Sports History Network

For decades Oscar Schmidt was the greatest scorer in basketball history, amassing over 49,000 points for club and country. He played for 29 years at the professional level. For many years he was considered the best player in the world outside the NBA. So why did he never join the NBA? Today, we answer that question and more.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Brazilian Samba" by Benjamin Tissot

"Horizons" by Roa

SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

sportshistorynetwork.com

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

FACEBOOK

m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

BUSINESS CONTACT

[email protected]

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

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

Step back in time to an era of leather helmets and legendary grit as Mark chronicles the 1940s Chicago Bears, the original "Monsters of the Midway." This decade marked a period of unparalleled dominance where George Halas built a juggernaut that defined professional football. From the historic 73-0 dismantling of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 Championship to the innovative T-formation that revolutionized the game, Mark explores how the Bears captured four NFL titles and appeared in five championship games, cementing their status as the league's premier dynasty.

We dive deep into the storied careers of Hall of Famers like Sid Luckman, the quarterback who transformed the passing game, and the versatile George McAfee, whose explosive speed made him a threat every time he touched the ball. Listen as Mark recounts the "Golden Era" stars—from the bruising Bronko Nagurski to the ball-hawking Bulldog Turner—and examine how the team navigated the challenges of World War II, including the emotional backdrop of the Pearl Harbor attack and the player shortages that forced legends out of retirement.

This 3-part series is a nostalgic journey through a decade where the Bears averaged nearly nine wins a season and turned Wrigley Field into a fortress of football excellence. Whether it’s the fierce rivalry with the Green Bay Packers or the heartbreaking season finales against the cross-town Cardinals, we bring the 1940s back to life with vivid detail. Relive the stats, the stories, and the sheer dominance of a team that ended the decade with a staggering 86-23-3 record, proving they were truly the kings of the gridiron.

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 2009, Carolina's Jussi Jokinen redirected the game winner past New Jersey's Marty Brodeur with .02 left in the game.

In 1951, Toronto's Bill Barilko scored an OT goal to win the Stanley Cup for the Maple Leafs.

In 2025, the LA Kings rebounded from giving up two quick goals to score the game winner with 41 seconds left to beat the Edmonton Oilers.

In 1980, Rosie Ruiz crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon and was crowned the winner of the women's race. Eight days later she was stripped of her title after it was discovered she jumped into the race towards the end.

The primary focus of our discussion is the historical evolution of pass defense in football, specifically examining the chronological precedence of man-to-man versus zone pass defense. We delve into the intricate dynamics of the passing game, which has become a quintessential aspect of modern football, underscoring the necessity of effective pass defense strategies. Our esteemed guest, Timothy P. Brown, provides invaluable insights into this topic, illuminating the question of which defensive approach originated first. Through a meticulous exploration of historical contexts, we find that zone defense actually emerged before man-to-man coverage, contrary to common assumptions. This revelation not only enhances our understanding of football's tactical development but also prompts a reflection on the ongoing evolution of defensive strategies in the sport.

The conversation is based on Tim's recent Tidbit titled: Which Came First: Zone or Man-To-Man Pass Defense? - https://www.footballarchaeology.com/p/which-came-first-zone-or-man-to-man

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.

The second overall pick in the NFL draft is often regarded as a tantalizing opportunity, yet it frequently embodies a duality of triumph and calamity, as this episode elucidates. We delve into the historical significance of this pivotal selection, examining the careers of both celebrated legends, such as Lawrence Taylor and Eric Dickerson, and notorious busts, including Ryan Leaf and Tony Mandarich. The discourse traverses the profound impact these selections have had on their respective franchises, raising questions about whether the second overall pick serves as a golden ticket or a perilous wager. Through an analytical lens, we rank the most illustrious successes alongside the cautionary tales that have punctuated the narrative of NFL drafts. Join us as we navigate this intricate tapestry of football history, celebrating the stars and scrutinizing the missteps associated with the coveted number two draft position.

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.

There are teams that gain success with championships and superstar players.

Yet very few teams become ingrained in the culture and identity of a city.

From their debut in 1967 with the backdrop of the city's aerospace industry which gave Seattle its "supersonic" name to the rise of players such as Fred Brown, Dale Ellis, and Nate McMillian.

Still others with colorful nicknames such as "Slick" and "The X-Man". This team from the "Emerald City" also had "The Wizard, "The Reign Man" and "The Glove". Throughout their history, the Seattle SuperSonics weren't just a team based in the Pacific northwest, they were a vibe.

In this episode of the podcast, Dana Auguster and Charles Combs will take a look back at one of the most beloved franchises in NBA history which in a few years, may be making a triumphant return.

The Seattle SuperSonics, the first pro sports team in the city of Seattle, was one of the most successful franchises in the NBA whos history is filled with a myriad of all star players and hall of famers including a star point guard that played in the teams early years that would eventually lead them to their only championship while serving as their head coach.

Also we will talk about the team owner who not only threatened the NBA by taking his team to join with the American Basketball Association but also talked openly about leaving Seattle all together to be a direct rival to the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Speaking of leaving town, we will also talk about the heartbreaking and controversial move in 2008 as the sonics left the pacific northwest to find literal greener pastures in Oklahoma City. Leaving an empty shell in the coffee Capital of the world and fans still waiting, still hoping and still holding onto the Green and Gold.

Rounding out the episode we will send a shout out to the Sonics first bonified superstar.

In the fall of 1970, a young player arrived in Seattle from the ABA named Spencer Haywood. He not only he took on the best of the NBA on the court, but he took on the league itself off the court and then -- in court. Paving the way for college underclassmen to be eligible for the NBA draft.

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

In 1986, Chicago Bull Michael Jordan set a new NBA playoff record, scoring 63 against the Boston Celtics in a loss.

In 1912, Boston's Fenway Park opened for business with a game between the Red Sox and the team that would soon become known as the Yankees.

In 1957, American John J. Kelley broke a 12-year drought of an American winning the Boston Marathon, running the newly redesigned and re-measured race course in 2 hours 20 minutes 5 seconds.

In 1987, cyclist Greg LeMond was nearly killed after his brother-in-law accidentally shot him while turkey hunting.

In 1966, boxing promoter Don King killed a man.

The third overall pick in the NFL draft stands as a significant focal point, characterized by an intricate blend of triumphs and disappointments. This episode delves into the unpredictable nature of this draft slot, which has produced both legendary players such as Barry Sanders and Larry Fitzgerald, as well as cautionary tales involving high-profile busts. We embark on a thorough exploration of the historical nuances surrounding this position, aided by our esteemed guest, Ed Cleese, who has meticulously examined all 32 selections of draft history. This analysis not only highlights the remarkable achievements associated with the third pick but also scrutinizes the myriad of expectations that have often led to underwhelming outcomes. Join us as we navigate through the rich tapestry of the NFL draft's third slot, illuminating its legacy and impact on the league.

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.

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, Greg St. James sits down with with noted Chicago football historian Joe Ziemba, author of the books- When Football Was Football: The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL, Cadets, Cannons and Legends: The Football History of Morgan Park Military Academy, and Bears vs. Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. They talk about the rerelease of his first book, When Football Was Football, with new chapters and new information, and the various "what if's" of Chicago football history. In addition they talk about the inspiring World War II story of Motts Tonelli, whom he profiles in his new upcoming book, From the NFL to Bataan and Back: The Heroic Journey of Notre Dame's Motts Tonelli, and much more.

You can purchase all of Joe's books on Amazon via his author page at - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joe-Ziemba/

His Chicago Cardinals page is at- https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoCards

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

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week’s episode of This Week in NDN All-Stars History highlights some of the most impressive performances ever recorded—on the track, in the ring, and on the field.

We start with Tom Longboat’s record-setting Boston Marathon win and Andrew Sockalexis’ early appearances in that same race. From there, we move through powerful moments in boxing from Tommy Morrison and Virgil Hill, as well as major milestones from athletes like Carey Price, Brandon Montour, and Jacoby Ellsbury.

It’s another week packed with history that shows just how wide the impact of Native athletes has been across generations.

• Tom Longboat’s record Boston Marathon victory
• Andrew Sockalexis’ Boston Marathon appearances
• Tommy Morrison’s knockout wins in professional boxing
• Ross Anderson’s world-class speed skiing record
• Brandon Montour’s first NHL playoff goal
• Louis Sockalexis’ standout college and MLB moments
• Tarzan Brown’s Boston Marathon victory
• Darrell Evans’ MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves
• Virgil Hill’s championship win in Las Vegas
• Willie Stargell’s second three-home run game
• Brett Favre’s NFL Draft selection
• Carey Price’s first playoff series win
• Joe Louis early-round knockout victory
• Jacoby Ellsbury’s steal of home for the Yankees
• Marvin Camel’s professional boxing wins
• Henry Armstrong’s split decision victory
• Levi Horn signing with the Chicago Bears
• Austin Corbett honored with a city recognition day

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!