighting the stories of unsung Olympic athletes past and future who are little-known and yet well worth getting to know. True to the Olympic spirit, these athletes have either demonstrated their heroism in past Games or have a chance to shine in future ones. Your host is Doug Levy, a retired sportswriter, reporter, lobbyist, and business owner who brings his love for all things Olympic Games to each podcast.

Every month, Doug will help you learn about athletes who competed just outside the limelight – or have yet to bask in the media spotlight. Each episode will feature an interview with athletes about the Olympic Games journey they took or the Olympic Games story they hope to write. So, sit back and learn about some competitors that NBC-TV and the mainstream media either never really discovered -- or have yet to uncover.

HOST - DOUG LEVY

Doug Levy is a lover of all things sports with a special affinity for the magic that comes come with every rendition of Summer and Winter Olympic Games. A 1984 University of Oregon graduate, he began his career as a sportswriter and columnist, news reporter, and political reporter for two daily newspapers in Washington State. He then spent 35 years in government affairs and politics, including 25 years owning/operating his lobbying business.

After retiring from lobbying at the end of 2022, Doug returned to his roots and spent two years of research, interviews, and writing for his first book, “Hero Redefined: Profiles of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar.” The book was published in late January 2025 and has earned words of praise from Olympic athletes and sports luminaries such as Sebastian Coe, Frank Shorter, Mac Wilkins, Mitch Gaylord, Willie Banks, and the President of the Golden State Warriors, Brandon Schneider. Doug lives just outside of Seattle, Wash., with his wife of nearly 40 years, Teri, and their dog Riley. They have two sons, Zach, 33, and Cody, 30. To learn more about Doug, visit www.authordouglevy.com

HERO REDEFINED: PROFILES OF OLYMPIC ATHLETES UNDER THE RADAR (Amazon link)

Over the years the Cleveland sports scene has had to endure some painful and heartbreaking losses, more then its fair share.

From "The Fumble", to "The Drive", to coming oh so close with their baseball team in several instances in the fall classic.

Yet the Cleveland Cavaliers finally answered the prayers of all northeast Ohio in 2016, erasing a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals to give the city along Lake Erie its much needed and delayed championship, the city's first in several generations.

Yet during the down years of Cleveland sports in the mid 1970s, it was their basketball team that filled the void, climbing from an obscure NBA expansion team to not only capturing the hearts of Cleveland fans but captured the attention of the entire basketball world.

In this episode co hosts Dana Auguster and Charles Combs are heading back to the 1976 NBA playoffs to revisit one of basketball's most remarkable Cinderella stories—the "Miracle at Richfield."

Just five years after joining the league as an expansion franchise, the Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the basketball world by defeating the heavily favored Washington Bullets and capturing the imagination of an entire city.

We'll examine how a team of overlooked players, a passionate fan base, and a little bit of playoff magic combined to create one of the greatest upsets in NBA history.

To contact the show please drop us a line at [email protected].

Pro Football in the 1970s is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

JOE ZAGORSKI'S BOOKS ON AMAZON

From the Outhouse to the Penthouse: The Football Journey of Hall of Famer Larry Little

Free Spirit at Free Safety: The Incredible (But True!) Football Journey of Bill Bradley

The 2,003-Yard Odyssey: The Juice, The Electric Company, and an Epic Run For A Record

America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker: The Story of NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier

The Year the Packers Came Back: The 1972 Resurgence

The NFL in the 1970s: Pro Football's Most Important Decade

EPISODE SUMMARY

CHECK OUT THE NFL IN THE 1970S FACEBOOK PAGE

CHECK OUT JOE'S WEBSITE - JOE ZAGORSKI WRITER

If you would be asked to name one particular decade where the pro football spectrum saw much more attention to new and better stadiums, the decade of the 1970s certainly must rank as the top, or at least near the top. When the 1970 NFL season dawned, there were 26 pro teams, playing in 27 stadiums. As any historian of the sport will tell you, the Green Bay Packers played their home games in two stadiums back in the 1970s…one in Green Bay, and one in Milwaukee.....

Read the entire episode blog post and check out some other cool info regarding this episode here.

PRO FOOTBALL IN THE 1970S BACKGROUND

Reliving Gridiron Glory: Pro Football in the 1970s with Joe Zagorski

Professional football is one of the most exciting spectator sports in America. The decade of the 1970s saw the sport grow by leaps and bounds, thanks mostly to exciting players who quickly became icons. NFL players such as Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, O.J.Simpson, Terry Bradshaw, “Mean” Joe Greene and Fran Tarkenton are still considered household names today.

During the 1970s, the growing millions of pro football fans also witnessed numerous exciting games and plays, many of which are still remembered and discussed today. Plays like Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception in 1972, or the original Hail Mary Pass in 1975, or the Sea of Hands game in 1974, or the Ghost to the Post game in 1977…so many memories, and all during one of the greatest decades in NFL history.

Joe Zagorski’s Pro Football in the 1970s podcast explores all the great memories that occurred in the NFL during that memorable decade. Each segment will tackle a specific event or player in the NFL during the 1970s. Each episode will also include a trivia question from some aspect of that particular episode’s theme or topic.

Joe Zagorski’s Pro Football in the 1970s podcast takes listeners back to a time of old school pro football, where the game might have been simpler in the form of strategy, but it was also more pure and more robust than it had ever been before. Practically everything that happened during that decade on pro gridirons gets attention in this podcast.

In 1979, the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Washington Bullets in game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the first major professional sports title for Seattle since 1917.

In 2014, LA King Justin Williams scored his seventh goal in career game playoff game sevens, earning him the nickname of 'Mr. Game Seven.'

In 1957, Cal-Berkeley junior Don Bowden became the first American to run a sub 4-minute mile.

In 1925, Lou Gehrig started his 2,130 game consecutive games played streak.

In 1988, the original version of John Madden Football was released to be played on a Commodore 64 or an Apple 2.

This episode delves into the historical significance of three esteemed stadiums in college football, each named in honor of remarkable individuals whose contributions to the sport and their respective programs are profound. We explore Michi Stadium at West Point, paying tribute to Dennis Michi, the visionary who established the Army football program and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Furthermore, we investigate Nile Kinnick Stadium at the University of Iowa, named after a celebrated Heisman Trophy winner whose legacy extends beyond the gridiron. Lastly, we reflect on Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech, which honors a transformative coach who revolutionized the game through his innovative approach to training and player welfare. Through these narratives, we aim to illuminate the enduring impact of these legends on college football 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 profound exploration of the historical significance of college football stadiums, this episode delves into the remarkable stories of three iconic venues and their namesakes. Each stadium is not merely a structure of brick and mortar but rather a monument to individuals who have transcended the realm of sports to become legends in their own right. The discussion begins with Michi Stadium, named in honor of Dennis Michi, a pioneering figure who laid the groundwork for the Army football program. Michi's unwavering determination in the face of institutional skepticism regarding the sport culminated in the establishment of a program that would foster camaraderie and resilience among cadets. His untimely sacrifice during the Spanish-American War immortalized him in West Point lore, ensuring that his legacy would forever resonate within the walls of Michi Stadium. The discourse then transitions to the illustrious Nile Kinnick Stadium at the University of Iowa. Kinnick was not only a Heisman Trophy winner but also a heroic fighter pilot whose life was tragically cut short during World War II. The narrative recounts how the student body, in a heartfelt tribute to Kinnick's contributions to both football and the military, voted to honor him through the renaming of the stadium. This act of remembrance underscores the deep connection between sports and national pride, encapsulating the essence of Kinnick's legacy, which continues to inspire generations of athletes and students alike. Lastly, the episode pays homage to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech, a venue that serves as a testament to Dodd's revolutionary approach to coaching. Dodd's philosophy emphasized the enjoyment of the game, contrasting sharply with the militaristic training prevalent during his time. His commitment to player welfare and innovative strategies led to a remarkable record and an enduring legacy that transformed the landscape of college football. Each of these stadiums is a living tribute to the indelible impact of these remarkable individuals, whose stories continue to inspire and shape the ethos of American football. Through these narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of college football history, celebrating the men who have made it possible.

Throughout the 1980's, the New York Giants were one of the premier teams in football, led by Bill Parcells, Lawrence Taylor, and Phil Simms. But by 1991, Parcells had left the team, Taylor was showing his age, and Simms had been benched for Jeff Hostetler. Coached by Ray Handley, the aging Giants struggled through two mediocre seasons in 1991 and 1992. In this episode, Andrew and Dan recount one of the most frustrating eras in Giants history.

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 2002, Senegal upset France 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.

In 1999, San Antonio's Sean Elliott hit his 6th 3-pointer to give the Spurs the win over Portland in game 2 of the WCF.

In 1927, Detroit's first baseman Johnny Neun recorded an unassisted triple play against Cleveland. It was the second day that an unassisted triple play had been recorded in MLB. There wasn't another one for 40 years.

In 2013, Australian golfer Andrew Dodt became the first player on the European golf tour to drop two aces during the same competitive round.

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

TOTAL SPORTS RECALL HOMEPAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

This episode takes a look back at some of the best sports announcers in Pittsburgh history. Audio clips of Bob Prince, Jack Fleming, Mike Lange, and Lanny Frattare are included. If you are from Pittsburgh this is an episode that will bring back memories.

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.

HOSTS - HARV ARONSON

Harv Aronson was born and raised in Pittsburgh and now resides in Jacksonville, Florida. You can listen to the Total Sports Recall Podcast at https://totalsportsrecall.captivate.fm, which is also available on Spotify , iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Harv's passion is for sports history. He currently writes for Abstract Sports.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.

https://www.speakpipe.com/TotalSportsRecall

If you would like to leave a voice message to be played on the Total Sports Recall podcast use the link below to have Harv play your message on the show. Your message should be regarding sports, a topic heard on this show, or comments/suggestions for the podcast. Critiques are welcome! 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.

In 1946, Bama Rowell hit a monster home run at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field that shattered glass on a clock above the scoreboard, raining shards down on the field. It inspired the triumphant scene in the movie, "The Natural."

In 1976, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to start a NASCAR race when she raced the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In 1973, a crew member working the Indianapolis 500 was killed by an emergency vehicle going the wrong way on pit road. Driver Swede Savage was badly injured in a wreck and died in the hospital 33 days later.

In 1975, middle distance star Steve Prefontaine died in a car accident in Eugene, Oregon.

In 1976, golfer Roger Maltbie turned a fortunate bounce into a win at the inaugural Memorial Golf Tournament.