Sports History Network

In 1995, Indiana beat Orlando in game four of the ECF as Rik Smits hit the game winner with no time left. The Magic and Pacers scored 11 points in the final 13.3 seconds.

In 1976, Joe Niekro hit a homer off his brother Phil in a win for the Houston Astros.

In 1982, the Minnesota Twins pulled off a strikeout triple play.

In 1974, Texas' Lenny Randle laid down a bunt and then attacked the pitcher covering it as retaliation for a purpose pitch.

In 2015, a rain soaked Texas golf course caused a par four to be shortened to a par 3. It also made par for the course 69. It's the only time a PGA event played a course with par less than 70.

In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first humans to ever summit Mount Everest.

In 1985, prior to a European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus, a fight broke out in the stands. By the time the dust settled, 38 people died and 580 were injured. A 39th victim died later at the hospital.

The episode elucidates the significant impact of Larry Kelly, a Yale football player, who was born on May 30, 1915. His audacious and controversial play during a 1936 game against the Navy Midshipmen not only led to a pivotal touchdown for Yale but also ignited a national debate regarding the legality of kicking a loose ball, subsequently resulting in the establishment of the so-called "Larry Kelley Rule." This episode delves into the intricacies of that historic encounter and the ensuing ramifications for the rules of football.

Moreover, the narrative transitions to the life of Johnny Blood McNally, a versatile player whose colorful persona and storied career provide additional insights into football's early history. Through these compelling accounts, we celebrate the indelible contributions of these athletes to the tapestry of the sport.

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 a further exploration of football's rich history, the narrative introduces Johnny Blood McNally, a player characterized by his itinerant spirit and remarkable versatility on the field. Known as the 'vagabond halfback', McNally's journey through various teams and leagues encapsulates the essence of early professional football—a time when players often traversed great distances in pursuit of their passion. His encounters and experiences, particularly during his time with the Green Bay Packers and other teams, reveal the complexities of player dynamics and the often-overlooked narratives of those who shaped the game. McNally's colorful personality, replete with tales of camaraderie and conflict, provides a vivid depiction of the sport's evolution during a transformative era. This segment serves to enrich our understanding of the cultural and social fabric that underpinned football's early years, inviting listeners to appreciate the multifaceted stories that contribute to the sport's enduring legacy.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explored the remarkable story of Larry Kelly, a Yale football player whose quick thinking on the field changed the course of football history forever.
• The controversial play executed by Larry Kelly during the 1936 Yale versus Navy game led to significant changes in NCAA football rules, known as the Larry Kelly Rule.
• We also delved into the illustrious life of Art Rooney Sr., the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his unexpected fortune from horse racing in 1936.
• The podcast highlighted the fascinating journey of Johnny Blood McNally, whose colorful career as a vagabond halfback left an indelible mark on professional football history.
• Johnny Blood's unique nickname and his adventures in the early days of football provide a captivating glimpse into the sport's rich past.
• Finally, we discussed how personal controversies can sometimes enhance a player's legacy, exemplified by Larry Kelly's Heisman Trophy win following the Navy incident.

In 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants given the go-ahead to move west.

in 1956, Pittsburgh's Dale Long hit a home run in his 8th straight game.

In 2006, Barry Bonds hit career homer #715, passing Babe Ruth for second on the all-time list.

In 1985, Philadelphia goalie Pelle Lindbergh requested a water bottle to put on top of the net. Edmonton asked if he wanted a picnic basket or a charcuterie board to go with it.

In 1983, American Kathy Horvath toppled top-seeded Martina Navratilova in the fourth round of the French Open, snapping her streak of 36-consecutive matches won.

In 1991, the Chicago Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons to advance to the NBA Finals.

In 1937, New York Giant pitcher Carl Hubbell won his 24th straight game.

In 1981, Seattle Mariner Lenny Randle blew a slow roller, foul.

In 1943, the plane that former Olympian Louis Zamperini was flying in, suffered mechanical difficulties and crashed into the ocean 850 miles from Oahu.

In 2001, Tony Stewart became the first and still only driver to drive all 1100 miles on Memorial Day, finishing sixth after driving 500 miles at Indy and finishing third at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte.

Back in 1979, Magic Johnson defied basketball convention. Analysts at the time could not figure out which position he would play when coming to the NBA. Would he play point guard? His dribble wasn’t strong enough. What about power forward? His post game wasn’t strong enough. He was a conundrum that broke the mold of what an NBA point guard should be.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Take Care" by Julian Avila

"Horizons" by Roa

SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

sportshistorynetwork.com

sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

FACEBOOK

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BUSINESS CONTACT

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

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

From 1949 to 1954, the Minneapolis Lakers won five NBA titles. They reached the Finals again in 1959 but lost to the Celtics.

The Lakers moved to LA before the start of the 1960-1961 season. They reached the NBA Finals again in 1962 and 1963, but lost to the Celtics both times. They also lost to Boston in 1965, 66, 68, and 69. In 1970, they lost to the New York Knicks.

From 1955 to 1971, the Lakers made the postseason every year except in 1958, but they did not win an NBA title. Would 1972 finally be the year?

Many doubted it. For starters, forward Elgin Baylor, widely regarded as one of the NBA's best players, retired nine games into the season. Center Wilt Chamberlain was 35 and, while still dominant, was showing signs of slowing down. Guard Jerry West was 33 and returning from a torn knee ligament.

Before the start of the season, Bill Sharman, a former Celtics player, was named head coach. The starting lineup featured Chamberlain at center, West and Gale Goodrich at guard, and Jim McMillian and Happy Hairston at forward.....

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 1959, Harvey Haddix pitched 12 innings of perfect baseball but lost it and the game in the 13th.

In 1987, Larry Bird stole an Isaiah Thomas inbound pass, found a cutting Dennis Johnson to the basket in a Boston Celtics win in the playoffs.

In 1969, the NFL and ABC agreed to put a professional football game on Monday night beginning in 1970.

This episode elucidates the intriguing historical narrative surrounding the British influence on American football, particularly focusing on the period when British enthusiasts sought to persuade Americans to abandon their modified version of the sport in favor of traditional rugby. We engage in a comprehensive discussion with Timothy Brown of footballarchaeology.com, who provides invaluable insights into the evolution of football from its early rugby roots to the distinctly American game we recognize today. We delve into the pivotal changes initiated in the 1880s, which not only transformed the gameplay but also solidified a uniquely American identity in football. The conversation also highlights the cultural ramifications of these historical developments, particularly how American football has evolved and gained prominence, even in the very regions that once attempted to dismiss it. As we navigate this rich tapestry of football history, we invite our listeners to reflect on the enduring legacy of the sport and its global reach 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.

A profound exploration of the historical evolution of American football is presented, delving into the formative years that shaped the sport we recognize today. The discussion centers on the seminal contributions of Walter Camp, whose 1891 publication elucidates the early adaptations of rugby into American football. This narrative is enriched by an examination of the pivotal transition that occurred in the late 19th century, particularly the introduction of the system of downs in 1882, which fundamentally altered gameplay dynamics. The hosts, Darren Hayes and Timothy Brown, engage in a critical analysis of the resistance faced by American players from their British counterparts, who sought to preserve the integrity of rugby rules. The episode encapsulates the fascinating interplay between cultural identity and athletic evolution, revealing how American football diverged from its roots to forge a distinct path that resonates with millions today. Furthermore, the conversation draws parallels to the modern-day proliferation of football across the globe, highlighting the NFL's strategic outreach efforts to cultivate a broader audience beyond American borders. This episode serves not only as a historical account but also as a reflection on the enduring legacy of football and its capacity to adapt and thrive in diverse contexts.

In 1965, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch with what many thought was a 'phantom punch.'

In 1935, Babe Ruth hit the final home runs of his career when he hit three in a loss at Pittsburgh. His final career homer was belted completely out of Forbes Field, the first time that had happened since it opened in 1909.

In 1964, 328 people died in Lima, Peru in the world's worst soccer stadium disaster.