Sports History Network

Sports History Network

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Sports History Network episodes

  • NY Islanders win their 4th straight Stanley Cup, 45 Runs in Wrigley, and 'The Pass in the Grass' - This DiSH for May 17

    In 1983, the New York Islanders won their fourth straight Stanley Cup, becoming the only US based NHL team to win four in a row.

    In 1979, the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs combined for 45 runs in an extra inning game.

    In 1987, Dale Earnhardt pulled off 'The Pass in the Grass' in the Winston All-Star Race. It wasn't a pass though, he maintained control of his car and the lead of the race despite driving through the front-stretch grass.

    6 min
  • Great Sports Speeches from History

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

    TOTAL SPORTS RECALL HOMEPAGE

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    On this episode you will hear the original recordings of some of the most famous speeches and post game press conferences in sports history. A unique portrayal of a famous hockey speech is included and the podcast concludes with a hilarious sports skit from the past.

    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 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.

    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.

    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]. Y

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

    1 hr 6 min
  • The Yankees and the 'Copa Incident,' Larry Bird's Bar Fight, and Rick Barry brawling 'on an island' - This DiSH for May 16

    In 1957, New York Yankee players, Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Hank Bauer, Gil McDougald, and Johnny Kucks were involved in an altercation at The Copacabana. It led to Martin getting traded soon after.

    In 1985, Boston's Larry Bird got into a fight with a bar patron at Chelsea's.

    In 1976, Golden States' Rick Barry got into a fight with Phoenix's Ricky Sobers. None of Barry's teammates came to help out. Barry got upset and refused to shoot for a large portion of the second half.

    9 min
  • From Field Goals to Game Changers: How Morris Stroud Altered NFL Rules

    The Stroud Rule: How the NFL’s Tallest Player Forced a Rule Change

    Intro Hook: Imagine a defender so tall he didn't need to rush the kicker—he simply stood under the crossbar and swatted field goals away like a basketball center. In the late 1960s, Morris Stroud turned the NFL into a game of "grass-court" goaltending, forcing the league to rewrite its laws to stop one of the most creative "cheats" in sports history.

    The Man Who Made Field Goals Obsolete: Morris Stroud

    In the late 1960s, the NFL was an arms race. Coaches were looking for any edge—any loophole—to snatch a victory. But while most teams were looking at the playbook, the Kansas City Chiefs were looking at the rafters.

    Meet Morris Stroud. At 6'10", he remains one of the tallest players to ever lace up a pair of cleats. Nominally a tight end, Stroud was a physical anomaly in an era of smaller, scrappier players.

    But Head Coach Hank Stram didn't just want Stroud to catch passes. He had a vision that felt more like a heist than a strategy.

    The logic was deviously simple: why let the ball go through the uprights when you have a man tall enough to reach them?

    During field goal attempts, Stroud wouldn't rush the kicker. He wouldn't try to penetrate the line. Instead, he would retreat. He’d stand directly under the crossbar, wait for the ball to reach its apex, and simply... jump.

    • The Tactic: Stroud would swat away kicks that were clearly on a scoring trajectory.
    • The Result: It turned the "automatic" three points into a game of basketball played on grass.

    "It was the ultimate defensive cheat code. You didn't need to block the kick at the line; you just needed a giant to play goalie at the rim."

    The NFL offices in New York weren't amused. This wasn't "football"—it was an existential threat to the scoring system. If every team found a seven-footer to camp out under the posts, the field goal would become extinct.

    In 1970, the league lowered the boom.

    The "Stroud Rule"

    The NFL officially amended the rulebook to preserve the integrity of the kicking game. The new regulation stated:

    The Rule: The Penalty. It is illegal to touch or deflect a ball that is above the crossbar and between the uprights.Goal-tending: The field goal is ruled successful, and 3 points are awarded.

    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.

    11 min
  • Nolan Ryan: An American Original - A Conversation with "Nolan" Author Tim Brown

    The Mixtape: 90s Sports Edition is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

    The Mixtape: 90s Sports Edition Home Page

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    In an illuminating episode, the podcast welcomes Tim Brown, a celebrated author and veteran sports journalist, to discuss his latest book, "Nolan: The Singular Life of an American Original." This conversation promises to delve deeply into the life and legacy of Nolan Ryan, a figure revered not only for his unmatched achievements on the baseball field but also for his embodiment of the values associated with American sports culture. For over 30 years, Brown has chronicled the intricacies of baseball, and his insights into Ryan’s career provide listeners with a nuanced perspective that transcends mere statistics. Brown's narrative does not simply recount Ryan's storied accomplishments—such as his legendary no-hitters and his historic 300th win—but also paints a vivid portrait of the man himself. Through anecdotes and personal stories, we explore Ryan's relationships with teammates and the challenges he faced throughout his career, particularly during his formative years with the New York Mets. Such reflections serve to humanize Ryan, illustrating how his experiences shaped him into the iconic player and leader he became. As the discussion unfolds, Brown emphasizes the importance of storytelling in capturing the essence of sports figures, advocating for an appreciation of the narratives that lie beneath the surface of athletic achievements. His thoughtful analysis invites listeners to reconsider what it means to be a sports hero, urging us to recognize the complexities and challenges that accompany success. This episode not only celebrates Nolan Ryan's legacy but also serves as a tribute to the art of sports storytelling, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about baseball and the stories that define its history.

    THE MIXTAPE BACKGROUND

    Step into the time machine with hosts Scott and Derek as they dissect the most electrifying decade in sports history.

    90s Sports Mixtape is your weekly deep dive into the era that gave us legendary dynasties, iconic athletes, and unforgettable controversies. Each episode explores the stories behind the headline, from championship runs to shocking scandals, from breakthrough moments to career-defining performances.

    Each week on 90s Sports Mixtape, this Texas duo will break down the championships, controversies, and cultural moments that made the '90s unforgettable. Whether it's Jordan's Bulls, Aikman’s Cowboys, or the Trial of the Century of OJ Simpson, no topic is off limits.

    Expect deep dives, hot takes, and the kind of passionate arguments that can only come from two friends who've been rehashing these debates for decades.

    Subscribe now and relive the glory of the decade that changed sports forever.

    HOSTS - SCOTT & DEREK

    Scott and Derek first met at Blockbuster Video in college bonding over their shared love of The Big Lebowski. But during those long minimum-wage shifts stacking copies of Armageddon, they quickly found out they had a deeper affection for sports of their childhood and the players and teams they idolized.

    From Pete Rose to Nolan Ryan, Larry Bird to Hakeem Olajuwon, these two Texans have spent countless hours debating the top players and thrilling moments from their favorite decade of sports, making them the ideal hosts of The Mixtape: 90s Sports Edition.

    1 hr 6 min
  • Sinden surprisingly retires from the Bruins, English football's 'darkest moment,' and Mickey Mantle blasted his 500th - This DiSH for May 14

    In 1970, Boston Bruins Head Coach Harry Sinden retired a few days after winning Boston's first Stanley Cup in 29 years.

    In 2010, the Philadelphia Flyers came back from a 3 goal deficit to beat Boston 4-3 in game seven of their Stanley Cup playoff series. The Flyers also came back from a 3 games to none deficit to win the series 4-3.

    In 1938, the English starting 11 was photographed giving the Nazi salute to German leaders prior to their international friendly against Germany.

    In 1967, Mickey Mantle hit career home run number 500.

    In 1986, Reggie Jackson hit career home run number 537, passing Mantle on the all-time HR list.

    7 min
  • Sergio Aguerro lifted Man City to EPL Title, Pete Rose's Lifetime Ban Lifted, and the first 'Battle of the Sexes' - This DiSH for May 13

    In 2012, Man City scored two goals in stoppage time on the final day of the EPL season to beat QPR and win the league crown.

    In 2025, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred lifted the lifetime ban on Pete Rose, opening up a path for him to be elected to Hall of Fame.

    In 1845, an Alabama horse named Peytona beat a New Jersey horse named Fashion in a match race. It is considered to be the first significant sporting event in US history.

    In 1973, Bobby Riggs beat Margaret Court in straight sets in the original 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis match.

    7 min
  • HSS Special Bulletin: While the Knicks were waiting...

    It has been 53 long years since the New York Knicks have win the NBA's biggest prize.

    Now as they await their opponents in the Eastern Conference Finals, Historically Speaking Sports co-host Dana Auguster talks about the legacy of the New York Knicks and their long wait for their next NBA title and the number of championships the other metro New York franchises have won since the Knicks last reigned as NBA champions.

    To contact the show, please contact us at [email protected].

    10 min
  • Jim Schmitz Interview (USA Olympic Weightlifting Coach and President of the US Weightlifting Federation) - Part 1

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

    YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    Jim was a coach for the USA Olympic team in 1988 and 1992 and served as President of the US Weightlifting Federation from 1988 to 1996. From 1992 to 1996, he served on the Executive Board of the International Weightlifting Federation. He was inducted into the Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 2020.

    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)

    40 min

About Sports History Network

From the publisher's feed

The Sports History Network was founded in May of 2020 to bring together podcasters and bloggers covering the history of sports. Our mission is to create the Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear by…